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Old 02-16-2017, 09:14 AM   #1
russcc
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Default Parts cleaning help

Have a bunch of front end and steering parts with 75 years of grease and dirt on them. I have tried all the usual sources for parts washers, HFrt, Eastwood, Amazon, Northern Tool, but they all require an aqueous solvent, (water based) because of the pump seals.
Any suggestions for bench top type, solvent based machines using mineral spirits ? Thank you Fordbarners..
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Old 02-16-2017, 11:15 AM   #2
redmodelt
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Look on Craigs list for an older parts washer. Or just get a large tub ((mortar mixing tubs comes to mind) and a good stiff parts washing brush and go to work. Scrape as much of the caked on crud off first.
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Old 02-16-2017, 11:38 AM   #3
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

years ago when the pump went bad on my old parts washer i just bought a cheap pump from northern hydraulics and have been running mineral spirits ever since. while i understand the EPA would like us all to switch solvents, i have to wonder if the guy at the store really knows the pump seals wont hold up, or is that what they are told to say? all my gearhead friends have a parts washer, and i dont think any of them are using water based solvent. sorry no facts here, but mine has been working for 5 years or so in mineral spirits
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Old 02-16-2017, 12:33 PM   #4
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

i have been using mineral spirits for years in my parts washer too
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Old 02-16-2017, 12:48 PM   #5
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Last time I looked at Harbor Frieght they still had the parts cleaners and the solvent in 5 gal cans. I'll have to check next time I'm there. Is it a state issue like paint?
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Old 02-16-2017, 03:43 PM   #6
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I have tried several different commercially available parts washing solvents available these days, and nothing works like the solvents I used many years ago. I use a mixture of non water based solvents today that work well for me. I use these mixtures in a tub, like someone already mentioned, that does not have a motorized electric pump. I use a stiff bristle brush and other wire brushes that seem to work well for me.
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Old 02-16-2017, 03:49 PM   #7
Tim Ayers
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Is the Harbor Freight solvent any good? I need to replace the solvent in my tank.
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Old 02-16-2017, 03:57 PM   #8
JSeery
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Well, the old stuff was, not sure what they are currently carrying. TSC is the last place I purchased solvent.

Tim your in a state that might restrict what you can purchase. I have used kerosene a lot for cleaning parts
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Old 02-16-2017, 04:39 PM   #9
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

For really dirty-greasy parts I submerge them in a Elmers bucket with a couple of gallons of Simple Green full strength. Brush them every couple of days and it will usually clean about anything I have put in it. I also have an old parts washer and I can still get 105 degree flash point solvent here in CA, just like the old stuff. I prefer not to contaminate the solvent with mangy parts and just use it to wash oily engine internals etc. The mineral spirits that are available at the box stores here in CA wont take barbecue sauce of your fingernail.
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Old 02-16-2017, 04:43 PM   #10
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

WHen i had to degrease/goo the rearend of my AA ford truck i got a big plastic tub and got 10 gallons of kerosine and let the parts soak for a week. putty knife and a stiff brush after a few days to get the main stuff off then let it soak another day or two and repeat.
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:27 PM   #11
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

I use low odor mineral spirits available from any home center. Cleans good and drys without a film.
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:41 PM   #12
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Stoddards Solvent
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:44 PM   #13
russcc
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Thank you all for the tips. I have some good ideas to work on now.
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:51 PM   #14
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

For small parts, try either Simple Green or Pine-Sol in an old crock pot set on high.
P.S.: DO NOT USE YOUR WIFE'S!
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Old 02-16-2017, 07:52 PM   #15
russcc
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

I looked up solvent pumps on Google. Zoro sells a Little Giant pump with Viton seals for pumping unheated Stoddard solvent, (mineral spirits, also known as white spirits). $58.00.
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Old 02-16-2017, 08:21 PM   #16
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

Quote:
Originally Posted by cas3 View Post
years ago when the pump went bad on my old parts washer i just bought a cheap pump from northern hydraulics and have been running mineral spirits ever since. .....
I went to their site and could not find anything less than $1000.00 Can you be more specific. Ive been looking for a petroleum tolerant pump for years and have come up with nothing
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Old 02-16-2017, 10:03 PM   #17
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

I too use mineral spirits in a bucket for small parts, followed by detailing with wire brushes on a dremel. If it's small enough a walnut shell tumbler is a good investment for final polish. For big stuff with caked on grease, find a janitor supply store and buy the 1 gallon size of citrus cleaner, use a zep spray bottle, a good stiff brush, and a pressure washer. The citrus cleaner at HD is weak but from a janitor store....after you clean the first part you will ask yourself if you should go put on a 2nd pair of gloves!
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Old 02-16-2017, 10:13 PM   #18
cas3
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

russ/40, post 15 mentions a "little giant", i believe thats what i got from northern tool some years back. its blue plastic i remember, and now submerged in crud. i dont think i paid 58 bucks, but a big mac is nearing 7 now, times have changed !
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Old 02-17-2017, 01:04 AM   #19
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

I use Oil Eater. It is biodegradeable and can be used over and over again.
Let parts soak, agitate, and wash off with high pressure water. It is the best I have used. Below are places to purchase and the cost. Gnolnor

Oil Eater Cleaner/Degreaser, 1 gal.
Oil Eater Cleaner/Degr....
$12.49
Tractor Suppl...
(47)
5 gal. Cleaner Degreaser Pail
5 gal. Cleaner Degreaser Pail
$49.23
Home Depot
(47)
Oil Eater® Cleaner Degreaser
Oil Eater® Cleaner ...
$3.95
Gemplers
32 oz. Cleaner Degreaser (12-Pack)
32 oz. Cleaner Degreaser (...
$34.35
Home Depot
(47)
oil eater aod5535389 cleaner degreaser,water-based,55 gal
oil eater aod5535389 ...
$381.26

Last edited by gnolnor; 02-17-2017 at 01:10 AM.
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Old 02-17-2017, 02:41 AM   #20
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Default Re: Parts cleaning help

gnolnor You are absolutely correct in oil eater, been using it for over 20 years . Works the best and it is biodegradeable.
O' rilleys auto parts sells the stuff also. That is where I buy. 5 gals $45.00 best cleaner around.
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