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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 03 Jun 2017 07:27 #763403

  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Hi all,
We have a standard 30gal. drum-mount parts washer. The company that did the last drum/solvent swap is no longer in business, and everyone else we've talked to (Safety-Kleen and Crystal Clean) wants to put us on a recurring contract. Even the longest one year interval is huge overkill for us, as we sometimes don't use the washer for months at a time.

The tag on the existing drum indicates the solvent is petroleum naphtha.

Looking and asking around locally, we've had people say they run:
mineral spirits;
1,1,1 trichloroethane (yeah,... no,... much as we'd like to, not going there...) :dry: ;
kerosene;
and diesel.

Tractor Supply has this stuff, but it's pricey:
www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/crown-...r-5-gal?cm_vc=-10005

Our washer is used mainly for cleaning oily/greasy residue & crud from whatever it's on, mostly to get a part clean enough to work on it without trashing a workbench.

If you're running a petroleum-based solvent, what is it?

If you're running an aqueous-based solvent, are you satisfied with its performance, and;
are you seeing any rust, corrosion or other damage, to the drum, pump or sink caused by the water?

Thanks for y'all's thoughts.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

EDIT: Before someone asks, we can dispose of the existing naphtha free of charge at our .gov metropolitan HazMat facility.
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Last edit: by slmjim+Z1BEBE. Reason: P.S.

What are you using as parts washer solvent? 03 Jun 2017 10:01 #763418

  • retterath
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I've got a 5 gallon bucket of mineral spirits / stoddard solvent with a tightly sealing lid.

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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 03 Jun 2017 10:32 #763419

  • Nessism
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I use mineral spirits too. After use the sludge settles to the bottom so you can syphon off the clean stuff on top.

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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 02 Jul 2017 06:04 #765882

  • TwoCam
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Mineral spirits is all I use at my shop in the parts washer. Has a low flash point, so little fire hazard and is inexpensive. Works just fine. If you know anyone with a waste oil heater... they will gladly take away the old solvent when ready to change out the fluid.

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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 03 Jul 2017 21:33 #766012

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Stay away from diesel! Stuff is evil and skin exposure will shorten your time on earth. Doesn't clean well at all, and deteriorates with age into a smelly lot of dirty oily junk. I'd imagine kerosene to be similar. Mineral spirits (keep covered when not in use) is the much better option.

-Scott
2-04 R1, 81 CSR1000, 81 LTD1000, 2-83 GPz1100, 3-79CBX, 81 CBX, 3-XS650, 84 Venture, +parts
Quote "speed costs money...how fast do you want to go?" (Which Z movie?)
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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 04 Jul 2017 03:47 #766020

  • Kidkawie
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You dont need to add all 30 gallons. Just add a little higher than the pickup tube.

I use that stuff from Tractor Supply now, theres about 7 gallons in my cleaner and I reserve fresh for carbs, etc.

When I worked at a heavy equipment shop we used mineral spirits. Great cleaner but can burn your hands a little when its new.
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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 04 Jul 2017 06:20 #766023

  • ayeckley
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I highly doubt you can get trichloroethane even if you tried. Whoever you spoke with probably meant trichloroethylene. Still nasty stuff but not nearly as bad and as near as I can tell is still commercially available.
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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 04 Jul 2017 10:19 #766039

  • ThatGPzGuy
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Mineral Spirits is usually the best choice followed by kerosene. Difficult to find in bulk though.
20 yrs ago I bought 20 gallons at a filling station in Simi Valley, CA. for $4.00 a gallon. I wish I could find it somewhere here in GA.
Jim
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What are you using as parts washer solvent? 16 Sep 2017 05:52 #770989

  • jdvorchak
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I use diesel fuel in my parts washer. As for health hazards, I wash my motorcycle parts in it, I don't take a shower in it. I do wear rubber gloves as you should with any solvent.
Don't fix it until it's broken.
John

83 KZ550M1
83 KZ1100LTD

Also own:
2010 Harley Ultra Classic Limited, 2008 Harley low rider 71 CB350/sidecar

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