parts washer

[Anonymous-0]

I am wanting to buy a parts washer. I know nothing about them but I think it would be handy for when I am working on tractors and mowers. I probably don't need a new one since I won't be using it a ton. Do you have any tips or pointers ot just any advice regarding these?

Thank you

 

[sflem849]

I have experience with the cheap parts store cleaners. They work but the pump will die eventually.

 

[markiz41]

Anything less than 20 gallons is a joke, don't bother.

 

[Jeff May]

I bought one from Tractor Supply about a year ago for $99.00 It's a 20 gallon unit. Being I just work on small stuff it was perfect. I use Varsol in it and have had it for over a year. So far, so good.
I had tried a harbor freight unit a few years ago with the water soluble cleaner. Pump lasted about 2 weeks, the cleaner was useless. It started rusting the inside of the tank. Just my two cents worth...
Jeff

 

[Anonymous-0]

Was kind of looking at that one

thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

I was wondering about that. If it would just be too small or practical

THanks

 

[Hogleg]

I have one of the 3.5gal ones. works just fine for the small parts that I usually work with. I use kerosene in it. Still working after 7 years. I DO NOT smoke so kerosene is plenty safe for my needs.

John

 

[Anonymous-0]

How big do you think you could go on size of parts in it? I haven't looked at them in person. Only like carb sizes or what is the limitations?

Thanks

Does kerosene work best for cleaning parts or a commercial cleaner?

 

[tc in Tx]

I also tried one of the HF parts washers because it was cheap. The pump failed pretty quick.

Then I found a used commercial grade unit on CL and bought it. It was designed for water based cleaners and included a heater unit. After researching the cleaners, I decided to remove the heater unit and just use Chevron parts wash fluid (like Varsol) and it works great. Found out most of the pumps will handle the petroleum based fluids just fine. Keep a lid on it and it seems to last indefinitely.

And one other trick I found was to put some water in the bottom of the barrel. Then I got a large air filter from an 18 wheeler rig and all the drain fluid goes into the big filter and catches the solid particles. Result fairly clean fluid that does not have to be changed very often. When the big filter gets filled, I will just toss it and get another one.

 

[Mike (WA)]

I have a Chinese built unit- pump failed almost immediately, but it works fine to just use with a brush.

I would just get a plastic storage box with lid of the appropriate size at Wally World for 5 bucks, put a little platform in the middle to keep your part up out of the fluid, and use a brush. Which is what you'll be doing in short order after the pump fails anyhow.

 

[Mike Aylward]

One thing I learned when looking for a parts washer is the gallon rating is if you filled the unit clear to the lid. It has nothing to do with the practical level you will fill it. I have a 55 gallon unit I bought at Northern and wouldn't want one any smaller. Mike

 

[showcrop]

All these replies have convinced me to stick with my 5 gal. bucket with 2 gal of fuel, and a brush hanging on the side.

 

[sflem849]

I have the big TSC one. I would buy it again.

BTW, the pumps are stupid and don't have much purpose even when they are working. A brush does all the work, the pump just keeps sending you fresh fluid.

Showcrop - I use/used an roasting pan, but I got a parts washer more for the saftey reasons. They have lids that will close if they should start on fire. It will also be a lot harder for my kids (2 and 4) to get into them and do something dangerous. They also lock in the fumes with the lid.

 

[Anonymous-0]

There is a real difference in opinions on these washers. Evertime I clean something, it is usually with some sort of cleaning product that gets all over the floor or the drive and a tooth brush and my hands are a mess. Or I just use the wire wheel on the benchgrinder and that makes a mess. I was hoping to just get a good used washer for around $50. Maybe the rubbermaid storage idea might be a good place to start. Thanks everyone for the comments

 

[KF]

I made one using an old stainless steel sink. I leave the strainer in to keep from losing anything down the drain. The solvent drains into a five gallon bucket under the drain and I have a cheap circulating pump with a plastic hose running the solvent to the top. I put in a foot switch that I had to just operate the pump when I needed it. The sink is big enough to hold a large item yet with the well it is also good for small parts. I just leave it outside when I am finished as there is nothing to rust on it.

 

[mmidlam]

The low priced kind use a cheap plastic pump similar to the pumps used for decorative water displays. Petroleum based solvents can't be used with them so they will freeze. also the pump sits on the tray so they take several gallons of solvent to work. I bought a used cleaner at an auction. it has a metal pump sitting in a sump so it only needs a gallon of cleaner to work. I use mineral spirits.