What do you use in your parts washer? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bus Ted Knuckle · 02-18-2008, 12:04 PM

I have a big old parts washer that I dug out of storage and really want to use again. Used to use varsol back in the day, can you still get that? I can't seem to find it locally. I priced mineral spirits and about stroked out. Guy at the industrial supply tried to sell me degreaser like purple stuff or whatever, I thought I'd ask around before I put the $ down (and it will be an investment!).

What works the best for you guys?

I should add that this is the old chest type washer that you lift up the lid and you have a tub and a flexible faucet that the fluid comes out through. The whole thing sits on a 25 gallon metal drum.

fastwillie 696969 · 02-18-2008, 12:26 PM

most of the stuff i get is water base cleaner

PanelDeland · 02-18-2008, 01:03 PM

The water based ones are becoming the industry standard but most I have seen work best when heated.The whole "GREEN"
thing makes them a better investment for companies who want to be known as green.The ones I am most familiar with work more like a dishwasher than the type you have.They use a heating element like an electric water heater.The big problem with this type is that the weekend warrior doesn't want to pay to heat it all the time and usually doesn't want to wait for it to heat so he can use it.
At least I gave you some insight into what I've found with them.Sorry i couldn't just answer your question.

hewlett2002000 · 02-18-2008, 01:55 PM

well in the shop i worked at we used some stuff that my boss said was what is left after they make gas. i had the name but forgot it. i know it cleaned tools real good, and hands too!! lol
John

fastwillie 696969 · 02-18-2008, 06:16 PM

plus the water base doesn't make your skin all wrinkle and cracks like the old kerosene base cleaner i hated get my hands all dried out

xflyboy · 02-18-2008, 07:52 PM

dont have a parts washer but i know there are a few good cleaners out there . where i work carries to products i'd recommend, the first is from aiken chemical company called purple power. it does good straight or can be water dolluted, not sure about using in the parts washer though (it foams up). the second and probably better would be the parts washer fluid by castrol. this is designed for the newer benchtop type cleaners that can't use any extremely strong (caustic type) cleaners. the newer benchtop cleaners run the fluids in such a way that the really strong cleaners destroy internal parts(i dont know if it's plastic parts or how its run though the pump and/or motor).

Mr79C10 · 02-18-2008, 08:14 PM

I use my washer @ work. A company called Crystal Clean takes care of it all,,, and drops in the bubble gum smelling stuff too

**truckdude239** · 02-18-2008, 08:39 PM

advance auto sells a 5 gallon bucket of part washer stuff i will see today what it is called

**old Rusty C10** · 02-18-2008, 10:22 PM

back in the day there used to be a franchise called Safety Kleen that sold the parts washer stuff not sure if its around anymore but thats where we got stuff when i worked on cabs you could try searching that

dmurphy68 · 02-18-2008, 10:25 PM

I use a product called ozzi juce it is a citrus based product and works really good. I do not know where to get it i get it from work

Big Blue · 02-18-2008, 10:39 PM

I Did a search on safty kleen. Still making the stuff.

www.safety-kleen.com.

john

chevyboy55 · 02-19-2008, 12:02 AM

I just buy solvent by the 5 gal pail & wear rubber gloves with my parts washer.

Bus Ted Knuckle · 02-19-2008, 12:52 AM

Thanks guys, lots of good info, I appreciate the help. Do the water based cleaners work in my type of washer?

72freak · 02-19-2008, 12:57 AM

I use diesel fuel in mine.........but I dont clean really nice parts in it either.

*Shane* · 02-19-2008, 02:51 AM

Mineral spirits simply because I found the water base stuff to be useless.

chipflyer · 02-19-2008, 03:28 AM

We have a bulk fuel business here in Topeka that sells clean parts washer solvent, (just like safety kleens). Check your yellow pages, I would bet someone near you has the stuff. If it smells like oranges it probably doesn't work very well.

Jeff

PanelDeland · 02-19-2008, 04:07 AM

Safety Klean also does the water based cleaners.The big push for the wb is the environmental side of things.Major production/repair shops use the water based in an automatic parts washer.They heat the wb mix and pump it thru pressure nozzles,It works like a dishwasher.Most of the wb cleaners for them have an anti foaming agent in them.I serviced pressure washers for a good while and quite a lot of our bussiness was in this type washer.Most would do very little good until they heated up.I had one customer with a 400 gal unit.they had a timer switch wired into their heating circuit so they could start up at 7:00 am without having to wait for it to heat.

When you wash your hands,you use warm water.Why? Because they come cleaner.I don't think I would use a wb cleaner in one for auto work unless it was a heated model.

*Billla* · 02-19-2008, 05:56 AM

I use Castrol Super Clean, straight. Very happy with it in every way.

**LockDoc** · 02-19-2008, 07:56 AM

-
I got a free parts washer a while back. It took a lot of cleaning and a new elect. cord but it works good. It's a floor model and you can get an engine block in it and still have plenty of room to work around it. I don't know how many gallon it is but I bought two 5 gallon cans of Mineral Spirit based solvent for it at NAPA. I think it was $80 and some change for the two cans.

LockDoc

02-18-2008, 12:04 PM	#1
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	What do you use in your parts washer? I have a big old parts washer that I dug out of storage and really want to use again. Used to use varsol back in the day, can you still get that? I can't seem to find it locally. I priced mineral spirits and about stroked out. Guy at the industrial supply tried to sell me degreaser like purple stuff or whatever, I thought I'd ask around before I put the $ down (and it will be an investment!). What works the best for you guys? I should add that this is the old chest type washer that you lift up the lid and you have a tub and a flexible faucet that the fluid comes out through. The whole thing sits on a 25 gallon metal drum. __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER Last edited by Bus Ted Knuckle; 02-18-2008 at 12:16 PM. Reason: more info

02-18-2008, 12:26 PM	#2
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? most of the stuff i get is water base cleaner __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

02-18-2008, 01:03 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? The water based ones are becoming the industry standard but most I have seen work best when heated.The whole "GREEN" thing makes them a better investment for companies who want to be known as green.The ones I am most familiar with work more like a dishwasher than the type you have.They use a heating element like an electric water heater.The big problem with this type is that the weekend warrior doesn't want to pay to heat it all the time and usually doesn't want to wait for it to heat so he can use it. At least I gave you some insight into what I've found with them.Sorry i couldn't just answer your question. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-18-2008, 01:55 PM	#4
hewlett2002000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cleveland, Tx Posts: 1,619	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? well in the shop i worked at we used some stuff that my boss said was what is left after they make gas. i had the name but forgot it. i know it cleaned tools real good, and hands too!! lol John __________________ Respect: 1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. 2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. 3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation. When you fail to show consideration to others values you are showing disrespect.

02-18-2008, 06:16 PM	#5
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? plus the water base doesn't make your skin all wrinkle and cracks like the old kerosene base cleaner i hated get my hands all dried out __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

02-18-2008, 07:52 PM	#6
xflyboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Altoona, PA Posts: 837	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? dont have a parts washer but i know there are a few good cleaners out there . where i work carries to products i'd recommend, the first is from aiken chemical company called purple power. it does good straight or can be water dolluted, not sure about using in the parts washer though (it foams up). the second and probably better would be the parts washer fluid by castrol. this is designed for the newer benchtop type cleaners that can't use any extremely strong (caustic type) cleaners. the newer benchtop cleaners run the fluids in such a way that the really strong cleaners destroy internal parts(i dont know if it's plastic parts or how its run though the pump and/or motor). __________________ just a paint guy working hard and driving GMC's

02-18-2008, 08:14 PM	#7
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I use my washer @ work. A company called Crystal Clean takes care of it all,,, and drops in the bubble gum smelling stuff too __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

02-18-2008, 08:39 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? advance auto sells a 5 gallon bucket of part washer stuff i will see today what it is called __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

02-18-2008, 10:22 PM	#9
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? back in the day there used to be a franchise called Safety Kleen that sold the parts washer stuff not sure if its around anymore but thats where we got stuff when i worked on cabs you could try searching that __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

02-18-2008, 10:25 PM	#10
dmurphy68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Middletown ohio Posts: 1,058	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I use a product called ozzi juce it is a citrus based product and works really good. I do not know where to get it i get it from work __________________ The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour. - George Washington No free man shall be debarred the use of arms - Thomas Jefferson Later Darren http://www.myspace.com/dmurphy68

02-18-2008, 10:39 PM	#11
Big Blue Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northeast--Bethlehem, Pennslyvania Posts: 642	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I Did a search on safty kleen. Still making the stuff. www.safety-kleen.com. john __________________ Big Blue ( John ) 79 Chevy Pick up.....My Dailey STILL Working on a frame up: 1987 Truck body on a 78 Blazer frame. Need cab blasted to start project. Got the cab BLASTED, Now Prep and Paint. Started to lay SOME BONDO and primer. Done, Ordering paint. Got paint, Stuff painted,Cab,Fenders, Hood more later. 9/7/2015 Got the clear coat on,now time to take one off. Started to put things back (What a nightmare) like the heating and AC stuff,inside wire harness, outside AC unit and booster, still more. May 2016, still working on the inside. Got duck work in,heating and AC. Radio (stock) in dash with after market in console later, Speaker are hooked up, Steering column is in. Getting ready to drop the cab onto the frame, Working on engine now since I have the room. Well here it is 2018, got the engine in and it runs, now I need to get the exhaust system in so I can adjust the lifters, to loud right now. Got the exhaust on now I am waiting for the break parts to come in.

02-19-2008, 12:02 AM	#12
chevyboy55 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kelso,Wa Posts: 3,637	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I just buy solvent by the 5 gal pail & wear rubber gloves with my parts washer. __________________ Great minds think alike,So do ours

02-19-2008, 12:52 AM	#13
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? Thanks guys, lots of good info, I appreciate the help. Do the water based cleaners work in my type of washer? __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

02-19-2008, 12:57 AM	#14
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I use diesel fuel in mine.........but I dont clean really nice parts in it either. __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

02-19-2008, 02:51 AM	#15
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? Mineral spirits simply because I found the water base stuff to be useless.



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02-19-2008, 03:28 AM	#16
chipflyer Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Topeka, Ks Posts: 2,293	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? We have a bulk fuel business here in Topeka that sells clean parts washer solvent, (just like safety kleens). Check your yellow pages, I would bet someone near you has the stuff. If it smells like oranges it probably doesn't work very well. Jeff __________________ I'm not a pessimist, I'm just optimistic that bad things are going to happen. 1971 Cheyenne Super K10 - tilt, cruise, air, am/fm, tow hooks, factory buckets! 1986 Jeep J10 pickup, - 5.3L Vortec with 4L60e and NP241.

02-19-2008, 04:07 AM	#17
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? Safety Klean also does the water based cleaners.The big push for the wb is the environmental side of things.Major production/repair shops use the water based in an automatic parts washer.They heat the wb mix and pump it thru pressure nozzles,It works like a dishwasher.Most of the wb cleaners for them have an anti foaming agent in them.I serviced pressure washers for a good while and quite a lot of our bussiness was in this type washer.Most would do very little good until they heated up.I had one customer with a 400 gal unit.they had a timer switch wired into their heating circuit so they could start up at 7:00 am without having to wait for it to heat. When you wash your hands,you use warm water.Why? Because they come cleaner.I don't think I would use a wb cleaner in one for auto work unless it was a heated model. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 02-19-2008 at 04:11 AM.

02-19-2008, 05:56 AM	#18
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,814	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? I use Castrol Super Clean, straight. Very happy with it in every way.

02-19-2008, 07:56 AM	#19
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,815	Re: What do you use in your parts washer? - I got a free parts washer a while back. It took a lot of cleaning and a new elect. cord but it works good. It's a floor model and you can get an engine block in it and still have plenty of room to work around it. I don't know how many gallon it is but I bought two 5 gallon cans of Mineral Spirit based solvent for it at NAPA. I think it was $80 and some change for the two cans. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

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