Building a Parts Washer

[68_Step]

Anyone ever build their own parts washer? Going to start an engine rebuild soon and think I need to either make one or build one.

Any ideas? The more detail the better!

Thanks!

[dubie]

are you looking just to build a varsol sink parts washer? or a full enclosed spin type parts washer?

[Dean]

I use an old dishwasher.

[68_Step]

I am wanting to make (or purchase) a sink style parts washer.

[dubie]

you can buy them for under $100 in some places. Maybe check out Harbour Freight?

EDIT: Harbour Freight

[69k5]

i want to say mothers diy or someone on thie internet had plans up.

[jimfulco]

Been thinking about making one myself. I saw some stuff when I googled "parts washer" + homemade. Here's one that's deep inside a long one: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/ar...ic/121082.html h

[Lippyp]

I thought about making one using an old stainless steel sink or similar and an electric fuel pump and some mesh, you'd also need a 12V dc source to power the pump, a filter to stop it getting clogged with crud and some kind of nozzle, ended up buying one as by the time you'd sourced all the parts it woudn't have worked out much cheaper than buying one unless your very inventive and a good scrounger.

[jamis]

Originally posted by Lippyp
I thought about making one using an old stainless steel sink or similar and an electric fuel pump and some mesh, you'd also need a 12V dc source to power the pump, a filter to stop it getting clogged with crud and some kind of nozzle, ended up buying one as by the time you'd sourced all the parts it woudn't have worked out much cheaper than buying one unless your very inventive and a good scrounger.

ME TOO !

[68_Step]

Jim: Great link... lots of ideas there, thanks!

I will scrounge around this weekend to see if I can build something much cheaper that building. If not, Grizzley is close!

[jmanz69]

I was thinking of using a laundry tub, and then a barrel with a pump mounted inside the barrel. The cleaner would drain into the barrel and then be pumped back to the sink when needed. That way, it's not all sittting in the tub. Keeps the smell down and lowers the fire hazard.

[Blue Beard]

Harbor Freight has them in nearly every flyer that comes out.......

Believe they have three sizes...

[68 Suburban]

Ive seen new ones at the weekly swapmarts for about $35.

[67Fleetsidedream]

Just buy one or grab a bucket and throw some solvent in it and walla you have a parts washer.

[Bowtie67]

I thought a few times about building one to, When you need one you don't have it. Now consider this, if all you have are a few parts, all I do is go up to the gas station get a gallon or 2 of gas and I have a metal oil pan that I use for changing my oil. If you are talking about soaking your block down or even your head you would be much better stripping them down and sending them to the machine shop and have them hot tank them overnight, when done you can either elect them to put freeze plugs and new cam bearings in or do it yourself. You will get a much better job with the heads and block in a hot tank than wire brushing or using a solvent to clean them. A little gas goes a long way and when your done you can mix it with the oil that you take to the dump or whatever. Parts cleaner has to be disposed over properly it is a hazorous material. and you will pay to get rid of it unless you have a legit parts wash in which someone comes out and changes this out for you. JMO

[jmanz69]

we have a harbor freight store in the area and I was looking at them. They seem to be pretty well built. Not a bad price either, my only concern is size. I want a big one, I mean big enough to put an engine block in. So, I think I will custom build one.

[1969 GMC]

i use an old plastic bedpan and some mineral spirits for mine
but then again i've never washed something big.

[jimfulco]

What about a stock tank (heavy plastic or galvanized steel)?