parts washer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
problem is, if you get a bigger one, you have to think about disposing of the 20 gallons of solvent when your done with it.... I used to have a large one, passed it on when I was done with all the real nitty gritty work. now its his problem. 
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 91
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From: North Andover MA
Originally Posted by AirTrafficController
I'm thinking about getting that $39 one from Harbor Freight, but the manual for it says they recommend a non-solvent based cleaner. Anyone have experience using the biodegradable liquids ?
Simple Green works for us. We have the cleaner above from harbor freight. Fill with water, use simple green and brushes to wash parts. Wait a week or two for solids to separate from water. Drain water and down drain pipe (just like washing hands). Solids at bottom get the kitty litter treatment. Dump in some kitty litter, smear around (using gloves) dump into box and out with trash.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 27
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Advance Auto sells a 1 gallon bucket that is full of Carb cleaner and it has a basket in it to hold the parts while they soak. It's metal and has a metal top so you can close it up and keep it for next time when your finished.
Greg in Va
Greg in Va
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Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by Greg in VA
Advance Auto sells a 1 gallon bucket that is full of Carb cleaner and it has a basket in it to hold the parts while they soak. It's metal and has a metal top so you can close it up and keep it for next time when your finished.
Greg in Va
Greg in Va
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 618
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Originally Posted by chevymans 77
Purple Power cleaner cheap and biodegradable and works great.
Where can I buy this? I went to the company website, and it says to use purple power ultra for metals. Thanks - Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by AirTrafficController
Where can I buy this? I went to the company website, and it says to use purple power ultra for metals. Thanks - Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
My small parts washer is a 1 pound coffee can with a smaller can inside.
The smaller can has holes in it around the bottom so the fluid drains out. I use gasoline and keep it on my bench to wash bolts and small stuff. I know, the EPA doesn't like it but it works.
Drop the stuff into the small can, submerge it in the gasoline, let it sit a little while, lift out the small can and let the gas drain back into the large can and remove the cleaned parts.
Kurt
The smaller can has holes in it around the bottom so the fluid drains out. I use gasoline and keep it on my bench to wash bolts and small stuff. I know, the EPA doesn't like it but it works.
Drop the stuff into the small can, submerge it in the gasoline, let it sit a little while, lift out the small can and let the gas drain back into the large can and remove the cleaned parts.
Kurt
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Conroe TX
Napa sells solvent by the gallon if you bring your own gas can. $7 a gallon or so, then get aluminum catering pans from Sams. Clean you parts, the problem is getting rid of the solvent after its dirty. I still have about 3 gallons of it stored till I find a enviroment friendly way to dispose of it.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma Washington
Originally Posted by ksbunting
My small parts washer is a 1 pound coffee can with a smaller can inside.
The smaller can has holes in it around the bottom so the fluid drains out. I use gasoline and keep it on my bench to wash bolts and small stuff. I know, the EPA doesn't like it but it works.
Drop the stuff into the small can, submerge it in the gasoline, let it sit a little while, lift out the small can and let the gas drain back into the large can and remove the cleaned parts.
Kurt
The smaller can has holes in it around the bottom so the fluid drains out. I use gasoline and keep it on my bench to wash bolts and small stuff. I know, the EPA doesn't like it but it works.
Drop the stuff into the small can, submerge it in the gasoline, let it sit a little while, lift out the small can and let the gas drain back into the large can and remove the cleaned parts.
Kurt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
I have not had good luck with washing with soap and water as there always seems to be some moisture trapped no matter how hard I try and then it becomes rust. I use Eastwoods pre paint prep whihc is called "Pre" and comes in spray cans. Often, I have just painted after the gas dries off without doing anything.
Kurt
Kurt
