Parts Washer Solution
 

What is a good brand of parts washer solution to use in my parts washer? I tried using Castrol Purple stuff but it turned to jelly when the temperature dropped

mineral spirits

That's what I use as well

Mineral spirits all the way.... and filter it if your washer has that option. And wear gloves.

Since you are in CA mineral spirits have been banned for use in shops for a while. Home shops should be fine...but you would have to check. If there was an accident your insurance might become an issue.

I have a heated parts washer and run Ozzie Juice. Its Orange oil based cleaner and works great. You can buy a used heated tank and washer. I have seen a few on Craigslist.

Vince, can you elaborate on the mineral spirits ban?

California has banned just about everything that has VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) that evaporate into the atmosphere....

Gotcha. I'm aware of the VOC ban, but it sounded as though Vince was saying that it wasn't a permanent deal. Just curious...
Mineral spirits in my parts washer also, elwaupo.

Sorry, I missed the reply.

I tried to find the CA EPA code but I just about fell asleep looking.

When I applied for the business I had to go through an EPA inspection and pay a fee yearly.

Parts wash tanks must must not contain petroleum based cleaning products. Cleaning must be water based and not be a bath style tank to reduce the possibility of evaporation. Should have secondary containment and an oil filtration for separate disposal.

Service and disposal must be documented.

They made me dump my killer parts wash fluid from Zep...that stuff would take grease and paint off easily. Left your hands nice and clean. Also gave you a good twitch and a decent buzz. 20 gallon barrel cost me $400 to dispose.

found a tid bit.... http://www3.epa.gov/region9/waste/p2...t/systems.html

Mineral Spirits
 

I see some of you use mineral spirits to clean you parts. Doesn't mineral spirits leave a film on the parts when finished? :thankyou:

Yeah, it does. I would never use my parts washer as my final clean for parts that mattered, meaning internal engine stuff, etc.
Wheel bearings, and stuff of that nature, it's fine. And if it's a part that you'd want to paint, then you'd really need to hit it with something else, but it's hard to find a cleaning agent that doesn't leave a film of some sort.

Just cleaning up all of the door parts, window regulators, window channels, etc.
Thanks for the info Scott.

It's a parts CLEANER not a sterilizer.......

I use a water based cleaner, Simple Green or ZEP Orange. Not as good as some other stuff but no hassles about hazmat.

:thankyou: :twak:

HAHAHAHAHAHA........ it's fact. But yes for parts that need to be really really clean -- a parts washer is not the tool -- it's a start......

My Snap-On parts washer had a huge filter on it --- but it still is reusing the same 30 gallons of solvent... I wouldn't wash engine parts in it and install them without cleaning the parts with virgin solvent.

All I need to do is clean the door internals, everything else is done, I remember from the past mineral spirits stunk forever in the shop, sooooooo need something different. I dont have or need a parts washer at this stage of the game.

This probably sounds crude, but I use offroad diesel fuel in my parts cleaner

Varsol is what we have used for ever I think it is very similar or the same as mineral spirits.

I finally used mineral spirits and since it was 60 degrees outside I used gas which works great as long as you use rubber gloves and do it outside. I am done cleaning car parts for my build.:woot:

That's why God created Brake Parts Cleaner.....

For a good cleaner try this: http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...l?cm_vc=-10005

5 gallons for $50 bucks, thats the cheapest I have seen, Ihave to remember that one. Thanks