Greg,
I agree with everything you've said. The submerged fuel pump in all modern cars is a great example. But they are designed to do so.
I understand your Snap-on washer runs solvent, as do many. From what I have found, they are far more expensive machines than the cheapie I bought. And my limited/ occasional use doesn't call for a high-buck machine.
When I shopped for washers, the $75 to $200 dollar ones at Harbor Freight, Sears, etc. all say they are for water based fluids only. To get one that says it is for solvent, you gotta spent at least $500, & that is for a used one. Are there design differences in the pumps & switches that enable flammables? Maybe or maybe not, but can't find anyone that knows definitively.
My washer's instructions specifically say to only use a water based cleaning solution.
I am worried the seals in my low dollar pump may degrade over time using petroleum based fluid (against the mfrs instructions) & allow leakage into the motor. Turn it on, maybe months down the road, & a spark ignites it. That could be a problem with my insurance company.
At least by using a flammable product with a 140 flashpoint, (which Safety Kleen endorses in my type of system) I think I am minimizing the fire hazard. It may or may not make a difference, but I guess it will give me some peace of mind. I will still be a bit nervous starting it up for a while. But the extra $100 over store bought mineral spirits (which has a flash point of about 100 deg. F.) seems worth it to me.
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