Gonna have to break down and buy a parts washer, too many little greasy parts to wash in the sink these days. Plus I'm catchin' hell from the wife. <g> So I was gonna pick up one of those 3.5 gallon bench top cleaners, Northern Tool has one for $40. Question is, what kinda fluid should I get for it? Back in the day I used to use a solvent called craleen (sp?) that was really nasty stuff, but it worked great. Now all I can find is bio-degradable stuff, and I haven't had much luck with stuff like that. Any suggestions? Thanks,
-Kuda
Post by cotten on Feb 21, 2007, 3:19pm
I use an old laundry tank, mineral spirits, and this: http://virtualindian.org/6techtoolspic5.htm
This is an indespensible tool, which has even eliminated the need for a pump on my solvent tanks. Its ablility to plunge galleries and prime gaslines and oil pumps is unmatched.
....Cotten
PS: A critic called naming my turkey baster "Ellen" degenerate. But she thought "Monica" stenciled on my shop-vac was cute.
Post by kuda on Feb 21, 2007, 4:16pm
>I use an old laundry tank, mineral spirits, and this:
Wow, now that *is* old school... <g> But seriously, mineral spirits? Never thought of that...
>PS: A critic called naming my turkey baster "Ellen" degenerate.
But she thought "Monica" stenciled on my shop-vac was
cute.
I think they're both f'n' hysterical... Thanks!
-Kuda
Post by johnhd on Feb 21, 2007, 11:39pm
i use just plain old kerosene in my table top parts washer.
works good with a low flash point.
you can always use the left overs in your tiki torches!
john
Post by panzerama on Feb 22, 2007, 5:07am
good advice John, I use kerosene in mine too. Its cheap (sorta), cuts grease, low flashpoint, and you can use it in your Tiki torches or start a fire in your burn pile. If kerosene isn't readily available you can also use #1 diesel fuel, its a little rougher but it works about the same, and if you have a place to light it off you can rid of the dirty stuff and refresh your tank with a new batch.
Post by billy on Feb 22, 2007, 7:08am
I use Mineral Spirits as well.
My parts washer is a stand alone 20 gal unit. Picked it up off
a machine shop that was closing down.. Paid $15 bucks, loooong
ago..
And for the X-large de-greasing like a complete bike, I use "Purple
Stuff" brand de-greaser, (Most auto-parts stores carry it)
just have to mix it properly w/water or it can make shiny paint
look like primer fast !!! ;D
Cotten: I was just graced with a new turkey baster from my OL,
mainly cause I was working on my her car & my baster took
a shit in the middle of the job....
(good timing, I'd say).... ;D
Post by billy on Feb 22, 2007, 7:18am
Kuda- if you get a parts washer & don't need say 20 gals of fluid, you can add a few bricks under the wash-table to raise the fluid level for soaking parts & etc, in the soaking section..
Just a thought..
Post by king on Feb 22, 2007, 1:43pm
Kero in the tub does it for me also, with the baster and my ratty collection of brushes. For the final touch I put a galvanized tub on my two burner Coleman stove and dump the parts in boiling water. They come out clean and dry after that. Learned the hot water routine eons ago with the old M-1 before Sat. inspection.
King
Post by kuda on Feb 22, 2007, 11:21pm
After reading all your posts, I've changed my mind. I'm gonna pick up some mineral spirits *and* some kerosene and try 'em both (seperately, mind you) in an old 2 gallon tin bucket w/lid I've got downstairs. And I'll pick up a turkey baster or two. Hell, with the money I'll save, I'll be able to actually put gas in the pan and ride when I finish the rebuild... :-) Thanks again,
-Kuda
'49 FL
Post by cotten on Feb 23, 2007, 2:24am
I don't think you will find a lot of difference between the two,
although spirits will vaporize much faster.
The cheapest source seems to be large home improvement chainstores;
Look for "odorless".
And don't forget nitrile gloves.
...Cotten
Post by kevsett on Feb 23, 2007, 11:27pm
MS is 100% volatile and kerosene may sometimes be only 50% volatile.
So there may be up to 50% solids not able to help in cutting
the oils and scum from the part.Re: Parts washer? And fluid?
Post by kickit on Feb 24, 2007, 2:15am
I remember a guy who worked for Safety Kleen telling me that
the fluid they used was a mix of mineral and kero.
You might want to try Harbor Frieght for the washer.
Get the longest gloves you can find.
