Parts washers - what fluid?

[RWD3M]

What's the score with these things? I have a big old Clark parts washer with a pump fed brush and when I bought it, I followed the guidance and filled it with detergent. But quite honestly, it's rubbish. I only use it for degreasing and I'm sure I'd have more success using parafin/kerosene or the like.

On the label on the inside of the lid it clearly states not to use flammable liquids (parafin, petrol, thinners etc) but what's the real reason for that? Is it just the fire risk or is it perhaps something to do with the pump perhaps?

So what are you guys using in your parts washers and what issues does it throw up?

 

[JOEPRO]

I have always used water based degreasers with great results. I now use Screwfix No Nonsense Degreaser. Chuck in half a 5L jar and add 15/ 20L water in the tank works for me or stronger if you wish.

 

[bourbon]

@RWD3M, It's to do with the seals in the pump. Newer models of parts washer don't like to play with solvent based fluids, that's why the solvent fluids have been discontinued. I haven't a clue what is in the water based ones, but it took all the colour out of a plastic bag when I wrapped one in it to send back because it had split.
edit. I'm pretty sure the warning is because of the fire risk as you said.

 

[OJCar]

Jizer in the degreaser tank.
Lidl's finest Dish Washer tablets in the dish washer repurposed as a parts cleaner.
( Used to have the parts washer on a closed loop using Jizer, may get around to putting it back that way ).

 

[Kram]

Solvents like petrol or thinners are extremely flammable and you could easily generate vapours within their explosive limits.

Diesel/parrafin/kerosene would avoid the explosion risk and most of the fire risk.
Small 120k mile old motorbike parts I have soaked in a tub of diesel for a few days and they have came out like new.

The better non flammable fluids can be somewhat corrosive to non ferrous metals so worth testing that on scrap parts if you try them.

 

[RWD3M]

Solvents like petrol or thinners are extremely flammable and you could easily generate vapours within their explosive limits.

Diesel/parrafin/kerosene would avoid the explosion risk and most of the fire risk.
Small 120k mile old motorbike parts I have soaked in a tub of diesel for a few days and they have came out like new.

The better non flammable fluids can be somewhat corrosive to non ferrous metals so worth testing that on scrap parts if you try them.

Oh, absolutely on the petrol/thinners, wasn't even a consideration, but parafin/kerosene certainly is. If anything can heat that up to beyond its flash point in the tank then I've probably got bigger things to worry about!

I haven't needed to clean non-ferrous, but will bear that in mind.

@RWD3M, It's to do with the seals in the pump. Newer models of parts washer don't like to play with solvent based fluids, that's why the solvent fluids have been discontinued. I haven't a clue what is in the water based ones, but it took all the colour out of a plastic bag when I wrapped one in it to send back because it had split.
edit. I'm pretty sure the warning is because of the fire risk as you said.

Cheers Dave. I'd be inclined to give it a try and if I end up replacing seals, or even the pump, then it might be a small price to pay.

Jizer in the degreaser tank.
Lidl's finest Dish Washer tablets in the dish washer repurposed as a parts cleaner.
( Used to have the parts washer on a closed loop using Jizer, may get around to putting it back that way ).

I must confess, I'm a big fan of Jizer. Pricey though, for the size of parts washer I have.

I've just drained it of probably 40 - 45 litres!

 

[roofman]

Ive run plain old white spirits for over 10 years now, cheap and a great cleaner that has a lubicating effect with it so its kind on pumps.

 

[bricol]

I used a repurposed tea urn to supply heated solution to my small parts washer -worked rather well.

 

[Kram]

Ive run plain old white spirits for over 10 years now, cheap and a great cleaner that has a lubicating effect with it so its kind on pumps.

Rather more flammable than I'd like, flash point from 20c. For a parts washer you'd probably not want a flash point much below 60c.
If its being pumped that will likely add some heat, on a summer day the fluid could be reaching 40c or more.

 

[Olderisbetter]

When I had a parts washer years ago I used 50/50 white spirit and jizer

 

[Turbo]

There are no seals in most parts washer pumps. Its just a plastic impeller mounted on a shaft with permanent magnets on it. It sits inside a sealed set of electric coils.
It's basically an electric motor.

 

[Greeves246]

I acquired some Safetykleen from the parts washer at work for my Clarke at home. Some years later the pump literally fell apart, all the plastic went brittle and broke up.

 

[roofman]

There are no seals in most parts washer pumps. Its just a plastic impeller mounted on a shaft with permanent magnets on it. It sits inside a sealed set of electric coils.
It's basically an electric motor.

i agree same as a suds pump on a lathe, still has rotating parts.

 

[GRW]

My Clarke Bench top washer has had Kero in it from day 1.
IMO the cheapest & best all-round fluid

 

[roofman]

Rather more flammable than I'd like, flash point from 20c. For a parts washer you'd probably not want a flash point much below 60c.
If its being pumped that will likely add some heat, on a summer day the fluid could be reaching 40c or more.

have you ever tried to light white spirit or even diesel in its liqued form....easier to set fire to water

 

[RWD3M]

Right, it's now empty, cleaned and is currently drying. I'm 90% certain I'm going kerosene/parafin and can hopefully get that locally in 25ltr drums.

What I'm now stuck with is about 50 litres of the most disgusting mix of soapy, oily, greasy keechy* water to dispose of. Aside from pouring it down the drain, does anyone have any sensible suggestions?

* especially for those north of the border!

 

[MysterG]

Dump it in the oil container at the tip ... might need a few trips.

 

[roofman]

our local recyle centre (council tip) has a big tank for waste oils

 

[Kram]

have you ever tried to light white spirit or even diesel in its liqued form....easier to set fire to water

Yes successfully. If its 40c or more it can light quite easily - its the vapours that catch and below 30c theres almost none.
Where as petrol has vapours from -44c - there are different grades for winter.
Diesel doesnt start to give off many vapours until 60-70c although the stink is always there. Kerosene starts from 40c.

Right, it's now empty, cleaned and is currently drying. I'm 90% certain I'm going kerosene/parafin and can hopefully get that locally in 25ltr drums.

What I'm now stuck with is about 50 litres of the most disgusting mix of soapy, oily, greasy keechy* water to dispose of. Aside from pouring it down the drain, does anyone have any sensible suggestions?

* especially for those north of the border!

Do not pour down a storm drain.
On a dry day where the sewage system *shouldnt* be overloaded and dumping into rivers, you can pour it down the loo as that should all get treated. Same as you can pour waste antifreeze down the loo.

 

[Misterg]

I'm 90% certain I'm going kerosene/parafin

I stuck heating kerosene in mine initially, but the stink was awful. Changed it for diesel and don't really notice the smell.

(My pump doesn't like either and sticks if left. Have been able to coax it back into sufficient life so far.)