Part(s) Washers

[color=blue:f117f0b922]I have some really gunky air intake units; along with other stuff and got to thinking about a parts washer. Called a local IH truck dealer and asked if they took in work = no. Without having investigated them, a unit may pay for itself - be worth the cost?? So...I am seeking opinions on getting a washer: brand, model; Farm~Fleet or other business and also the opinion you have on what color a barn should be. Thanks in advance for your kind input.[/color:f117f0b922]

The big pickle with a parts washer is the solvent.. There are good solvents available, it's best to check with your local repair shops and see what they use.... Many of the "cheaper" parts washers are only rated for "water based" solvent, which is not the choice of many shops. Check it all out before you make a purchase..

My buddy and my old work have/had the Farm and Fleet one. Decent, the pumps begin to die eventually.
I have the TSC one, but I have not filled it with solvent yet. Not sure if it says you can only put ___ solvent in it. You never know, they may [u:42811f4183]say[/u:42811f4183] they can only take water soluable solvent bc the others are a disposal hazard.

I have a unit from Northern Tool and use a degreasing concentrate from NAPA that gets diluted with mineral spirits. It works pretty good

Al, I think one is a good investment as they generally aren't too expensive. I find the solvent smell quite unpleasant and if I had one I think I would keep it in an open shed or building with a lot of air circulation. I wouldn't put in in a closed up building for the odor issue, Hal.

I think mine came from Harbor Freight, and the pump has died. I"ve never checked on getting a new pump, wonder if they are available??

I have two of them; one for anything and one for "clean" parts, such as new pistons, cams, bearings, etc.

Most of the ones I've seen are about the same and probably come from the same factory in China so shop by price or stuff on sale. Try harbor freight if there's one nearby.

I use mineral spirits in mine. It lasts for years. I did ad a filter to both of them to catch large (relative) bits.

The one I use for "clean" parts was originally made for the water based cleaners but I used mineral spirits anyway and haven't had any problems. Mineral spirits is getting expensive so I may use diesel next time around.

I use a 55 gallon drum with removable sealed lid filled with
about 30 gallons of diesel to soak and pre-clean. I have an 20 qt
aluminum basket out of an old turkey fryer that I use for the
small parts. I have about $150 in that as the diesel was the
most expensive component. That was the cheap and easy way to
go initially.
I have since acquired a professional grade parts washer that sits
on top of a 30 gallon drum it has a pump with a brush that flows
the cleaner through it. I pd $100 for it from a guy who had it
listed on craigslist. It came with mineral spirits. That was a
deal.

I don't ever seem to be able to finish a project in one session so
I disassemble and put all the parts in the diesel. In the mean
time I chase down and order parts,gaskets, seals etc then when I
get a chance I go from the diesel to the parts washer and then
go back together. Yes they are a must have and definitely worth
the investment.

Mineral spirits or diesel are the way to go. I tried the water
based cleaner and was not happy with it.

If you buy a new washer be sure it's rated for the flammable
cleaners. From what I understand the water based parts washers
aren't spark proofed