Parts Washing Recommendations

[ShadowsPapa]

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[rharr]

5 gallon home depot bucket with screw cap filled half way with kerosene or mineral spirits.

Great degreaser will break down heavy grease and oils. Grim will settle to the bottom over time when not used and you can pour off the cleaner fluid and reuse. Dump the gross stuff in with some used engine oil.

Mineral sprits drys quicker and will leave less residue, kerosene drys slower but leaves a little residue.

You can also buy a 5gal drum of brake cleaner and a rechargeable aerosol bottle that is made for bulk brake clean.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

When I had a small shop in the 1970s, I used kerosene. You could buy it anywhere pretty cheaply. But I was only washing small parts back then, not larger things like heads or transmission cases and that sort of thing.
For larger things in those days - engine degreaser and elbow grease.

Now it goes into the tank.
It's critical on some of my stuff that very very little residue be left behind.

 

[WILDHOBO]

When I had a small shop in the 1970s, I used kerosene. You could buy it anywhere pretty cheaply. But I was only washing small parts back then, not larger things like heads or transmission cases and that sort of thing.
For larger things in those days - engine degreaser and elbow grease.

Now it goes into the tank.
It's critical on some of my stuff that very very little residue be left behind.

Or none.

 

[Rusty PW]

The more I read everyone’s recommendations, the more I think I’m not going to buy a basin style cleaner. Sounds nasty.

Get one. You won't regret it. It's worth it.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Get one. You won't regret it. It's worth it.

Maybe I’ll go the ultrasonic route. I’m not excited about kerosene or mineral spirits fumes in the garage, as I also use my garage as my office.

 

[RudeJeepin]

From my understanding, for Ultrasonic to really work, you need chemicals also. I've never used one for grease. Just dried stuff, like rotten glazed fuel in carburetors.
Kerosene doesn't put off the smell like mineral spirits. I've always just kept the lid closed except when using it. But I do get the whole smell thing if it's not just a shop.

 

[Rusty PW]

Maybe I’ll go the ultrasonic route. I’m not excited about kerosene or mineral spirits fumes in the garage, as I also use my garage as my office.

I have a large Hornady ultrasonic that heats to 140F. I have to use different solutions for different types of crap. It's best to use distilled water with your cleaner, otherwise you get water spots. After you are done. You have to drain it and wipe the insides down.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have a large Hornady ultrasonic that heats to 140F. I have to use different solutions for different types of crap. It's best to use distilled water with your cleaner, otherwise you get water spots. After you are done. You have to drain it and wipe the insides down.

How does it do with nasty greasy stuff? Like cv joints.

 

[Rusty PW]

How does it do with nasty greasy stuff? Like cv joints.

I don't like using it for car grease. Makes a mess inside the tank.

 

[NC_Overland]

I gave away my dad’s old parts washer. It made a huge mess and took up space. I’ve been using an ultrasonic cleaner a lot for smaller items. Especially, on our classic cars.

 

[NC_Overland]

Thanks. I’ll checkout zep. A can of brake clean lasts about 2 years for me. I’m not high volume.

Really? I go through a can of brake clean on a single brake job. It just doesn’t last very long for me. I’m not talking about working on old junk either. Either newer, southern vehicles or restored and well kept classics.

 

[rharr]

Maybe I’ll go the ultrasonic route. I’m not excited about kerosene or mineral spirits fumes in the garage, as I also use my garage as my office.

get a 5 gallon pail with a lid and store it in a shed where you keep your lawn mower and gas jugs. I assume you aren't storing them in the garage too because of smell.

Kerosene and mineral spirits laugh at CV grease.

 

[Bhoeffner]

Ultrasonics are not the best for soft greases and heavy oils. They utilize an aqueous based cleaner that’s heated to 140 F. They excel at removing baked on carbons and other hard substrate. Good ol petroleum naphtha is the way to go for grease and grim.

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