Parts Washing Recommendations

[WILDHOBO]

Hi all. I’m sick of spraying brake cleaner to clean parts. I’m ready for something easier and more effective, as well as something that makes disposal of waste cleaner. For those doing their own moderate maintenance, what are you using? I don’t want to break the bank open, but am happy to buy a tool that makes projects easier and cleaner. With projects like cv axle rebuilds, shock rebuilds, and similar, lots of degreasing is necessary, but with parts removed. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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[Lost1wing]

I have used simple green in the past for similar reasons. I started with a metal parts wash tank. The tank lasted two years and the washer pump was replaced twice in that period. My next tank was plastic and the pump was designed for eco friendly cleaners. The pump still failed after a few months.

Cleaning took more time and was not as good as harsher solvents from spray cans. I rebuild my own cv's and I am back to spray solvents and lots of paper towels.

Simple green was nice but I found that I had to swap rhe tank fluid after just a few clean up jobs. To make it last longer, wiping most of the grease with rags worked best. Disposal options were pretty much the trashcan.

I'm back to spray cans. My son swears by ultrasonic tanks. I my look at one someday.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I have used simple green in the past for similar reasons. I started with a metal parts wash tank. The tank lasted two years and the washer pump was replaced twice in that period. My next tank was plastic and the pump was designed for eco friendly cleaners. The pump still failed after a few months.

Cleaning took more time and was not as good as harsher solvents from spray cans. I rebuild my own cv's and I am back to spray solvents and lots of paper towels.

Simple green was nice but I found that I had to swap rhe tank fluid after just a few clean up jobs. To make it last longer, wiping most of the grease with rags worked best. Disposal options were pretty much the trashcan.

I'm back to spray cans. My son swears by ultrasonic tanks. I my look at one someday.

That’s my current method. Spray cans and two rolls of paper towel. Thanks for the review. I was convinced there was an easier way. Maybe not. Other than ultrasonic. Any models he recommends?

I’m assuming you have RCVs? I’m doing my first rebuild any day now. I have everything including new boots, which was elective. I’d be interested in your process if it differs from the video RCV had out there. Thanks.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I started with a metal parts wash tank. The tank lasted two years and the washer pump was replaced twice in that period. My next tank was plastic and the pump was designed for eco friendly cleaners. The pump still failed after a few months.

Wow! I still have my solvent tank with original pump bought from Northern Tools about 15 years ago - pump works, no problems. I've changed solvent (mineral spirits) a couple of times.

There are more eco-friendly cleaners out there - even for solvent tanks, but I've tried them and they just don't do the job.
I do use Simple Green a lot, too - buy it by the gallon, use it in spray bottles, and my shop mop bucket. You want to get greasy or oily spills off the floor, Simple Green is the best I've used.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Wow! I still have my solvent tank with original pump bought from Northern Tools about 15 years ago - pump works, no problems. I've changed solvent (mineral spirits) a couple of times.

There are more eco-friendly cleaners out there - even for solvent tanks, but I've tried them and they just don't do the job.
I do use Simple Green a lot, too - buy it by the gallon, use it in spray bottles, and my shop mop bucket. You want to get greasy or oily spills off the floor, Simple Green is the best I've used.

Thanks. I’m looking to clean large amounts of grease off of joints.

 

[Lost1wing]

Wow! I still have my solvent tank with original pump bought from Northern Tools about 15 years ago - pump works, no problems. I've changed solvent (mineral spirits) a couple of times.

There are more eco-friendly cleaners out there - even for solvent tanks, but I've tried them and they just don't do the job.
I do use Simple Green a lot, too - buy it by the gallon, use it in spray bottles, and my shop mop bucket. You want to get greasy or oily spills off the floor, Simple Green is the best I've used.

I think I let the pump run too long through the cheap HF tank. I do like Simple green, but what do you do with the old cleaner? Trash?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think I let the pump run too long through the cheap HF tank. I do like Simple green, but what do you do with the old cleaner? Trash?

It's a 20 minute drive or so, but you can take oil-based paints, solvents and such to a toxic waste collection site here. For small amounts, I use it to start my brush fire pile.
I've only changed the solvent, which is mineral spirits, a couple of times in all of those years. Granted it would work better if I did it more often, but I tend to waste less stuff and make stuff last longer the older I get.

 

[Lost1wing]

Thanks. I’m looking to clean large amounts of grease off of joints.

I wipe them off and spray cleaner on. I don't have the patience to wait on the parts cleaning tank and still end up spraying the parts off. I usually just want to get the job done.

 

[Lost1wing]

It's a 20 minute drive or so, but you can take oil-based paints, solvents and such to a toxic waste collection site here. For small amounts, I use it to start my brush fire pile.
I've only changed the solvent, which is mineral spirits, a couple of times in all of those years. Granted it would work better if I did it more often, but I tend to waste less stuff and make stuff last longer the older I get.

Yeah, we don't have anything close to dispose of chemicals. I'll have to check my new place, it is closer to civilization.

 

[Lost1wing]

It's a 20 minute drive or so, but you can take oil-based paints, solvents and such to a toxic waste collection site here. For small amounts, I use it to start my brush fire pile.
I've only changed the solvent, which is mineral spirits, a couple of times in all of those years. Granted it would work better if I did it more often, but I tend to waste less stuff and make stuff last longer the older I get.

My metal tank rusted out with Simplegreen in it. The plastic tank worked out better but the pump is what gives out. I will try an ultrasonic tank before another parts washer tank.

 

[Jeepmonster]

Not sure about greasy suspension parts, but I started using heavy duty oven cleaner (Easy-Off). It works great on car parts. Spray it on and let it soak for a while, then just use a nylon brush and rinse off. For me, it has worked where Simple Green, engine degreasers, and brake cleaners would not. Just make sure you wear gloves.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I wipe them off and spray cleaner on. I don't have the patience to wait on the parts cleaning tank and still end up spraying the parts off. I usually just want to get the job done.

That’s me for sure, unless an ultrasonic option did a thorough job. I’m just sick of spraying brake cleaner back from brake clean.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yeah, we don't have anything close to dispose of chemicals. I'll have to check my new place, it is closer to civilization.

Everywhere I’ve lived, even the middle of nowhere, the landfill accepts hazardous materials and electronics. But it’s a bit of a drive usually.

 

[WILDHOBO]

My metal tank rusted out with Simplegreen in it. The plastic tank worked out better but the pump is what gives out. I will try an ultrasonic tank before another parts washer tank.

I can’t believe I’ve never asked this, but just noticed your image. Did you really actually loose a wing?!

 

[Lost1wing]

I can’t believe I’ve never asked this, but just noticed your image. Did you really actually loose a wing?!

Not me, but someone else did a long time ago.

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