Parts Washers

[lumberinspector]

Just wondering if any of you guys use parts washers for your chainsaw rebuilds, clean ups etc.?

Does the cleaning solvent hurt any/all parts?

I have thought about getting one of the bench top models. Look pretty nice and not bad priced.

Wonder if a guy would be able to use gas in them...I'm sure a guy could but didn't know if it would damage the pump etc.

Thanks

 

[sILlogger]

yea, i use a parts washer on mine, ive got diesel fuel in mine tho.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I think using Gas in one of these would Damage the operator eventually, maybe even before it attacked the pump.




.

 

[Frank Boyer]

I think using Gas in one of these would Damage the operator eventually, maybe even before it attacked the pump.

The gas may start a fire or blow up. Not a good idea.

Safety Clean has some high priced tanks that recycle and they work fairly well. Expensive to buy iniatally, expensive solvent, and expensive to have the recycled sludge hauled away.

 

[blackoak]

I have a 20 gal parts washer. It works great. I had the small bench type at first , but found out quick it was to small. I use kerosene in mine. I have the hose hooked up so it flows through my parts cleaning brush. It is about 3 years old and the pump is still doing fine and kerosene's easy on your saws and doesn't have the stink of diesel. Mine is a cheap Harbor Frieght washer that I bought on sale. Its been well worth the money I paid for it and I would hate to be without it now.

 

[ozflea]

Just use Diesel as i have found by experiance that a lot of the parts washer cleaning fluids are pretty tough on your hands by drying out the skin and making it crack.
I bought mine at a tool specialist on special with a free hand trolley thrown in for $149-00 Australian the diesel cost me $53-00 for 40 litres but it will last a long time i just let stybbon parts soak in it.

I wouldn't use petrol unless you want to be a tempory human.

Mc Bob.

 

[lumberinspector]

Thanks guys

How often before those of you using diesel are changing it?

 

[Lakeside53]

Since I discovered Purple Cleaner, my parts washer sits unused in the corner... Even the washer in the store has sat for 3 years.... unused...

I'd like to to put Purple cleaner in it, but it has aluminum parts in the pump and wouldn'd last. I'm sure there is a compatible pump, but I haven't got around to looking into it. There are other aqueous based industrial cleaners for parts washer.

 

[beelsr]

yes, i have 2 parts washers. i use agitene in one and kero in the other. agitene is a great cleaner. do a search on it and find the thread i started a few weeks ago. it's kinda spendy but lasts years, is skin-safe and doesn't leave you feeling loopy...

 

[Sbusta]

I have both a parts cleaner & a ultrasonic cleaner. The parts cleaner I use a parts cleaner fluid supplied with it its great for big parts. The sonic cleaner I use simple green, or just water great for cleaning small parts carbs etc. Also great on sappy chains just soak in oil after.

 

[RiverRat2]

Ha ha ha

yes, i have 2 parts washers. i use agitene in one and kero in the other. agitene is a great cleaner. do a search on it and find the thread i started a few weeks ago. it's kinda spendy but lasts years, is skin-safe and doesn't leave you feeling loopy...

Loopy,,,,,,, I think thats a good description,,,,

 

[beelsr]

Loopy,,,,,,, I think thats a good description,,,,

i've spent hours in the washer tearing down engines and it's no fun. i wonder how much damage i did to my liver doing that - prolly about as much damage as all the MEK/acetone/toulene/xylene I used to wipe down plastic windows and lens covers before they got dipped in clear epoxy AR coatings when I worked in the plastics factory one summer in college.

 

[habanero]

i've spent hours in the washer tearing down engines and it's no fun...

One of my earliest jobs in Dad's auto shop was washing wheel bearings with kerosene in a parts washer. I agree with the no fun part!

I use biodiesel in my parts washer. Methyl esters make a wonderful solvent, and you could drink it if you wanted to (well, just when new-I wouldn't drink it after washing an oily chainsaw). Some pumps don't stand up to it too well, though.

 

[SawTroll]

Just wondering if any of you guys use parts washers for your chainsaw rebuilds, clean ups etc.?

Does the cleaning solvent hurt any/all parts?

I have thought about getting one of the bench top models. Look pretty nice and not bad priced.

Wonder if a guy would be able to use gas in them...I'm sure a guy could but didn't know if it would damage the pump etc.

Thanks

Just use the dish-washer, no problems at all, always works.........

 

[Big Neb]

Just use the dish-washer, no problems at all, always works.........

You know a guy likes chainsaws when his dishes taste like bar oil!:jester:

Just don't get caught...

 

[lumberinspector]

In general, the regular parts washing solvent they sell will not harm the parts...motor and or plastic etc.?

Thanks again

 

[Lakeside53]

Nope.. but it can harm you...

 

[NovaMan]

In general, the regular parts washing solvent they sell will not harm the parts...motor and or plastic etc.?

Thanks again

I try to keep solvents away from plastics. Some combinations are OK, but I'd rather not chance it. if you want to check, you could apply a drop of solvent to an inconspicuous area of the plastic part...

Andy, does the currently available "purple cleaner" work as well as original Castrol Super Clean (which was sodium metasilicate, sodium hydroxide, and 2-butoxyethanol)?

 

[Lakeside53]

Depends on the generic, but mostly yes. I like the Castrol product better though.


I've never had a problem with the commercial solvent cleaner on plastic, but Purple cleaners can take the shine off if you mix it too strong or don't rinse immediately.

 

[beelsr]

Just use the dish-washer, no problems at all, always works.........

waiting for the wife to pick out a new one so I can move the existing one into the garage.

I know it's not a problem to wash or bake stuff in the house but I know better than to chance her finding out!