I have everything torn down and am ready to start cleaning engine parts now. Here's the thing, I bought a parts washer from Harbor Freight, 50% off. Feeling real good about my "shopping prowess" until I get the sink assembled and read the small print. It is a water based solvent only sink! I started looking for water-based solvents that are safe for all the engine parts, haven't found anything yet. I found mineral spirits at a local oil distributer, which I am not supposed to use in the sink. I am thinking about just using it to soak the parts in the parts sink without turning the pump on.

1. So here are my questions. Has anyone ever tried using a pressure wash (car wash) as part of the cleaning process? I know what chemicals are used because I oversee several of the car washes in this area as part of my job.

2. Would soaking the parts and then using the sink with hot water and detergent get the job done? I understand I would have to dry the parts completely. ( I have pneumatic tool and air gun).

Any ideas would be appreciated. RD

 

the parts washer helped, but i got the best results from soaking the parts in carb cleaner, expecially the rotors. and use a scotch bright pad to scrub the carbon off.

also i bought a parts washer from harbor freight too, it was the 50 dollar one, it seems to be doing fine with carb cleaner.

 

Thanks for the info, I was trying to work up the courage to try the mineral spirits in the washer. I got the $120 one on sale. I don't think it has an explosion proof pump, but under the solvent I don't think it would matter. Anyone else used this equipment with mineral spirits?

 

I have a parts washer from Northern Tool China and it said in small print , WATER BASE bla bla bla .I pulled the pump and it is sealed . So no water base cleaner for over a year and no problem .

 

I would still be very careful about using anything other than Safety Solvent in this unit. Man, all it takes is ONE small spark and...well, you might be having a fire sale rather than anticipating a rebuild.

 

Northern tool sells something called Monster Parts Wash. Its a water-based de-greaser with corrosion inhibitors. Use it straight, don't dilute with water. I picked some up when I couldn't find any varsol.

 

I mean 'Safety Kleen'. We use this in our parts washers at work and it works as good if not better than the flammable stuff we used to use.