Parts washer solvent

[Spooled-up]

Do you guys know of a good solvent to put in my new 20 gallon parts washer I got for my birthday? The washer recommends simple green, but it's about 15 bucks a gallon. It has to be water soluable, non flammable, and non corrosive.



Any ideas?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Solvent

Might look at some of the degreasers for the pressure washers, they are about $6. 00 a gallon and are concentrated, should be non corrosive as they go through part of the washer. bg

 

[Philip]

water soluable, non flammable, and non corrosive.

Well that takes all the good stuff out of the running. I use saftey clean cleaner. But your stated needs I can't suggest anything right off. I haven't found anything with those qualities that works worth anything.

 

[Paychk]

In the past I have used parts washers mfg. by Better Engineering co. The water based cleaning agent we used was excellent. This was a heated system, so I don't know how well this stuff will work in your system. You could contact them and ask.



http://www.betterengineering.com/lab/detergents.html



PS one of these days I'll own one of these!



http://www.betterengineering.com/parts-cleaning-equipment/singlestage.html



this thing was the greatest since sliced bread!

 

[Spooled-up]

Simple Green

I guess I'll get some simple green. They make a special formula for parts washers that is called Crystal Simple Green that should work fine. It's $57 for a 5 gal jug though!



Crystal Simple Green

 

[Spooled-up]

Here's the reply from Simple Green

Dear David,



Thank you for choosing Simple Green!



Simple Green Cleaner/Degreaser/Deodorizer & Crystal Simple Green Industrial Strength Cleaner/Degreaser should work great for your parts washer. Both are aqueous based cleaners. They are both non-toxic, biodegradable & non-flammable. The differences between the two products is that Regular Simple Green has a Sassafras Scent, and Crystal Simple Green has no added scent or dyes. Also, Crystal Simple Green is a stronger cleaner due to the fact that it contains no dyes or added scents. Crystal is also great for more critical cleaning, such as electronic components.



Both products are available in 5-gallon, 15-gallon, & 55-gallon containers.



She followed up with contact information in my area to buy this stuff in bulk. Not Bad.

 

[Mtngoat]

I have one of those 20 gal washers that say I have to get a new pump if I use any kind of solvent. Would this super Simple Green stuff require the new pump??



Robin

 

[Spooled-up]

Mine says to use water and household detergents. Simple Green is "aqueous based" and is fairly harmless to the environment. I read some of the material safety data sheet and it said that if you can get approval from your sewer system, you can even pour it down the drain! This is after you give them a sample of the used material. If they won't take it, you can have a hazmat waste company take it and label it as "oily water" or something similar.



If your parts washer says to use a solvent that is not water based, it may need something in the solvent for lubrication of the pump. I'm just guessing though.

 

[nickleinonen]

prosol is what we use at work. great stuff. clear like water. very little smell, strips carbon like mad. if you can find it, it is super. i can't find it, but i have access to it at work. .

 

[Scot]

You stated non flammable so my recommendatoin is out. I have been using diesel for 25 years or so. It won't strip all of the oils out of your skin like some of the other products. Wife doesn't like the smell though.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Go with the Simple Green

I've been using the green stuff for 20 years and keep finding more uses for it.



I've used it to degrease engines and just about anything else.



(SWMBO even uses it to get grease out of my clothes. )



I've heard, but never experienced it yet, that some types of paint may be removed with it. (Probably water-based. )



You'll find that, in a parts washer, you won't be needing to be replenishing/replacing fluid as much as when using a pan.



BTW, the best retail price I've found is at Wal-Mart for the gallon jugs.