Parts washer

[firko]

Like most of you I'm sure, I've got a parts washer similar to the one shown below. I'm wondering if there's any trick solvents that any of you guys use. I use the cheap degreaser from Supercheap or Bunnings and it works fine but like everything in this world, there's always a better solution just waiting to be discovered. Anybody got any tips?

[vandy010]

it must be that time of the year hey Firko.
we're going cleaning mad
my work uses a citrus based mix in thier parts washer.
not sure of the brand but it removes everything clean as a whistle and smells ok too.
i've not known it to have any adverse reaction to alloys as i've washed a few crankcases,hub,engine covers etc with no drama

[mx250]

50/50 mix dieso and kero  .

[Mick22]

50/50 mix dieso and kero  .

Whats the reason for using haf and half, is it to make it cheaper or does it work better than straight Kero?

I've always used straight kero which works well but have heard of the diesel/kero or water/kero mix but never tried them. With kero getting harder to get and a lot dearer (over $3 a Litre at Melb servos) would be interested in other options as well

[jerry]

I'm able to obtain CT-18 from work. Spray on and leave for 20 mins and rinse off thoroughly+++. Dont get it on your hands! (speaking from personal experience) Cheers Jerry

[Freakshow]

Do you find the kero or desails solvents evaporate etc if left in the washer ? i have one but have never filled it up as i always worried when i come back to it later it will all be gone ?   THis is anothe ron my list to do so your timing good firko.  I have seen the degreaser mix with water types but personally i dont see the point of water mixed in with Bearings etc, that worries me id rather use a solvent base

[firko]

Is this the citrus based stuff you're referring to Vandy? The key ingredient seems to be an extract from orange peel called D Limonene. I've got some handwash that has that stuff as one of the key ingredients and it's heaps better than SolVol. I'm learning stuff today.
I've tried all of the variations of Kero/Dieso and find the cheap Koala brand degreaser from Sams Warehouse or Supercheap works as well or better, and smells a lot less toxic. I like the idea of this citrus stuff so I'll give it a try.

http://www.citrusresources.research-products.com.au/html/p_orangesolv.html


Limonene is the primary component of oil extracted from citrus rind. It has two primary uses: as food grade D Limonene to add citrus flavor to non-citrus foods, and as technical grade D Limonene to add citrus scent and/or citrus cleaning power to a variety of cleaners. The creation of the former occurs when citrus fruits are juiced and the oil is pressed from the rind, then separated from the juice and distilled to retain flavor and fragrance compounds. The creation of the latter occurs when pressed rind is placed in a steam extractor, which condenses the resulting steam and creates an oil layer that floats atop water.

As a result of the natural living movement, D Limonene use in commercial products has increased dramatically, particularly cleaning solutions, where it can be used as a pure solvent or a concentrated solvent that can be diluted. When used as a pure solvent, D Limonene is valuable as a replacement for traditional solvents, many of which emit Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Solvents that are commonly replaced with D Limonene solvent include methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, toluene, glycol ethers, and numerous fluorinated and chlorinated solvents. In institutional settings, D Limonene solvent is typically mixed with a surfactant, producing a solution containing 5-15 percent D Limonene.

From domestic cleaners found at department stores to industrial cleaners that require special ordering, there is no shortage of solutions containing D Limonene. But if you need an industrial version of the solvent, finding one that offers the same or better cleaning power as its toxic counterparts can be difficult. One example of a D Limonene solvent that meets industrial cleaning needs is VORTEX citrus cleaner and heavy-duty degreaser, an organic semi-aqueous solvent that serves as a parts cleaner and general industrial cleaner. With a 100 percent organic formulation, VORTEX is biodegradable but retains the power to remove grease, tar, oil, asphalt, and organic resins in one step. VORTEX's additional benefits include no hazardous materials or listed solvents, no harmful fumes, and no petroleum distillates.

If your company needs a new degreaser and wants a D Limonene solvent in the name of environmental and workplace safety, it's important to remember that not all citrus cleaners are environmentally safe. In many cases, traditional cleaners use D Limonene for scent and chlorinated solvents or other hazardous materials for cleaning power. In addition to putting workers at risk for chronic illness, solutions containing hazardous materials also put companies at risk of losing a cleaning solution to EPA regulations. A full list of chemicals scheduled for EPA regulation can be found at the EPA's website.

In my research on industrial cleaner, I've studied the use of d limonene in parts cleaner, degreaser, and other cleaning solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Mancuso

[suzuki27]

I think I just found my Xmas present!
Sure better than sitting over half of a 20 gal drum with a paint brush and kero.

[oldfart]

I'm not of a fan of using kero - diesel or any petroleum based product,  as it tends to get into your body tissue - blood stream  "Please wear protective gloves "
I use the same stuff as Vandy has mentioned   " orange solv"  it's not cheap

I then clean and rinse in a Dish dishwasher.
 

[Davey Crocket]

You plumbers are all wousses.......I still wouldnt stick my hand down a shitter though!!!

[LWC82PE]

I use 50/50 mix of Kero and a strong degreaser that comes in a 20L drum.
Freaky, the stuff will evaporate a bit so the key is to not leave the lid open all the time.

[oldfart]

Good point Davey , The shit boxs I work on COST me money and the shit houses are where I make  it