Heated Parts Washers

[turboprop]

Thinking of buying a heated parts washer for the home garage, maybe an ultrasonic type.

Would like a unit large enough to do a long inner primary cover. My primary use for this washer will be for motorcycle engine and drivetrain parts.

Anyone have any recommendations or ideas?

[Ajayrk]

A 55 gallon drum, a water heater element, a connection to inject air near the bottom for agitation.  The hard part is finding an EPA cleaner that will actually clean anything.

[tomfiii]

Tractor supply still has a decent parts cleaner in 5 gal. can. The water base cleaners won't do diddly unless in a heated unit.

[PoorUB]

I am still using a stanisol, (mineral spirits) washer. The old solvent goes out with the waste oil. For home shop use it evaporates out faster than I use it up so I never have to dispose of much. I clean out the washer tank maybe once every five years, toss the old and fill it up with new solvent. Now if you are in California I know it won't fly there, but pretty much anywhere else in the USA you should be able to use it.

[TweekmyTwin]

I know this might sound a tad off but there is a product I use to clean parts that works very well... it's called LA Totally Awesome concentrated degreaser. Can't find it anywhere but Dollar Stores or 99 cent or Dollar Tree stores. I have been thinking of a parts cleaner myself and filling it with this stuff. Hard on the hands and don't breath it in... it hurts.
Jim
Oh yeah... I'm in California.

[Coyote]

Hard on the hands and don't breath it in... it hurts.

LA Awesome does the trick, just make sure you're done having kids... 

[turboprop]

Should have said upfront that I already have the standard, TSC style solvent tank. And it has served me well. Just looking to step up. Would like to be able to put parts in it and hit the start button and half an hour later have sparkling clean parts. I like the larger industrial grade aquas washers, just not wanting to spend $5k for a used machine. I would do $2k. I also like the idea of the 55 gallon drum with heater and compressed air attachment. Would be cool if a ultrasonic attachment was available for do-it-yourselfers. -Ed

[rbabos]

A 55 gallon drum, a water heater element, a connection to inject air near the bottom for agitation.  The hard part is finding an EPA cleaner that will actually clean anything.

Tell me about it. I use my neighbours cleaning sink with safety solvent. Takes oil off but that about all.
Ron

[hogasm]

$99 scratch and dent portable dishwasher from Sears. 10 years and still going strong

[panheaddreamer58]

Wondering if anyone has used any cleaners of this type. Seem it would be great for parts that you getting to parkerize, blue or cad plate.
Jim 
http://www.tovatech.com/ultrasonic-cleaner/applications/ultrasonic-parts-degreaser.php

[HV]

We use an ultrasonic...its great ..heated cleans everything ...we clean Engine parts....Air filters....Wire harnesses ..even use it to heat a head before pressing in guides

[turboprop]

I have a small ultrasonic that I use for guns, works great, was way too expensive at the time, now I am glad I have it. That being said, I have heard from several shops that bit the bullet and purchased larger ultrasonics that they didn't really work that well. Would really like to hear reviews on specific models.

HV what can you tell me about the unit you reference?

-Ed

[Ajayrk]

A 55 gallon drum, a water heater element, a connection to inject air near the bottom for agitation.  The hard part is finding an EPA cleaner that will actually clean anything.

Tell me about it. I use my neighbours cleaning sink with safety solvent. Takes oil off but that about all.
Ron

At one time, this was something you could buy.  I got it in the late '80s.

It's a 55 gallon drum with a clamp on lid.

It has a threaded fitting for a standard fill and drain cap on its side near the bottom.

The heater element is screwed in to that fitting and there is a piece of metal welded in place to protect it. 

There is also a small pipe fitting in the bottom of the drum that is used to attach a fitting to inject air.  I use a valve from the air source to control the volume of air to agitate the solution.

Fill with water and add the cleaning agent and plug in the heating element.  Put parts in, put the lid on and let them cook.

The drum is on four caster so I can push it into a corner when I don't need it.

It came with a green powder cleaning agent in an unmarked plastic bag.  The stuff worked great.  It would cold soak most things clean.

I can't get it any more and what I have been using doesn't clean very well.

I will try to post some pictures later.

[Ajayrk]

Hot Tank

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[Ajayrk]

Hot Tank


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[Ajayrk]

Hot Tank

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[Ajayrk]

Hot Tank


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[HV]

I have a small ultrasonic that I use for guns, works great, was way too expensive at the time, now I am glad I have it. That being said, I have heard from several shops that bit the bullet and purchased larger ultrasonics that they didn't really work that well. Would really like to hear reviews on specific models.

HV what can you tell me about the unit you reference?

-Ed

ED ill get the specs tomorrow...its not real large...wont hold a primary case but will do 2 heads at a time ...

[HV]

http://www.omegasonics.com/table-tops/quantum-table-tops.shtml

We have the 7700 Model ..works great ...only thing we did we add a timer to the power bar...guys would forget to turn it off at night and that's hard on the Heating Element

[turboprop]

@HV - Thanks a bunch. Those units look perfect. I sent in an RFQ, will post the results. -Ed

[HV]

NP Ed ...they were great to deal with... nice unit

[Xanadu]

I use the LA totally awesome yellow cleaner as well, it works as good as simple green, maybe better, spray it on full strength and the grease just washes off no scrubbing.  I called the company they said it was not recommended for Aluminum.  So I dont use it on the bike.  I do use it as a laundry spot cleaner, has never stained my clothes and works better than shout or spray and wash by far.

I also use it to clean my shop rags!

I should put a piece of aluminum in it to see what it does.....

I would hate to have it etch the aluminum parts on my bike.

[shoveldog81]

Here's my low budget approach - took the ol lady's old crock pot - found a parts basket that just fits in there - and I use my heater kerosene.  Works great.  (pot roast tastes like crap, tho)
Dog
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49788418@N03/

[FXDRYDR]

I don't do enough volume and so went the low-bucks route ala Harbor Freight.  For solution, I mix up a concoction of kerosene or Coleman fuel, Marvel Mystery oil nad a dash of ATF.  It does evaporate, so when done, I pour it back into the Coleman can.  For sporadic use, works for me.

[pddredduece]

I am retired from the Fleet Services dept of a utility company. They had a Baracuda cleaner that worked like a big dish washer. The cleaner used bio soap and hot water for cleaning. This cleaner worked great. I don't know if they make a home use unit.