Ok, lots of discussion but how about some opinions from users. What is the best parts washer solvent you have found? Include everything from aqueous to caustic or alkaline. Most interested in what is on the local market today that will get the job done for the home user. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Gee whiz Chuck I have been waiting eagerly for some responses to your post. I went to a parts store the other day to get some solvent and all they could offer was a can of brake parts cleaner. I came home with nothing as I already had brake part cleaner. Maybe nobody cleans parts anymore!

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

The EPA, and I'm not saying they weren't correct, has forced all the serious cleaners off the market. One shop I go to has no cleaning tank at all. They scrap and wire brush the heavy stuff off and they use several cans of spray carb cleaner for the final step. So no more nasty tank solvent but lots of spray. It did leave the parts clean but at over $2 a can? Our last radiator shop in town is closed too so I can't ask him about the caustic soda bath. I know the radiators sure came out clean after a spell in on of those vats. Still looking for decent responses. I thought about doing a poll but don't have any idea what cleaners to ask about. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I use paint thinner for most things. I'll knock crusty or thick grimy stuff off with a sacrificial screwdriver, razor, or wire brush first.

If it is something I will paint, after it is degreased, I'll get as much rust off as possible, either with a wire wheel or by sanding and then use a rusty metal primer. That has served me well so far.


Lawrenceville, GA

I have used cleaner in 5 gal. can from tractor supply and works well. Tried water mix solvent and it was a dud.

Do you know what brand/type of cleaner you got from Tractor Supply? Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Well...If you are not a commercial shop that gets serviced by "Safety Kleen" you can't use their cleaning solvent which is picked-up and recycled by their trucks. Most of the non-commercial "home" parts washers use a mineral spirits based solvent. Some market it as Stoddard Solvent. I get 5 gallon cans from "Motor Supply Company", but Tractor Supply I think has it too, they are just too far away from me which is why I don't go there.

The water based solvents are supposed to be used in a specially heated parts washer tank to be effective. These parts washers are REALLY expensive, but the water based solvents don't usually characterize as a hazardous waste.

On my parts washer which sits on a 30 gallon barrel, I have the solvent cycle through an oil filter that I attached to the back side of the tank with a remote filter housing. It does help extend the life of the solvent somewhat. I try to keep just enough solvent in the barrel to cover the pump. Keeping less than 5 gallons in most cases will exempt you from Federal regulations (just in case a disgruntled neighbor calls the local EPA on you).

Rono.

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Tractor Supply can was grey with PSC 1000 on it.