I just bought a used Snap-on parts washer and it currently has mineral spirits in it. I do not like the idea of having the mineral spirits in there because of fumes and because it is flamable. What would be the best solvent to use? I was thinking maybe something like simple green or something like that. What do you guys use?
Thanks for your help!
Dan.

I've been looking around for something less hazardous but the water based cleaners are not very good unless heated and even then you must blast the parts clean. They don't really dissolve the gunk, just blast it off.
Here is a link to some water based cleaner info. http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/VSR/vsrfactsheets/AqueousPartsCleanAuto02.p df (http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/VSR/vsrfactsheets/AqueousPartsCleanAuto02.pdf)

We had a big discussion on solvents here: http://www.camaros.net/forum/Forum1/HTML/005120.html
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer

[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 01-31-2003).]

i've used greased lightning with great results.yuo can get it in 5 gal. size at loews home centers

David,I could not get to that link, I'm having trouble with Acrobat reader. What products have you tried?

Oramac68, do you have any problems getting that soapy feeling off of the parts after you wash them? I have a bottle here and it does seem to work well, I am just a bit nervous about the residue it may leave. Are you using it in a parts washer?

Dan.

I'm using it in my washer now. as far as the soapy residue, i don't know if it remains on the parts or feels that way. You could e-mail the company, or check out their website as far as recomendations on using. Another cleaning solvent that works well (although still somewhat flammable) is a mixture of kerosene and diesel fuel, although it does stink.

Back in the old days when money was tight and safety was second we used Number 1 diesel fuel.I guess it wasnt too flammable because my buddies were always smoking while washing parts and more than once I yelled at someone for grinding next to the parts washer.

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Toms69 (http://photos.yahoo.com/tomfbrewer)

Our farm is using Naptha which is combustable not flammable. You can grind a grinder and the sparks can hit a shop table wet with it and no fire, I tried this myself.
If you set a match to it, it will burn at a low flame like lamp oil, almost wants to go out.

The fumes won't knock you out like some other cleaners either.

Be very careful with mixes. For instance, diesel vapors inside the can are not explosive, the vapor is too lean to ignite from a spark.

Gasoline vapor is too rich to ignite from a spark.

Mix gasoline and diesel and the vapor WILL ignite, KaBoom!

I haven't tried any water based cleaners but what little I've read says you need high pressure or agitation to do as good a job.
Pro shops just buy a pressure washing cabinet or get ultrasonic cleaners from the article I read.
I need to try some different water based solutions. The problem is, our farm stuff is caked with dirt and oil combinded. We pressure wash first and then clean up parts taken off with naptha by soaking them if possible.
Have a look here, maybe you will see something you like. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=auto+parts+cleaning+solvent&btnG=Google+Search
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer

[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 02-02-2003).]

Mineral spirits generally has a flash point around 100-105 degrees F. There are several grades of Naptha. VM&P naptha actually has a lower flash point then Mineral spirits (40-70 degrees F.)
There are other Napthas that are 100-150 degree flashpoints. Always check the MSDS for the Flash Point and I would always be careful with any solvent around open flames and grinding. Though the High Flash 150 degree naptha is probably safest it is also probably the weakest solvent.


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Scotts 67 (http://community.webshots.com/user/sudo1a)

back when i worked as a mechanic, about the time the epa really got uptight about toxic crap in the soil (for good reason i suppose), we had a guy come by and sell my boss on some citrus based solvent for the solvent tank. i was real skeptical at first, because if its toxic it must clean better, right? well, the stuff actually worked very well, even smelled better. unfortunately i totally forget the name of the stuff, but i imagine something like it is still available. sorry i can't be of more help, but it might be worth looking into.

I go to my local auto/house/indust paint store and take along my own 5-gal jugs and buy a product called Varsol. Works very well.

You might ask a Safety-Kleen man and buy some from him.

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Everett "OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR APPEAR QUICKLY UPON RAPID DECELERATION"

I did some testing of my own over the weekend with Greased Lighting, Simple Green, Mineral spirits and some cheep genaric cleaner I bought along the way. There is no doubt that nothing works like a petroleum solvent. After stewing over this for a few days, I called Saftey Kleen this morning and spoke with a very knowledgable sales person, who convinced me that was the way to go. They bring the solvent in a drum to my garage and set my washer right on the drum.It is basically naptha. When it needs to be changed they pick it up and dispose of it properly, which is a very nice feature. They make it easy with no hassle! I would not say it is cheep but for as much as I'll use it I figure its worth it. Thanks to all for your input!
Dan.

What about Castrol Super Clean?

I agree, I've used super clean and for a water based cleaner, it works pretty well, I just let it soak a while and, with a little brushing, it comes clean. No harsh smell either. Mike

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69 Camaro http://community.webshots.com/user/michaelmontanez

I thought about that but it cost $11.oo per gallon and I need 10 gallons! Then I would have to find a way to dispose of it when I'm done. The Safety Kleen is only 92.00 delivered in their drum (mine is rusted and I would have to buy a new one which is about $20.00) and they pick it up when it gets dirty. For me I think will be the best way to go. Any solvent I use weather it be petrolium or waterbase is still going to cost 50.00 or 60.00 anyway. For a few extra bucks I eliminate all of the hassles.
Thanks to everyone for your ideas.
Dan.