[67drake]

I bought a cheap 20 gallon parts washer at Harbor Freight years ago. Tonight project is to finally assemble it!
So, what’s the best or cheapest parts washer solvent around today? The only recommendation I got was some called PSC1000 from Tractor Supply. Anyone use this, or have something better?
Thanks

[mgarblik]

The Tractor Supply PSC 1000 solvent is great and the lowest cost petroleum based solvent I can find. Unfortunately, unless Harbor Freight has changed their pump in the last 10 years or so, they DO NOT recommend running petroleum based solvent in their pumps. So you may have a real problem using this stuff. Harbor Freight expects you to use the various water based solvents out there. I have never found any of them to work at all. Along with not working, they all leave a scummy film on all your parts. So not sure what to recommend as far as the HF tank and pump. I have seen people just use the HF solvent tank as a dip tank and not use the pump. Or buy a petroleum solvent pump from Grainger and retrofit it.

[67drake]

Ah, OK, glad I asked. Yeah the HF manual says no petroleum based solvents. I was thinking the PSC 1000 was water based.

[mgarblik]

If you go the water based route, please post here if you find ANY that actually works on oily, greasy, caked-up old auto parts. I have found none yet.

[Mr Twister]

I always preclean my parts to keep my expensive solvent fresher. For the solvent, i have 10 gallons of mineral spirits from farm and home mixed with 1 gallon of a product called Gold Seal or something like that. I got it at an auction in a 5 gallon can. Says it makes parts washers work better.

[67drake]

Hmm. Looked on my local Craigslist last night. Some shop is selling an old ugly parts washer with a good working petroleum pump on it, for $80. If it’s still available Monday, I might just go get that and sell this new one before I waste my time getting it dirty. I can probably come out ahead buying the used one.

[Greg Reid]

I have a HF parts washer and the water based solvents were useless. I bought an inexpensive solvent friendly pump and stuck it on. Been working great with Mineral Spirits ever since. Can't remember where I got the pump but they're out there.

[HoovDaddy]

Been using Super Clean purple degreaser for about a year, works very well. Also use it on the floor. Nice water based degreaser, cleans pistons, heads, chassis, seat belts, haven't found anything it won't clean.

[Greg Reid]

I've used the various purple cleaners for 20 years starting with Castrol if I recall correctly. I still use one or another for 90% of my shop cleaning. Greased Lightning is another... They are very good, probably the best as far as water based cleaners go but they came up short with the kinds of things I was cleaning in my parts cleaner.
One more thing about those products.. Do not use them on aluminum. They contain Lye which doesn't play nice with aluminum or anodized parts for that matter.
For PRE-cleaning, I have found that heavy duty Easy-Off (in the yellow can) can't be beat. Again, stay away from aluminum or anodized stuff.

[67drake]

Well, I went and picked up the grungy old washer for $80. Now going to go up to TS for some PSC 1000, so the water based issue is moot. Thanks everyone!

[67drake]

Took all the sludge out with a wide putty knife, then filled with 5 gallons of that PSC 1000. Works great!
Anyone want to buy a brand new HF parts washer?

[OG68]

I like the Mercury Meteor in front of the washer. 62 / 63 ? My Aunt had one back in the early 70s. Her's was a hardtop with bucket seats. 260 Ford IIRC.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by OG68

I like the Mercury Meteor in front of the washer. 62 / 63 ? My Aunt had one back in the early 70s. Her's was a hardtop with bucket seats. 260 Ford IIRC.

Yes, mine is a ‘62 with a 260. I also have the S-33 option that came with bucket seats and counsel.
I have the engine out and back from the machine shop. I figured the parts washer would help with cleaning off oil pan, rocker covers ect.

[Bills Auto Works]

Originally Posted by 67drake

Well, I went and picked up the grungy old washer for $80. Now going to go up to TS for some PSC 1000, so the water based issue is moot. Thanks everyone!

Good for you Sir!

You could have wasted a bunch of money trying different water based cleaners, What are the chances HF will take it back?

I have never seen anyone use a water based product that works as good as Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits, cheap "Gun Cleaner" lacquer thinner, etc,etc

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

[george kujanski]

Don't know about water-based but I use mineral spirits for the heavy lifting, and lacquer thinner for final cleaning.

Back in the day trichlor was really good, but used with good ventilation. hasn't been available for years now. The Brakleen stuff is similar.

George

[67drake]

Originally Posted by Bills Auto Works

Good for you Sir!

You could have wasted a bunch of money trying different water based cleaners, What are the chances HF will take it back?

I have never seen anyone use a water based product that works as good as Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits, cheap "Gun Cleaner" lacquer thinner, etc,etc

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

I bought it in 2019! Lol One of my sons said he could use it at work, so maybe a Christmas present for him.

[Shiny]

Originally Posted by george kujanski

Don't know about water-based but I use mineral spirits for the heavy lifting, and lacquer thinner for final cleaning.

Back in the day trichlor was really good, but used with good ventilation. hasn't been available for years now. The Brakleen stuff is similar.

George

Yup, and when I was a kid, I'd just use gasoline. Remember Varsol (naptha)? That was a safer and less volatile go-to that is harder to find now.. maybe Coleman fuel is similar but propane took over that world.

Is the TS PSC 1000 naptha? If not, what is it?

[Dragncar]

Originally Posted by HoovDaddy

Been using Super Clean purple degreaser for about a year, works very well. Also use it on the floor. Nice water based degreaser, cleans pistons, heads, chassis, seat belts, haven't found anything it won't clean.

That stuff does work fairly well.
So, in California we have not been able to use solvent based parts washers for years. What they do let us use is the citrus based stuff. And it does work but................... it must be used in heated tanks. Works, but its a extra cost with the heater on all the time. But the non flammable part is very good.
Its the norm here these days.

[Greg Reid]

Huh... I didn't think they allowed things to get dirty in California any more.. ; )

[67drake]

Originally Posted by Shiny

Yup, and when I was a kid, I'd just use gasoline. Remember Varsol (naptha)? That was a safer and less volatile go-to that is harder to find now.. maybe Coleman fuel is similar but propane took over that world.

Is the TS PSC 1000 naptha? If not, what is it?

I believe it’s similar to mineral spirits.