Parts washer solvents

[DJL50]

I just purchased a parts washer. What kinds of solvent do you use and works well?

The box it came in says “Approved for Mineral Spirits” but the manual says “never to use mineral Spirits”

[newz7151]

Just go get you a bottle of degreaser and dump it in there. Maybe dilute it by 1/4th. How many parts per day are you going to be washing?

[DJL50]

Just go get you a bottle of degreaser and dump it in there. Maybe dilute it by 1/4th. How many parts per day are you going to be washing?
This is for home use only. I have had luck with Simple Green to clean other things. Just wandering what brands of cleaner is good.

[DJL50]

Got got a message back from the MFG. of the tank. They said I should not use mineral spirits. Look like they should read their own box (pic below)

[Restrorob]

Looks like the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing :dizzy:

All I've ever put in one is mineral spirits....

[Jim@MilkyWay]

I just purchased a parts washer. What kinds of solvent do you use and works well?

The box it came in says “Approved for Mineral Spirits” but the manual says “never to use mineral Spirits”I bought mine at Northern Tool.;) I use #2 diesel in it;) . Is that not a good idea?;)

[DJL50]

They said to only use a water based product. The package is not right and they have changed the info on the box.

[fly-4-fun]

If all of the parts washers that Northern Tool sells is like the one I've got, you can use mineral spirits in them. The reason they say use water based cleaning solution is on account of a safety factor. I think OSHA and some fire codes say that all parts washers that use a petroleum base solvent have to have a fusible link on the lid that will close it automatically if a fire should start inside the unit. This will put out the fire inside the washer and save you and your building. You can use the mineral spirits without any damage to the washer, just a fire safety issue.

[Jim@MilkyWay]

If all of the parts washers that Northern Tool sells is like the one I've got, you can use mineral spirits in them. The reason they say use water based cleaning solution is on account of a safety factor. I think OSHA and some fire codes say that all parts washers that use a petroleum base solvent have to have a fusible link on the lid that will close it automatically if a fire should start inside the unit.....You mean that not all parts washers have the same lid-link safety feature?
I figured it was "the law".

[fly-4-fun]

I don't think so Jim, you know most of the stuff Northern sells is made in China and they have their own way of doing stuff.....(not too concerned with operator safety over there) They might have to start putting them on the units if they are to be sold in the US. You might want to check yours since you are using #2 diesel in it, or just be extra careful.

[dutch1]

I've used K1 kerosene for 35 years. No diesel smell and not as evaporative as mineral spirits. Your mileage will vary.

Dutch

[Jim@MilkyWay]

I don't think so Jim, you know most of the stuff Northern sells is made in China and they have their own way of doing stuff.....(not too concerned with operator safety over there) They might have to start putting them on the units if they are to be sold in the US. You might want to check yours since you are using #2 diesel in it, or just be extra careful.It is "fused".
I remember inspecting closely when I bought it to see if I could tell where the link was. I thought fuse was a very good idea.
Yet and still, I hope I never need to depend on it. Because of my choice of solvent, Lid is _ALWAYS_ closed if not in use.

[steve45]

I have a similar parts washer, about 20 years old. I need a fusible link for it, but the manufacturer has gone out of business. I haven't had much luck finding one.

I use mineral spirits.

[olyman]

d24 solvent--also known as stoddard slovent--is what always used to be used in the parts washers--may not be enviromently correct now--but sure cuts grease--and wear gloves when using--nitrile preferably---

[fixer67]

I have a similar parts washer, about 20 years old. I need a fusible link for it, but the manufacturer has gone out of business. I haven't had much luck finding one.

I use mineral spirits.

I made a replacement fuse link for mind. All you need is something that will melt at a low temp and release the lid. Mind had a catch inside the lid that held the lid up and the link was a bit of metal the was on the hing. I replaced it with a soft plastic. All you need is something that will melt real quick. The one at work has a block of "wax" as the fuse link.