Thread: What fluid does everyone use in their Parts Washers?

I use parts washer solvent. I bought a 44 of it from a mate who runs an Autobarn store.

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

I use parts washer solvent. I bought a 44 of it from a mate who runs an Autobarn store.

So is it water based or hydrocarbon based???

If your pump is submerged under the degreasing fluid and it is plastic you will have to use water based, non-solvent type degreasing fluid or your plastic pump will fall to bits, my ("Grip" brand) degreaser had the above gear and I used a solvent based degreaser. My pump lasted less than a week, this machine had no instructions with it, returned it and got my money back. I've noticed this brand now has a decal on the lid saying only suitable for water based detergents, Regards Frank.

Thanks Frank, but mine is a large industrial one. It has a list of suitable solvents on the lid that includes diesel and kero.

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There used to be a product called Gamlen (Brand Name), it was a degreaser used for oil spills on water, worked well, try this mob or Google, http://www.shamrockchemicals.com.au/contact , Regards Frank.

Ben I've bought white spirit in the past specifically for parts washing and always thought that's what most parts washers usually had in the sump ?

Dries with no residue.

The problem with White Spirits (Shellite) is that it evaporates extremely quickly, I used to clean turbine parts with white spirits for exactly the reason Rick 130 said, first time I used it poured 5 gallons into washer and used it, but next day it was all gone, evaporated, expensive exercise, and it is Carcinogenic, Regards Frank.