Harbor freight

[Busboy]

Anyone using a harbor freight parts washer with good results?

[shortstack]

I got one a few years ago as a gift, and didn't read the instructions. I used Varsol, and the machine functioned for less than an hour before it destroyed the pump. I purchased a similar parts washer for small jobs at work and have been using a mixture of Purple Power and water for a few years now with no problems. Other than that, the construction of the unit itself seems decent enough. It does not feel cheap or wobbly. I have my lid modified to open more because it is not quite enough for me to use comfortably at 6'4".

Water based solvents do not cut the grease and debris nearly as well as petroleum based (or maybe I haven't found the right one...) but it gets the job done if you put in the elbow grease. When using the purple power in higher concentrations to cut through grease faster, all I notice is more foam and soapy residue left behind.

The next parts washer I purchase will be capable of pumping petroleum based solvents.

[Busboy]

I asked the safety Kleen guy what the use for a water based solvent. He said they use a 3m product but the key to its success,according to him is the fact that their tanks are heated! I tried zep citrus based cleaner and it didn't cut grease at all. I am thinking of a way to heat the tank solution. One idea is to use an engine block heater. There is one for cummins engines that is a plate type with a gasket that mounts flat to the block, or tank. If it doesn't work I've ruined my tank!

[shortstack]

I use the same purple power concentration (50/50) in a heated sonic cleaner here at work. It works alright, but the tank is barely big enough for a lawnmower carburetor to be fully submerged...

[zazoos]

I had one of those HF parts washers, but sold it. Just didn't work that well. I use a can of brake clean or sand blast the part. Works much better imo.

[tsherry]

I've had one for years, and use five gallons or so of Simple Green as the solvent. Works like a charm. the stuff is filthy, but still cleans up everything quite well, including my hands. And it's non toxic.

[Madman]

I use one currently, and it works great, but I have real solvent in my tank, and not the eco friendly stuff.

[hdpusher]

Yes Ive had it over 5 years now. I dont use it everyday but it still works when ever i need it. I clean with kerosene. The filter is nothing more than a scotchbrite pad so it does clog when cleaning extra greasy parts.

[tac]

I asked the safety Kleen guy what the use for a water based solvent. He said they use a 3m product but the key to its success,according to him is the fact that their tanks are heated! I tried zep citrus based cleaner and it didn't cut grease at all. I am thinking of a way to heat the tank solution. One idea is to use an engine block heater. There is one for cummins engines that is a plate type with a gasket that mounts flat to the block, or tank. If it doesn't work I've ruined my tank!

Get a 110 volt water heater element for $10. I think it threads into a 1" pipe thread.

[Busboy]

Where can you find one of these elements for 10.00 ?

[shortstack]

I assume tac was talking about something similar to this, but may be wrong.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006I ... 7JEV32CP49

[tac]

Yep, that's it. I got the one locally at the Blue Box.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_146227-135-9008 ... er+element
If you feel really industrious you can hook it up to a water heater thermostat.

[Busboy]

Awesome, thanks guys.