What chemical do you use in your parts washer? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Virginia72SWB4X4 · 10-17-2004, 05:38 PM

The varsol in parts washer is so contaminated now it doesnâ€™t cut grease anymore. I cleaned out the washer and now I'm wondering what to replace it with. Varsol is still available in my area. Others have told me they use mineral spirits.
Any suggestions?

Gary

Ogier · 10-17-2004, 05:46 PM

Lye works really well. The higher the concentration, the better it cuts. Of course, you really want to wear gloves.

*1972C10* · 10-17-2004, 05:46 PM

Mineral spirits And just buy paint thinner same difference just tad more odor. tractor supply company has some stuff Im gonna check it out if its different than mineral spirits im gonna try it as mine is black and in need of chaning.

cdowns · 10-17-2004, 05:46 PM

a mix of kerosene and 25%marvel mystery oil

chickenwing · 10-17-2004, 05:52 PM

Where are you guys gettin rid of your sludge?

Virginia72SWB4X4 · 10-17-2004, 06:05 PM

Big Daddy,

Let me know how the stuff from Tractor Supply works out. I've got a TS in my town, I like doing business with them.

Chicken wing,

Right or wrong I include mine with the waste engine oil I recycle at the local dump. They have a waste container for engine oil. I reason theres enough petroleum waste and other stuff it won't matter.

Gary

Fred T · 10-17-2004, 07:48 PM

I go to the co-op in the town I grew up in and buy safety solvent. There's even a tank truck in Wichita that will deliver bulk, if you buy enough. The old Stoddard Safety Solvent works far better than mineral spirits, it cleans better and doesn't evaporate as fast. I've had mine in the tank for 3 years, it needs changing. I'll take the old to the recycling center.

Virginia72SWB4X4 · 10-17-2004, 08:33 PM

I've never heard of safety solvent, what is it?

gary

hobby67stepside · 10-17-2004, 10:01 PM

I use #1 diesel fuel. Works pretty good. Probably doesn't cut grease as good as some of the stuff mentioned.

72 CustomCamper · 10-17-2004, 11:27 PM

Hey Gary, goto Home Depot and get about 10 gallons of cheap paint thinner. I did that for my neighbor's and for Doug's parts washers. It works great. I think we got the stuff in the blue cans and it's only a little over a buck a can...

Chuck

*1972C10* · 10-17-2004, 11:31 PM

yup paint thinner thats what i have in mine.. And a good way to cheat to get the solvent level up is to take the metal cans or antifreeze jugs and fill them with water and place in the bottom of the parts washer. Ive got two in mine. sure helps.

chickenwing · 10-17-2004, 11:38 PM

Fred, Where can you buy the stoddard? I went with my dad once to what I think was a fuel dump for an Agricultural fuel distributer. I think there was an Exxon or Chevron sign... I remember his tank really takin off the funk.
Thanks.

Chevy67Tk · 10-17-2004, 11:55 PM

For most of my general cleaning I use diesel fuel and the stuff from GUNK mixed with it cuts greases good and doesnâ€™t evaporate fast

For carbs and small alum. parts Berrymans carb. cleaner.

For the really nasty steel parts trisodium phosphate (TSP) Â½ to 1 cup per gallon of hot water and it will do wonders.

MR. GOODWRENCH · 10-18-2004, 12:20 AM

I use the stuff from TSC in my parts washer,I deal with alot of diesel parts on the farm tractors and it works great.

Brainchild · 10-18-2004, 01:21 AM

Where do you get that solvent Mr. Goodwrench? That's what I'd like to have.

Has anyone rented a washer from Saftey Klean? I was wondering what thje cost is on a small tank.

MR. GOODWRENCH · 10-18-2004, 01:51 AM

well,I have two parts washers that I use,one is a Saftey Clean barrel type,that my dad bought about 15 years ago,the other is a cheaper 20 gallon one ,Clarke brand that I bought at Tractor Supply Company,that is were I get the solvant for them,most of the stores carry it,if not they will order it for you.

68LSS1 · 10-18-2004, 02:42 AM

I get the cleaner from NAPA. I don't remember the name. Works as good as the Safety Clean stuff we use at work.

Lippyp · 10-18-2004, 04:54 AM

I use a water soluble degreaser, it's a UK brand so probably not available over there. it works great, mines ben in there for several years, I just decant it and filter the worst muck out through a funnel with some loosley packed wire woll now and again and clean the tank out. Once clean you can wash the degreaser off with water, dry and it's ready to go. I bought it from my local parts supplier.

onetoncrewcab · 10-18-2004, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brainchild

Where do you get that solvent Mr. Goodwrench? That's what I'd like to have.

Has anyone rented a washer from Saftey Klean? I was wondering what thje cost is on a small tank.

We used to rent three of them at work, but we replaced two of them with hot water parts washers. We kept the third one to clean injector parts in the fuel and electric room. It is one of those small barrel type ones. When I get to work tomorrow, I'll try to remember to look it up and see what it costs.
Mike

Fred T · 10-18-2004, 09:11 AM

The can from TSC is a safety solvent. It's called that because you can throw a lit match in it and the match will go out. It has to be heated to burn. If you take a torch to a part coated with the solvent it will burn. I buy it in bulk at a co-op, but not all of them have it. Takes 12 gallons to fill a 20 gallon washer. It can also be bought from some of the oil and chemical dealers. I've also seen it for sale in cans at parts and ag supply stores. Probably not available in California.

Last time I bought it the price had gone up, cost was about $40 for 15 gallons. Prices vary a bunch, best if you can buy it in bulk. Some of the prices in stores were as high as $7 a gallon. We also use it in the parts washer at our museum. We abuse it there with some of the stuff we clean, it needs replaced at least annually.

CRC makes it, too, but I've only seen it in 55 gallon drums from them. And their formula does clean better, but I'm sure the price is high. The CRC dealer donated a drum of it to us.

10-17-2004, 05:46 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	a mix of kerosene and 25%marvel mystery oil __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-17-2004, 05:52 PM	#5
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Where are you guys gettin rid of your sludge? __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

10-17-2004, 07:48 PM	#7
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I go to the co-op in the town I grew up in and buy safety solvent. There's even a tank truck in Wichita that will deliver bulk, if you buy enough. The old Stoddard Safety Solvent works far better than mineral spirits, it cleans better and doesn't evaporate as fast. I've had mine in the tank for 3 years, it needs changing. I'll take the old to the recycling center. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

10-17-2004, 11:27 PM	#10
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,368	Hey Gary, goto Home Depot and get about 10 gallons of cheap paint thinner. I did that for my neighbor's and for Doug's parts washers. It works great. I think we got the stuff in the blue cans and it's only a little over a buck a can... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

10-17-2004, 11:38 PM	#12
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Fred, Where can you buy the stoddard? I went with my dad once to what I think was a fuel dump for an Agricultural fuel distributer. I think there was an Exxon or Chevron sign... I remember his tank really takin off the funk. Thanks. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

10-17-2004, 05:38 PM	#1
Virginia72SWB4X4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 144	What chemical do you use in your parts washer? The varsol in parts washer is so contaminated now it doesnâ€™t cut grease anymore. I cleaned out the washer and now I'm wondering what to replace it with. Varsol is still available in my area. Others have told me they use mineral spirits. Any suggestions? Gary

10-17-2004, 05:46 PM	#2
Ogier Chopper/Painter Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Medford, Or. Posts: 284	Lye works really well. The higher the concentration, the better it cuts. Of course, you really want to wear gloves.

10-17-2004, 05:46 PM	#3
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	Mineral spirits And just buy paint thinner same difference just tad more odor. tractor supply company has some stuff Im gonna check it out if its different than mineral spirits im gonna try it as mine is black and in need of chaning.

10-17-2004, 06:05 PM	#6
Virginia72SWB4X4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 144	Big Daddy, Let me know how the stuff from Tractor Supply works out. I've got a TS in my town, I like doing business with them. Chicken wing, Right or wrong I include mine with the waste engine oil I recycle at the local dump. They have a waste container for engine oil. I reason theres enough petroleum waste and other stuff it won't matter. Gary

10-17-2004, 08:33 PM	#8
Virginia72SWB4X4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 144	I've never heard of safety solvent, what is it? gary

10-17-2004, 10:01 PM	#9
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	I use #1 diesel fuel. Works pretty good. Probably doesn't cut grease as good as some of the stuff mentioned.

10-17-2004, 11:31 PM	#11
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	yup paint thinner thats what i have in mine.. And a good way to cheat to get the solvent level up is to take the metal cans or antifreeze jugs and fill them with water and place in the bottom of the parts washer. Ive got two in mine. sure helps.

10-17-2004, 11:55 PM	#13
Chevy67Tk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: PA Posts: 349	For most of my general cleaning I use diesel fuel and the stuff from GUNK mixed with it cuts greases good and doesnâ€™t evaporate fast For carbs and small alum. parts Berrymans carb. cleaner. For the really nasty steel parts trisodium phosphate (TSP) Â½ to 1 cup per gallon of hot water and it will do wonders. __________________

10-18-2004, 12:20 AM	#14
MR. GOODWRENCH Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Maryville,TN Posts: 402	I use the stuff from TSC in my parts washer,I deal with alot of diesel parts on the farm tractors and it works great. __________________ 68 CST SWB,full off frame restoration,72 GMC Sierra Grande SWB,72 Cheyenne 30 long wheelbase flatbed,2000 4door Chevy Dually bought new,2002 SS Camaro with 600 miles,bought it to put up,72 Monte Carlo,it was my first car,69 Impala with 50,000 miles,it was my dads,89 Dodge diseal 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive,my dad bought it new,68 Camaro RS dragcar,97 United Transporters 25 foot enclosed trailer,58 Oliver Super 77 Diseal,my grandfather bought new fully restored,55 Oliver Super 66 Diseal my uncle bought new,49 Oliver Rowcrop 88,51 Farmall H,51 Farmall Super C,81 Ford 3600,89 Ford 6610,49 Allis Chalmers WD45,81 Allis Chalmers 7060 my dad bought new,Allis Chalmers 175.

10-18-2004, 01:21 AM	#15
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	Where do you get that solvent Mr. Goodwrench? That's what I'd like to have. Has anyone rented a washer from Saftey Klean? I was wondering what thje cost is on a small tank. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

10-18-2004, 01:51 AM	#16
MR. GOODWRENCH Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Maryville,TN Posts: 402	well,I have two parts washers that I use,one is a Saftey Clean barrel type,that my dad bought about 15 years ago,the other is a cheaper 20 gallon one ,Clarke brand that I bought at Tractor Supply Company,that is were I get the solvant for them,most of the stores carry it,if not they will order it for you. __________________ 68 CST SWB,full off frame restoration,72 GMC Sierra Grande SWB,72 Cheyenne 30 long wheelbase flatbed,2000 4door Chevy Dually bought new,2002 SS Camaro with 600 miles,bought it to put up,72 Monte Carlo,it was my first car,69 Impala with 50,000 miles,it was my dads,89 Dodge diseal 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive,my dad bought it new,68 Camaro RS dragcar,97 United Transporters 25 foot enclosed trailer,58 Oliver Super 77 Diseal,my grandfather bought new fully restored,55 Oliver Super 66 Diseal my uncle bought new,49 Oliver Rowcrop 88,51 Farmall H,51 Farmall Super C,81 Ford 3600,89 Ford 6610,49 Allis Chalmers WD45,81 Allis Chalmers 7060 my dad bought new,Allis Chalmers 175.

10-18-2004, 02:42 AM	#17
68LSS1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,191	I get the cleaner from NAPA. I don't remember the name. Works as good as the Safety Clean stuff we use at work. __________________ '68 Short Step LS1/T56, Hydratech, Fatman Fabrications Stage III, Baer, Hot Rods to Hell, US Body, S&W, etc

10-18-2004, 04:54 AM	#18
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	I use a water soluble degreaser, it's a UK brand so probably not available over there. it works great, mines ben in there for several years, I just decant it and filter the worst muck out through a funnel with some loosley packed wire woll now and again and clean the tank out. Once clean you can wash the degreaser off with water, dry and it's ready to go. I bought it from my local parts supplier. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

10-18-2004, 09:11 AM	#20
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	The can from TSC is a safety solvent. It's called that because you can throw a lit match in it and the match will go out. It has to be heated to burn. If you take a torch to a part coated with the solvent it will burn. I buy it in bulk at a co-op, but not all of them have it. Takes 12 gallons to fill a 20 gallon washer. It can also be bought from some of the oil and chemical dealers. I've also seen it for sale in cans at parts and ag supply stores. Probably not available in California. Last time I bought it the price had gone up, cost was about $40 for 15 gallons. Prices vary a bunch, best if you can buy it in bulk. Some of the prices in stores were as high as $7 a gallon. We also use it in the parts washer at our museum. We abuse it there with some of the stuff we clean, it needs replaced at least annually. CRC makes it, too, but I've only seen it in 55 gallon drums from them. And their formula does clean better, but I'm sure the price is high. The CRC dealer donated a drum of it to us. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.