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FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: chilly460 on May 29, 2020, 01:12:49 AM

Title: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: chilly460 on May 29, 2020, 01:12:49 AM
Digging into an engine project and will need a LOT of parts washing.  I have a parts washer I’ve actually never used, mostly because I can’t decide what solvent to use.  I’m not too keen on running mineral spirits as I’m in a tight space and do a lot of grinding near the washer, is there any non-flammable fluid that actually works? 

Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: blykins on May 29, 2020, 05:35:21 AM
I actually use a Summit Racing brand of fluid.  It's some kind of green "smart" fluid.  Its a very good solvent, non-flammable, doesn't stink, doesn't burn your hands.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: cattleFEeder on May 29, 2020, 06:44:58 AM
+1 on the summit fluid.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-941245-1
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: hwoods on May 29, 2020, 07:05:16 AM
PSC 1000 solvent.  I buy at Tractor Supply high flash point 141 degrees if I remember corrrectly   $39.95 for 5 gallons
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: chilly460 on May 29, 2020, 10:53:50 AM
Thanks, will check both out
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: frnkeore on May 29, 2020, 01:12:13 PM
The old standard, automotive cleaning solvent, is call Stoddard solvent. It's available at any petroleum supply company.

PSC 1000 solvent, is probably Stoddard solvent, with it's higher flash point. Stoddard works well but, the fumes can get to you if you use it where there no air current or if you use a air gun to spray it. I had to breath a lot of it, when I was a mechanic. Not good. Also, with extended use, it effects your skin. It will make your skin tingle and itch. Prolonged use, will result in your skin peeling, too. So, rubber gloves would be good.

What I use now, is a industrial, water soluble cleaner. to be mixed 10/1, as max strength but, I use it straight, like carb cleaner. It will take off 40 year old  slug and leave a clean surface but, doesn't remove the paint like carb cleaner and is very safe to use. I buy it for $22 per 5 gal or $5 per gal. I got 1 gal first to try it out. It worked so well, I went back and got the 5 gal bucket.

Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: Gregwill16 on May 29, 2020, 02:08:10 PM
Frank do you have a link where we can view this stuff?
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: Falcon67 on May 29, 2020, 03:36:43 PM
PSC 1000 solvent.  I buy at Tractor Supply high flash point 141 degrees if I remember corrrectly   $39.95 for 5 gallons

Same - works, no smell.  Last price I paid here was $50/5 gallons.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: frnkeore on May 30, 2020, 02:39:09 AM
Frank do you have a link where we can view this stuff?
It is a generic brand and maybe only available in my area. I looked for it online and couldn't find it.

I'll take a picture of the label, on the bucket, tomorrow.

It's a industrial grease remover so, it should be widely available, on different brand names.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: frnkeore on May 30, 2020, 04:55:30 PM
Ok, this is what it looks like and the ingredients in it.

The valve cover came from a std bore, D0 302 heads and looked pretty bad before I put it in the cleaner.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: Royce on May 31, 2020, 09:14:42 AM
Looks like a product from the food industry??  Definitely not available here in the Midwest.. I might try the Summit product.. Tired of Lacquer thinner and gasoline as cleaning agents.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: frnkeore on May 31, 2020, 12:01:32 PM
Yes, I got it at a "open to the public" whole sale supplier, that caters to restaurant type businesses.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: RustyCrankshaft on June 01, 2020, 05:25:55 PM
First Street is house brand from a restaurant supply chain Cash and Carry, now called smart food. They are open to the public and they actually have some good deals.

https://www.smartfoodservice.com/

That degreaser does work well for the price.
Title: Re: Parts washer solvent?
Post by: FirstEliminator on June 02, 2020, 11:10:26 PM
odorless mineral spirits