Parts Washer Cleaning Solution?

Talisker
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Houston, TX US
Talisker
What's a good cleaning solution for parts washers. I have tried many over the years and all are not equal. Looking for something that breaks down grease but will not dry out engine parts causing them to rust. I am currently using Varsol but looking for something with less fumes.
Thanks, D
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LKHill
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LKHill 11/21/2020 6:00am
11/21/2020 6:00am
mineral spirits, AKA paint thinner.
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dadofagun
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dadofagun 11/21/2020 6:15am
11/21/2020 6:15am
Up the road from where I grew up, an old man had a fixit shop where he repaired virtually anything. He had an ancient parts washer over in the corner that looked 100 years old, and he swore by straight kerosene. I can't remember a time he didn't have his hands in that thing at least once any time Dad and I was there. He said he changed the fluid out 3-4 times a year, and that damn thing was always on..... As far as health concerns with it, he lived to be 94, and worked right up to the time of his passing.
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LKHill
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LKHill 11/21/2020 6:47am
11/21/2020 6:47am
lol, his parts never rusted.

The Shop

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plowboy
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plowboy 11/21/2020 8:16am
11/21/2020 8:16am
I'm real old and remember when we used trichloroethylene. If there was something out there that removed grease/oil faster or better, I never saw it. I guess it's pretty toxic but looks like it's still available.
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DB505
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DB505 11/21/2020 9:21am
11/21/2020 9:21am
plowboy wrote:
I'm real old and remember when we used trichloroethylene. If there was something out there that removed grease/oil faster or better, I never saw it. I...
I'm real old and remember when we used trichloroethylene. If there was something out there that removed grease/oil faster or better, I never saw it. I guess it's pretty toxic but looks like it's still available.
Wow that brings back a memory, in the aviation industry we used to use a vapor degreaser with that, it was awesome, just dip it in for a lil bit, pull it out nice and dry perfectly clean! But the EPA !!!! Lol
Bruce372
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Bruce372 11/21/2020 9:34am
11/21/2020 9:34am
Please don't use organic solvents such as naphtha or mineral spirits etc.

Its very bad for your health. Plus, there are lots of safer options
JustMX
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JustMX 11/21/2020 9:51am
11/21/2020 9:51am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2020 9:54am
I have one that is mostly used for heavy equipment and tractor parts.

I just use plain diesel in mine and change it more often, currently $2.10/gallon.

Drain the used stuff into buckets and use it to set brush piles on fire.

If it needs to be any cleaner, hit it with a shot of brake cleaner to knock the oil film off.
Sheriff245 11/21/2020 11:02am
11/21/2020 11:02am
The one I use is a degreaser made for pavement company to clean tar/bitumen from their tools. Nasty but works SO well. Gotta rinse it quickly on rubber or plastic tho.
Whymee
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Whymee 11/22/2020 7:22am
11/22/2020 7:22am
JustMX wrote:
I have one that is mostly used for heavy equipment and tractor parts. I just use plain diesel in mine and change it more often, currently...
I have one that is mostly used for heavy equipment and tractor parts.

I just use plain diesel in mine and change it more often, currently $2.10/gallon.

Drain the used stuff into buckets and use it to set brush piles on fire.

If it needs to be any cleaner, hit it with a shot of brake cleaner to knock the oil film off.
Winner winner, chicken dinner!

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