Best solvent for parts washer?
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stanger53
New Member
Check to see what kind of solvent your parts washer is designed for. Some are made to use a water/soap/degreaser fluid and using a petroleum solvent may cause a problem with the pump.
Brake Kleen is too "hot" for a parts washer, and will evaporate too quickly. Some types of brake cleaner are extremely flammable.
I have always used mineral spririts (laquer thinner) and it does a great job. Don't pay extra for the "unscented" solvent. It is usually cheaper to buy it in 5-gallon pails than by the gallon. Like everything else, solvent has just about doubled in price over the last year or so.
Brake Kleen is too "hot" for a parts washer, and will evaporate too quickly. Some types of brake cleaner are extremely flammable.
I have always used mineral spririts (laquer thinner) and it does a great job. Don't pay extra for the "unscented" solvent. It is usually cheaper to buy it in 5-gallon pails than by the gallon. Like everything else, solvent has just about doubled in price over the last year or so.
iskwezm
10 Year Member
iskwezm
10 Year Member
I wouldnt say its very bad, but it will etch polished parts and remove paint
cost about 12 bucks a gallon i think andcan be diluted
Rusty67
Dirt-Old 20+Year Member
Where are you buying this stuff ? It hasn't been legal for sale in California for over a year.
BarnStang
Founding Member
69 Rustang
Member
I ordered a 5 gallon can of solvent from a machine tool supply company out of Nevada. It did cost me $50 (shipped to my door), but I am still using it and still have a few gallons in the can. The worst part is I have to store the extra solvent (as opposed to being able to just run down and buy more), but that is part of living in California. The company I bought from was Elco Manufacturing phone (775) 788-7300. They do have a web site, but I couldn't find it on my initial search. They will send you a catalog every few months after you order--they have tons of quality machine tools and machinist supplies.
When I first got my parts washer I looked all over for solvent for it. Everywhere I went here in SoCal I was told it was not available. I initially bought some concentrate where you dilute it--totally worthless and waste of money.
When I first got my parts washer I looked all over for solvent for it. Everywhere I went here in SoCal I was told it was not available. I initially bought some concentrate where you dilute it--totally worthless and waste of money.
I've always used mineral spirits and it works well for me. I don't believe I'd use lacquer thinner because I'm guessing that it has a low flash point and would probably evaporate fairly quick.
Here's a link that you might want to read through.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/parts-cleaner-128096.html?highlight=parts+cleaner
Here's a link that you might want to read through.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/parts-cleaner-128096.html?highlight=parts+cleaner
stanger53
New Member
Painters usually refer to a "cheap" laquer thinner for cleaning their paint guns, not for mixing with paint. This is mineral spirits.
I buy mine at Lowes in 5gal cans for about $30-$33. It evaporates cleanly, until you get it heavily contaminated. The flash point isn't too high on it, just be careful around any sparks or flame.
I buy mine at Lowes in 5gal cans for about $30-$33. It evaporates cleanly, until you get it heavily contaminated. The flash point isn't too high on it, just be careful around any sparks or flame.
Cobain03
Active Member
lacquer thinner (even wash thinner) is not the same as mineral spirits... 'spirits are only one step above common kerosene in the distillation process. thinner is a mixture of xylene, toulene, and sometimes acetone, that has a very low flash point, and as was mentioned earlier, evaporates quickly. it would work well, but my washer is filled with mineral spirits from home depot.
iskwezm
10 Year Member
