Topic: Parts washing questions

[edwardmorris]

So as I get close to start working on the engine next week, I was planning on getting a cleaning center set up in my garage. I did a lot of searching on the forum and google, and its unanimous that for the aluminum/alloy engines, best parts washing fluid is Simple Green HD Pro. What I couldn't find is what is typically involved when dealing with delicate parts. Does this sound right/excessive/not enough?

Brush off as much surface grime
Wash thoroughly using simple green with recommended concentration
Rinse with mineral spirits to remove contaminants
Rinse with hot water and Dawn Ultra dish soap
Rinse with warm water
Thoroughly dry with shop towels and compressed air

[dave500]

kerosine.  no such thing as excessive cleaning.

[calj737]

Edward - acetone works very well is cutting grease, but do NOT get it on paint. Denatured alcohol is an excellent solution to dry anything after washing. Completely evaporates, paint-safe and not harmful to aluminum. Also, less flammable and cheaper than kerosene.

Simple Green is good, I use Purple Power. It's very effective. But do rinse well after use, and/or wipe down with Denatured Alcohol.

[jamesb]

+1 on the purple power also zep industrial or commercial grease cutter is very good. Wear rubber gloves with the zep it soaks into your skin and everytime you wash your hands for a few days it will suds up. But your hands will be sparkling  clean. The zep works extra fast with little scrubbing. 

[brewsky]

+1 .........................onthe zep it soaks into your skin and everytime you wash your hands for a few days it will suds up. ................... 

Hmmmmmmm.....self-soaping hands! That could be a plus!

[jamesb]

You think it would be a plus but it's very miserable.

[Kickstart]

Is Zep or Purple Power (or the Simple green purple - "safe for aluminum") safe enough on aluminum parts to let them soak for extend periods of time?

Do any of you use one of those parts washer tubes (the ones with a pump)?

I was thinking about getting one of these... but I'm not sure what's the best cleanser to use with them (some of them have warnings not to use flammable solvents), or if it's safe to leave a part sit there for a few days.

[jamesb]

Zep will darken the aluminum but can be polished back out or painted

[Bodi]

I think all the washer tubs with pumps warn about no flammable fluids. Water based grease removers work almost as well but I  go with varsol/paint thinner/kerosene, us old timers get stuck in our ways. These aren't super volatile, but it is a fire risk. Probably the warning is for legal reasons - some moron might use gasoline which would be extremely dangerous.
Solvents will destroy the pump that Harobo Freight (Princess Auto here in Canada) cleaners use. It's good for a few months but after that - kaput.
Finding a hose for a dispensing brush that doesn't turn to stone in solvent is tough as well. haven't managed that yet, I use vinyl which goes hard in a week or so. Cheap, though.
I replaced the original dead pump with a Little Giant one which hasn't been ruined by varsol in 3 years.

[calj737]

The only downside to Barsol, Kerosene etc. apart from the cost, is the disposal of it. You really shouldn't flush it into the sink drains (a major EPA no-no) and lord help you if you live in an area with a septic field... A REALLY big no-no. That's why I recommend the water-based products. They work well but are a bit more inconvenient to locate, buy and replenish than 5 gallon bins of Kerosene. But they are safer to use and water soluble.

Many parts washers list solvents compatible for their systems. Any good auto parts store will have a supply of these solvents.

You should expect to have to re-polish aluminum after cleaning to some extent. Some of June parts may have a clear coat on them that will be eroded due to age, cleaning or neglect. But there's lots of threads about polishing or great solutions for coating your products after cleaning and stripping.

[edwardmorris]

Simple green pro HD is about the safest bet for aluminum is what I concluded after searching for hours. I know diesel is a phenomenal degreaser but can't be used in a parts washer and is an obvious fire hazard. I will give simple green a try and post back here soon. Its water based, biodegradeable and non flammable, so hopefully it will work out.

[dave500]

bacteria grows in old deisel,turns it black.

[Hastenbrucke]

CT 18

[lone*X]

Kerosene, plain and simple.  And as for disposal, why?  I keep a 5 gal steel oil can out in the shed that is full all the time.  After I use it in a parts pan, I let it sit for a while for the solids to settle and then pour it back in the can thru a paint filter to reuse in the future.  Cleans just as well the tenth time you use it as it does the first time.  And Kerosene does not hurt painted surfaces.  The best thing for cleaning up grungy frames and swing arms.