Topic: Ultrasonic Cleaner - What Size to Buy?

[Nightshift]

It's time I bit the bullet and acquired an ultrasonic cleaner for small parts ... especially carbs, brake m/c and calipers etc. I searched around here but couldn't find a recommendation as to what size everyone typically uses ... hence my question. Amazon has lots of selection of cheap Vevor units from 1.5 litre up. I'm thinking a 2 L or maybe 3 L would be fine, but hopefully someone here can advise me. Much appreciated. Bill

[zabzob]

Oddly enough, thinking about the same thing! I saw this comment on the 3L model that might be helpful:

"This claims to have a capacity of 3 litres, but I measured to the “fill level” and it was almost exactly 2 litres. Add in the fact that the basket takes up 1cm or so all round, and it really eats into the amount of useable space."

So it's smaller than it looks... my plan was at least 3L since the price difference is pretty negligible, and I foresee the day when I want to clean something that is just a tiny bit too big for the smaller ones.

[bryanj]

Work out what you can afford and buy the next dearest!

[Deltarider]

Although a friend - a rare restorator of bandoneons and other musical instruments - has one, so far I have not been tempted to accept his standing invitation. Oldstyle carbs like mine can be cleaned easier by hand imo. I might throw my caliper in though, like he did recently for his XS650 which had stood for 12 years, but also that part can easily be cleaned by hand with a dental pick.

[BallAquatics]

Since purchasing my ultrsonic I don't know how I got along without it.  It still amazes me how clean and shiny it gets parts, it's almost like magic!

When doing carbs, I like to put the whole rack in for a first clean and heat cycle.  Makes them nice and clean on the outside and I feel they come apart easier after being cleaned and heated up.  As such, I purchased the VEVOR 22L Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaner with Digital Timer&Heater.  It will fit whole racks of carbs.....

Once disassembled I like to keep parts together as a unit.  I can put a single carb or caliper or master cylinder etc into it's own container and then put several containers into the ultrasonic.  Makes cleaning quicker, and I don't use as much cleaning solution.

Lastly, I use Simple Green Pro HD. works great on aluminum parts. I get mine at Home Depot for around $15 a gallon, a little bit goes a long way too!  It doesn't discolor the aluminum parts like normal Simple Green or the Harbor Freight degreaser can do.

Hope this info helps with your decision!

[denward17]

^question: When you use the individual containers, assume you just use water in the main unit?

[WhyNot2]

Since purchasing my ultrsonic I don't know how I got along without it.  It still amazes me how clean and shiny it gets parts, it's almost like magic!


Once disassembled I like to keep parts together as a unit.  I can put a single carb or caliper or master cylinder etc into it's own container and then put several containers into the ultrasonic.  Makes cleaning quicker, and I don't use as much cleaning solution.

Hope this info helps with your decision!

I do the same with small containers, but I use glass jars with the solution. Also the cleaner itself is filled with just standard water......does a good job.

[Tracksnblades1]

Work out what you can afford and buy the next dearest!

+1….

+40hz @600watts
+1400watt heater
+30liter

😇

[BenelliSEI]

I have a three litre tank that I bought ages ago. It’s great for small parts. Recently, the unit pictured was given to me. The timer switch was burned out and a few parts had dislodged inside. It was in a commercial garage and FILTHY. When it stopped working, they instantly replaced it. I cleaned it up and repaired it. Never use the small one anymore. Get the biggest one you can afford.

[BallAquatics]

^question: When you use the individual containers, assume you just use water in the main unit?

Yes that is what I do.  I don't often have parts that are so big that I need to use the entire tank so I use the unit mostly with the small containers.  Saves a fortune in cleaning solution.   

[MauiK3]

I got a 10L model, really helps, I use 50/50 Simple Green and water, I didn't know about the purple SG, seems better for aluminum.

[PeWe]

I bought a 30L with room for a complete rack of carbs or a CB750 head that have been cleaned in it.
It did not cost much for 5-6 years ago on Ebay. I think via UK.

I later bought a smaller one for small things, 3L with less need of cleaning mix. I found it cheap, £59 + 2 for shipping. So I could not resist.
It could avoid customs too if I remember correctly

Have not used it yet. I had thoughts about cleaning sooty spark plugs with very low milage.

[Alan F.]

This seems to be the lowest priced 30l unit on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/YITAHOME-Commercial-Ultrasonic-7-9Gallon-Industrial/dp/B0C7Z51HNF/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=FEOUKWGN72A6&keywords=30l+ultrasonic+cleaner&qid=1703353561&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=30l+ultrasonic+cleaner%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

[Prospect]

This is a 3 litre tank I use. I bought it years ago when there weren't many companies making them and the price was high. This size requires the carburetors to be disassembled and done one at a time. Which is completely fine. Still works great.


https://www.amazon.ca/Industrial-Liters-Digital-Ultrasonic-Cleaner/dp/B01NCJ0N6O/ref=asc_df_B01NCJ0N6O/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292983181586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11441895606189124732&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000930&hvtargid=pla-521520627806&psc=1&mcid=fc66dfa9d4da393392deecb93023c06f#

[BenelliSEI]

This is a 3 litre tank I use. I bought it years ago when there weren't many companies making them and the price was high. This size requires the carburetors to be disassembled and done one at a time. Which is completely fine. Still works great.


https://www.amazon.ca/Industrial-Liters-Digital-Ultrasonic-Cleaner/dp/B01NCJ0N6O/ref=asc_df_B01NCJ0N6O/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292983181586&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11441895606189124732&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000930&hvtargid=pla-521520627806&psc=1&mcid=fc66dfa9d4da393392deecb93023c06f#

My small one is very similar and I to use it for carbs. You should dismantle the rack and totally strip them and I do them one at a time. It works very well and I change the fluid way more often the big one!

[Nightshift]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I've abandoned the 3L idea and will probably go 10-15L. The 30L size seems too large for my planned use and takes a fortune in fluid to fill it. Appreciate the ideas. Cheers, Bill