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.

[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.

[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.