What solvent are people running in their parts washers? It doesn't seem possible to get varsol any more. What do people use instead? Mineral spirits? Degreasol?

I had been using the gallon degreasers form Harbor Freight. They are like castrol super clean or simple green type cleaners. Add a gallon of that, fill with water and go.

The instructions of course say not to use flammable solvents like diesel fuel or stoddard solvents.

Real solvent. I get it from the local NAPA parts store. $4 and change a gallon. Lasts forever as much as I use it.

Mineral Spirits....

isnt mineral spirits flammable tho?

sure smells like it

If you go with a solvent based cleaner, just make sure that the flash point is above 140F.

We used to use trichloroethane (non-flammable), worked great! Not so good for the ozone and your brain cells.

QUOTE (bd1308 @ Aug 27 2005, 06:18 PM)

isnt mineral spirits flammable tho? sure smells like it

Yes but it has a high flashpoint....add water to it and even though they don't mix (the water goes to the bottom) it raises the flash point even higher.

Adding water also turns the dirt into a goo, that can be lifted right off of the bottom of the tank.

cool.

learn something new everyday.

partwasher.... i could use one of those...

I picked up the 3.5 gal unit from Harbor Freight. I have a store ~ 15 minutes away. Guess I'll add a little water to bottom too!