What does the r3v have to say about engine degreaser products for a 20 gallon parts washer?
I've long ago stopped using petroleum-based solvents, mostly for health and cracked up hands reasons. You get enuf carb cleaner and brake cleaner on your hands over the years and you just get tired of that nasty stuff.
I've used "Oil Eater" recently - cheap from local parts stores. It cuts grease pretty fast and is not near as nasty as solvent, although it does have some smell in an open container. I use it straight, not diluted 1:1 as they recommend. I cleaned an E30 oil pan yesterday with Purple Power - worked good, but I read specifically NOT to use it in a parts washer.
I've read all the forums where they talk about kerosene, diesel, mineral spirits, on & on… None of those things seem like a good choice in a closed garage where I have to breathe it and spill it on my pants.
Reading about citrus-based cleaners makes them seem like the ticket - smell good, cut grease, water-soluble, non-toxic, etc. Most based on D-Limonene. Way more money usually then an Oil Eater, but you're supposed to dilute it. They are both "basic" vs acidic products.
But I'm reading that the citrus cleaners are hard on hands, hard on the rubber seals in the pump, and hard on aluminum… This is a big concern as that's a lot of what I clean.
Also, if these water-based things break down after a short time, that's a big expense to replace all the time. Solvent lasts a while even when gunky. I read that Purple Power breaks down pretty quickly and is bad for aluminum.
Thanks -
I've long ago stopped using petroleum-based solvents, mostly for health and cracked up hands reasons. You get enuf carb cleaner and brake cleaner on your hands over the years and you just get tired of that nasty stuff.
I've used "Oil Eater" recently - cheap from local parts stores. It cuts grease pretty fast and is not near as nasty as solvent, although it does have some smell in an open container. I use it straight, not diluted 1:1 as they recommend. I cleaned an E30 oil pan yesterday with Purple Power - worked good, but I read specifically NOT to use it in a parts washer.
I've read all the forums where they talk about kerosene, diesel, mineral spirits, on & on… None of those things seem like a good choice in a closed garage where I have to breathe it and spill it on my pants.
Reading about citrus-based cleaners makes them seem like the ticket - smell good, cut grease, water-soluble, non-toxic, etc. Most based on D-Limonene. Way more money usually then an Oil Eater, but you're supposed to dilute it. They are both "basic" vs acidic products.
But I'm reading that the citrus cleaners are hard on hands, hard on the rubber seals in the pump, and hard on aluminum… This is a big concern as that's a lot of what I clean.
Also, if these water-based things break down after a short time, that's a big expense to replace all the time. Solvent lasts a while even when gunky. I read that Purple Power breaks down pretty quickly and is bad for aluminum.
Thanks -
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