I have a "tumbler" that uses solvent and steel pellets to clean parts as it tumbles the parts in a 12"x12" metal basket...I used regular petroleum-based solvent in the past but obviously that's not available anymore. I've been trying the water-based solvents and although they do clean (nowhere near as well as regular solvent) the problem is it's starting to rust the inside of the machine.
Gasoline would explode and diesel fuel leaves the parts oily..
Is anybody using/happy with something besides this water-based/citrus nonsense in their solvent cleaning tanks?

Dave, have you tried Simple Green in it?

If you have menards in your area check out there 'Sunnyside' paint thinner. I've used it for years in my parts washer.Cheap at 7.88. a gallon

Can you use mineral spirits? Available at sherwin Williams Paint stores.

Simple Green foamed really bad in the tumbler
Paint thinner and mineral spirits a flammable chance/issue? Either one would work great I'd bet...

Is old fashion Stoddard solvent no longer available? It use to be available and relatively inexpensive, but I'm not up to speed anymore.

"Stoddard solvent is a colorless, flammable liquid that smells and tastes like kerosene. It will turn into a vapor at temperatures of 150-200°C.Stoddard solvent is a petroleum mixture that is also known as dry cleaning safety solvent, petroleum solvent, and varnoline; its registered trade names are Texsolve S® and Varsol 1®. It is a chemical mixture that is similar to white spirits. Stoddard solvent is used as a paint thinner; in some types of photocopier toners, printing inks, and adhesives; as a dry cleaning solvent; and as a general cleaner and degreaser."

Why not PSC 1000 parts cleaner from Tractor Supply? It is a first cousin to naphtha with a higher flash point.

quote:

Originally posted by Joe C:
Why not PSC 1000 parts cleaner from Tractor Supply? It is a first cousin to naphtha with a higher flash point.

Wow, now that stuff looks like a winner huh? There's a Tractor Supply about 10miles from me. I'll have to take a drive over there and check it out. Thanks for the tip and hope it works well !!

I have the Tractor Supply fluid and it is fine. About $38.00 for 5 gals.

Dave,

I just cleaned and refilled my parts washer (after about 20 years) with the psc1000 and it works great!

I use mineral spirits in parts washers, high pressure blow guns and anything else that needs oily residue removed. I buy it in 55 gal barrels from a TBA wholesaler for about 5 dollars a gallon.

I can not believe I've put up with citrus based, soap suds and organic crap for so long....this Tractor supply stuff is the syht!!! This site has such good advice sometimes (usually)....nice being able to talk to the entire country for ideas when you need them....

Just a 10day later follow up....

This Tractor Supply PSC1000 is a real-life parts cleaner on a par with the old solvents. I bought 5gal and used half of it in my tumbler cleaner(which works fantastic) and use the last couple gallons in a small tub to quickly wash misc/small parts up....Works great for that and seems like it should work for a while...

Good to hear, Dave. Another thing about all these water-based and non-petroleum cleaners and solvents is that they take 3 times as long to dry, and yeah, they DO cause some stuff to rust!

Earlier this week I brought five gallons of the tractor supply solvent for my parts washer. I have to say it works just as good as the mineral spirits I used to use. Big difference is the psc1000 solvent is much cheaper than mineral spirits. The tractor supply stuff is 39.90/5 gals to over $60 for five gallons from sherwin Williams paint store. Sw is only place local that carries five gallons cans.