I use the stuff from Tractor Supply. I think 5 gals is about $30-40. The biggest thing with any cleaner is to let the nast parts soak as long as possible before cleaning them by hand. Also, very important to keep the lid on the damn thing whenever it's not in use.
I bought a cheapo part washer at Menards and on the slelf they have 5 gal buckets of sovlent do not remember how expensive it was. I think it was made by TOOL SHOP
Mineral spirits - usually run a quart of ATF in a few gallons too...supposedly easier on your hands...gloves are better though! That biodegradeable, water soluable **** that comes with many of the cheap-o washers will destroy the pumps in 'em...
I'm going to second the agitene, I use this at work in my parts washers, it's also availible with lanolin in it, so if you do handle it (always use rubber gloves) it's not too harsh on your hands, it also drip dries very nicely, doesn't leave a residue, and doesn't have an offensive odor. For a while we had one of the saftey kleen Aqueous parts washers and that thing ****ed balls! it was a heated, water based solution that was hard on your skin, eyes, made you sweat, and left an awful residue on the parts which coincidentally, it didn't clean too well.
JMO but MEK is definitely NOT a good idea for home garage use. I'd be real concerned about having something where the label says "causes liver cancer.........absorbed through pores......." Like I said, just my opinion 'cause I know it cleans REALLY well. That's why many aircraft manufacturers use it.
I use the Purple Power uncut, straight, no chaser. Works great but easily eats thru typical spray bottles unless I mix it with water.
I always use fuel oil in my parts washer, works pretty well and isn't too flammable. When it gets really cruddy I use it to start the woodstove!
The active ingredient in that stuff is Limonene, a concentrated citrus oil. We use it at work for non automotive cleaning, and it's a wicked water based degreaser. You can also cut it down with water and it's still damn effective. I steal some out of the tank when there's a nasty engine compartment in my weekend plans. It's HELL on plastic and paint if you leave it sit for an extended period of time. Strips paint and makes plastics swell like the michelin man. But you ain't gonna be lighting it on fire. I'm not big on solvent tanks at home, but if I had one, it'd be full of a Limonene based product. For smaller quan***es, I'll stick with a coffee can of WD40.
We have a non-flammable, non-toxic, safe solvent we sell. Very versitle, and doesnt stink. PM me if interested. thanks
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