(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

mineral spirits in a parts washer

C

cooop

Member
Can I put Mineral Spirits in my EL CHEAPO Harbor Freight 20 gallon parts washer without ruining the stock pump?
 
I have the exact same parts washer and have had mineral spirits in it for 2 years with no problems! Dave
 
Thanks for the quick reply. It looks like im going to use the Mineral Spirits in mine. Do you use gloves?
 
I have used mineral spirits mixed with a few gallons of diesel and a quart of ATF. The ATF absorbs moisture in the system, mineral spirits are rather harsh on the hands so by cutting it with diesel fuel you have a good cleaning fluid and your hands won't be cracked and sore after using it a bunch of times. The shop I worked in used mineral spirits and diesel mixed as well.There is also an evapouration factor and the mineral spirits don't disappear so quickly with the diesel and ATF mix. Mineral spirits and paint cleaner are the same horse..hard on the hands. You will find that you need to clean your parts washer out every so often, I turn the spout into a pail and pump off all the clean upper fluid after the washer has been sitting a while. Then you get down to the sludge and it isn't so nice, but you have to do it.scooping it out witha plastic quart oil container with the neck cut off. Then top up with fresh mineral spirit and diesel.
 
Some vinyl gloves will solve the sore hand problem and keeping the stuff off of your skin probably has health benefits as well!
 
The blue nitrile or latex disposable gloves last a couple minutes in mineral spirits.Anyone know of any that will hold up?Mark
 
Mineral spirits (obviously) are flamable. Safety is paramount with its use. If the directions call for a non flamable solvent, I would do so. Please be safe. We would never hear from you again. Not good. JimN
 
Mineral spirits I wouldn't use due to that it's flammable. Let some one be welding or using the cutting torch and it catches fire while someone is using it, you'll wish you didn't have it in there! Go to your local parts store and have them get you the right stuff - parts cleaner. Get the right tool for the right job! Fix a flat use to be flammable years ago. What's the harm in putting that in a tire. It works great until someone tries to plug the tire and fix it. When they stick the file thru the hole and create a spark when it comes in contact whith the steel belt you have a bomb going off. The hand sanitizer everyone is using now days is flammable too! The company I use to work for put it in all company vehicles then had to take it out and dispose of it since it was flammable. Gasoline is a better parts cleaner than mineral spirits they're both flammable so the end result would be the same if either caught fire. So I guess it's your decision. Just so everyone who uses your parts washer knows what's in it!! Be careful and feel confident in what you're doing!
 
Been using mineral spirits or naphtha in parts washer for years just got to use common sense and no smoking in or around your shop. The water based stuff won't cut grease and will rust your parts. The green nitrile gloves hold up well in solvents but get the thicker ones if you work with sharp parts. Vinyl and latex won't work. I get those gloves at Fastenal, Grainger, bearing industrial supply. Can get them with flock lining too in Ansell or North brand.
nitrile gloves
 
I ususally buy Varasol or an equivelant product by the gallon at Walmar or wherever it's on sale. That's all I've ever used in mine...
I think you'll find that it's also what's used in most commercial parts washers, or was.

Rod
 
I've used mineral spirits in my el cheapo washer for several years and it's been working fine.

I bought a pail of mineral spirits at O'riellys a couple of months ago and about fell over when I saw the bill. It was almost douple what I had paid at the parts store across town. The manager looked it up on the computer and said it's gone way up but he didn't know why. I know the manager well and he's good for his word. Anyone else have experience with this? JIm
 
Put what you want circulating in your blood stream and through your liver in your parts washer.
From either breathing in fumes and absorption through then skin. That solvent which cleans old grease & dirt from equipment. It"s inside your system.
 
I have used mineral spirts for years in my parts washer. Years ago when I bought a 55 gal. drum there was some made for parts washers spec. Rule 66 this was alot less fumes/odor.
 
Commercial parts washer solvent IS mineral spirits. Just use common sense. No smoking, grinding, welding, etc around the parts washer. Keep the fusible link intact. It's there to allow the lid to close in case of fire... Wear gloves to protect your skin. There's a reason switches and outlets are not to be lower than 18 inches above the floor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Pump for parts washer needed
Replies
5
Views
364
SPMN
S
super99
What a Mess!!!
Replies
15
Views
2K
sonnythomas
S
R
MF 35 Lift Problem
Replies
12
Views
496
rrward266
R
Tom in Mo.
Ford Tractors and Parts Auction
Replies
3
Views
319
Tom in Mo.
Tom in Mo.
stevieb49829
Parts Washer Solvent suggestions
2
Replies
27
Views
1K
Destroked 450
Destroked 450
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top