Here a cheap way to build a parts cleaning station I used a laundry tub because it comes with legs.You need a cheap submersable bilge pump marine store about $20 it is 12 volts so you need a transformer 120 to 12 volts.A toggle switch some 3/8" hose a fitting for the pump a fitting for the outlet on the tub and 5 gal varsol or mineral spirits place the 5 gal can under the tub with the outlet in the can, the pump in the can and the outlet into the can the 3/8 hose into the top of the tub restrict it to slow the flow.A little wiring and your ready to go.BTW the pump I have has been in the can for 6yrs.Place a rag over the outlet to catch the big lumps and act as a filter...FRED

Fred, sounds like a good idea. Question: Are pumps that are designed to be used under water safe to operate in a flammable liquid? I don't want to learn the hard way! Thanks...MK

These pumps are a sealed unit and are ment to operate in the bilge of a boat, gas fumes, oil and water.Like I said mine is about 6yrs old.I have changed the fluid 3 or 4 times Pump is still OK...FRED

Fred, what do you do about running a DC pump on AC current ? Do You use a 120 volt AC to 12 volt DC power supply ?

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Dean Call
Overland Park KS.
A.C.E.S. # 00235
N.C.O.A. # 4350

macc.chevelles.net (http://macc.chevelles.net)

Fred,

I've put together a like set-up, but am using an 'In-Tank' GM fuel pump; though I have several bilge pumps gathering dust under the work bench. (I figured if it's safe in gasoline, it'll be safe in solvent)

Dean I used what was on hand had the pump had a 12volt power supply. You could use a 120 to 12 volt transformer (cheaper).Hey the fuel pumps a good idea if this one ever gives up I have one in stock.I used what was laying around the only thing I had to buy was the tub (my wife wouldn't let me have the kitchen sink 2 tubs instead of one even better!) and some cleaning fluid.I forgot to say to use a short piece of ABS off the tub to the can for the return.but be sure to restrict the line from the pump or it will spray all over...FRED

Dean,

Run it off a cheap battery charger.

GRAINGER has parts washer pumps for about $60
they are online. I built my parts washer with
one of there pumps an a utility tub.
You can check them out at there website
1P929 PARTS WASHER PUMP 205 GPH, 1/4" OUTLET, SUBMERSIBLE $67.25
4RK95 PARTS WASHER PUMP 115 VAC,180 GPH,EPOXY ENCAPSULATED $53.90
4RK96 PARTS WASHER PUMP 115 VAC,300 GPH,EPOXY ENCAPSULATED $67.45

Hold off on the flammable solvents!! I filled my parts washer with undiluted Simple Green and used it to clean all the motor parts when I put a new motor in my 4Runner. The stuff works just as well as the typical solvents, is non-toxic, non-flammable, is easy on your hands, and doesn't stink up the garage. The manufacturer actually recommends it for parts washers. The only problem is if your tank is metal - the Simple Green is water-based. Someone told me that you can add something to it to prevent rusting, but I haven't been able to find it.

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Rainer
'68 SS396
'70 LS3 400 Malibu
rseitz@pacifier.com

Maybe antifreeze?
I imagine if antifreeze inhibits rust in an iron engine block, it'd probably work really well on a galvanized (or nongalvanized) washtub. You'd have to keep kids and pets away from the parts washer anyway . . .

OF COURSE THIS IS JUST A GUESS -
I don't know anything about the chemical reaction between simple green and glycol - I especially don't know if they'd react with galvanized metal. I wouldn't want somebody to try this without researching it and get a bleach/ammonia type reaction and get hurt. For all I know, glycol and Simple Green could make some noxious fumes that would level a city block. Or blow up. Or eat through the tub and the garage floor. Who knows?

[This message has been edited by zombie1974 (edited 10-23-2002).]