Tim,

When it comes to parts cleaners, you'll pretty much get what you paid for.
In my opinion, traditional solvent is still the best when it comes cleaning
parts.  Unfortunately, traditional solvent has been prohibited here in
Sacramento due to air quality issues.  As a replacement, we are using
synthetic solvent which works well enough but is very expensive at
$27/gallon.

If you do decide to go with a water-based solution, try to find one that
heats the solution.  The difference in cleaning quality is like night and
day.

Good Luck,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Tim Marciniak
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2008 3:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Parts Cleaner Recommendations

Anyone have a suggestion on parts cleaners and which solvent to use?
So far I have looked at two--the 3.5 gallon table top and 20 gallon
sink type both sold at Northern Hydraulics (NH).  There are a few
other companies selling very similar products.  These are not heavy
duty type shop units.  Price is in the $50 to $100 range.  Lots of
negative comments from owners of these things that pumps burnout,
switches fail, and hoses leak after just a short time of ownership.
I have read in other forums that the Monster solvent that NH sell is
ineffective and itself requires aeration so it does not spoil.  It
does not seem like these cabinets are made for the traditional type
of solvent like kerosene or mineral spirits either.  My garage is
attached to my house so I am leaning toward using a waterbased
cleaner anyways.

What are you all doing for cleaning parts anyways?  I use naptha,
mineral spirits, or kerosene and a bucket and its always a mess.

Tim