My parts washer is straight from the ghetto. I have a large stainless pasta
pot with a straining basket and lid. It does the job and was free.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Marciniak" <tmarciniak@WI.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2008 6:34 PM
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