Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

kevin2306 · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:22 pm Post subject: Parts washer / degreaser

So, i have bought a fancy parts washer. I need to fill it with some degreaser and it will no doubt take several gallon.
Being a tight arse, what is the most cost effective (cheap) degreaser?

Kev

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

I used this in my washer;

http://www.bilthamber.com/cleaning-and-degreasing/surfex-hd

not the cheapest but the best degreaser I've used. I mixed it 1:5 in the washer but have some neat if I want to give something a soak first.

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4267 Location: South Cheshire

I stopped using the water based degreasers for a couple of reasons:

Firstly they didn't seem as good...... Ok that's only an anecdotal view, secondly they get contaminated, if the washer isn't used for a few weeks and the lid is left closed, horrible stuff grows Sad

and then blocks the filters Sad

Dave

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

I like it better than Jizer, seems to work better - and smells better.

There is a build up of 'mould' if unused, but it floats and is easily removed with an old fish net.

BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

I got a parts degreaser as a present, and with it came some Machine Mart bio whatever degreaser. It is basically citric acid, I find it is pretty poor compared to good old red diesel, but, if the parts are left over night in a bucket of it, surprisingly good, and citric acid crystals can be bought at your local chemist or off the internet cheaply.

kevin2306 · Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 9:18 am Post subject:

BigJohn · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 954 Location: Wem, Shropshire

Well, I wouldn't eat off anything I cleaned! But most of the stuff I use it for I then clean up further as you would normal metal for painting or polishing, I tend to use meths or IPA, that's alcohol not India Pale Ale.

JohnDale · Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 11:44 am Post subject:

I find kerosene is as good as anything & as I have oil fired heating I have a
tank of it handy. As an apprentice we used Jizer & I couldn't eat my tea when I went home because of the smell on my skin(yes after a shower) It seemed to permeate through clothes. I will not be rushing to buy any now,cheers,JD.
_________________
1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

Kerosene is red diesel isn't it?
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KA

Better three than four.

Roger-hatchy · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 2135 Location: Tiptree, Essex

Kerosene is a registered trade mark, It's parrafin with a trade name

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

Yes you are right, it is heating oil and diesel that share many similar properties, (the amount of tax being a different one).
_________________
KA

Better three than four.

kevin2306 · Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 9:22 am Post subject:

I think i will go for some of the citric based fluid. On reflection i think diesel or parrafin etc may be to smelly for the garage?

Kev

JohnDale · Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject:

Hi,kerosene is cleaner than paraffin, more purified, similar to Avtur, jet engine fuel, while diesel is a heavier oil, even the red known as gas oil,
which is diesel with a red dye in it, so the Customs can tell if you run a road licenced vehicle on it. Cheers,JD.
_________________
1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

dalbuie · Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 408 Location: Gullane

Paraffin is good for getting really dirty, oily stuff clean but it does leave an oily residue that then needs degreased etc if you plan to paint or treat with something else.