Solvent tank
- Thread starter rickyd
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Todd Turner
Member
- Dec 24, 2000
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I'm in the industrial cleaning chemical business. I've got it made... I just go back to my mixing plant and whip up something. Sorry you are so far away or I'd drop some off like I have done for some of my local buddies.
When you say solvent tank, are you talking about a dip tank? Parts washer? I assume you are not talking about a vapor degreaser. That would probably land you in jail out in California due to VOC's.
In any case, look for some mineral spirits. Home Depot should have some in the paint department. They are usually 108 degree flash point, often called Varsol (Exxon's name). It is pretty much what is in a parts washer such as from Safety Kleen. Mineral Spirits is a combustible, not a flammable. It isn't easy to get to light but it will definitely burn. Outside on a hot day the metal can easily heat up to above 108 degrees. Add a spark and there is a slight hazard of a nice little fire. Remember the Husky broken out in the desert in "On Any Sunday"?
Go to a oil bulk distributor such as the local Texaco, Exxon or other place that supplies oil and gas to the stations. Ask if they have a 140 flash mineral spirits. Sometimes it is called a naphtha. I like the higher flash point
When these type chemicals get too loaded up with grease, dirt and other soils, they can usually be disposed of as a waste oil acceptable for fuels blending. That means it goes to be burned as boiler fuel. Nice deal- cleans your parts and makes electricity while not polluting some stream. Sorry, I get on the environmental band wagon- even as a chemical designer who specializes in the pulp and paper industry and loves ripping through the woods!
Please don't use Methylene Chloride (available as a paint stripper, even from WalMart). It is a chlorinated solvent- which means it is really rough on your bod long term and a hazardous waste as well. Stay away from anything containing MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), benzene, toluene, or pretty much anything with the letters "chlor" in it. The orange peel chemical is called D-Limonene. It is a good cleaner straight but most companies sell it in a water-based solution. Not as good and could lead to flash rusting. Oils should not.
Good luck and stay safe!
When you say solvent tank, are you talking about a dip tank? Parts washer? I assume you are not talking about a vapor degreaser. That would probably land you in jail out in California due to VOC's.
In any case, look for some mineral spirits. Home Depot should have some in the paint department. They are usually 108 degree flash point, often called Varsol (Exxon's name). It is pretty much what is in a parts washer such as from Safety Kleen. Mineral Spirits is a combustible, not a flammable. It isn't easy to get to light but it will definitely burn. Outside on a hot day the metal can easily heat up to above 108 degrees. Add a spark and there is a slight hazard of a nice little fire. Remember the Husky broken out in the desert in "On Any Sunday"?
Go to a oil bulk distributor such as the local Texaco, Exxon or other place that supplies oil and gas to the stations. Ask if they have a 140 flash mineral spirits. Sometimes it is called a naphtha. I like the higher flash point
When these type chemicals get too loaded up with grease, dirt and other soils, they can usually be disposed of as a waste oil acceptable for fuels blending. That means it goes to be burned as boiler fuel. Nice deal- cleans your parts and makes electricity while not polluting some stream. Sorry, I get on the environmental band wagon- even as a chemical designer who specializes in the pulp and paper industry and loves ripping through the woods!
Please don't use Methylene Chloride (available as a paint stripper, even from WalMart). It is a chlorinated solvent- which means it is really rough on your bod long term and a hazardous waste as well. Stay away from anything containing MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), benzene, toluene, or pretty much anything with the letters "chlor" in it. The orange peel chemical is called D-Limonene. It is a good cleaner straight but most companies sell it in a water-based solution. Not as good and could lead to flash rusting. Oils should not.
Good luck and stay safe!
rickyd
Hot Sauce
- Oct 28, 2001
- 3,447
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- Thread starter
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- #3
Todd,
Thanks for the GREAT re-ply!! Looks like i will try some mineral spirits.. Im just using a parts washer..Nothing fancy.. Will mineral spirits harm the skin?? I'm always safe, but an teaching a 12year old how too maintain his bike.. Thanks,
RIck
Thanks for the GREAT re-ply!! Looks like i will try some mineral spirits.. Im just using a parts washer..Nothing fancy.. Will mineral spirits harm the skin?? I'm always safe, but an teaching a 12year old how too maintain his bike.. Thanks,
RIck
Todd Turner
Member
- Dec 24, 2000
- 34
- 0
You're very welcome on the chemical tips.
Most parts washers use mineral spirits. Something I didn't mention is that kerosene and diesel are very similar and actually have a higher flash point. Whatever you do, don't use gasoline. Even though it doesn't have lead in it any more, it is flammable. I had a carb on a 64 1/2 Mustang backfire and belch gasoline on me. I looked up and my hands were on fire. Then I noticed my head was on fire! Did a great Richard Pryor imitation as I ran down the driveway with my hair on fire. Lit up the night sky in a spectacular fashion! I used my jacket to smother the fire on my head. That coat still has flash in it after many washings. Grimmmmm....
Back to the solvents. With regard to skin contact, these aren't corrosives (like oven cleaner, etc.) but it will "de-fat" the tissues. Think of it this way- if it will take the oil off your part, it will take the oil out of your skin. Either use gloves or put some oil back in your skin with lotion. Black rubber gloves aren't too good. Solvents will soften them. The best glove is actually cheap and light weight. Look for some light green nitrile gloves. They provide good chemical resistance and lightweight enough to give you some good dexterity.
I have a buddy who owns his own ATV repair shop and has permanently gray stained hands he says is from working in solvent so many years. Could be.
As for the trike, its probably 111 trichlorethylene or trichlorethane. One was banned and one is still available. As I avoid chlorinated solvents like the plague, I forget which one right now. In any case, we haven't been able to use these ingredients in the industrial market for years yet you get a whiff of it every time you use a magic marker or the older version of "Liquid Paper." These chlorinated chemicals are not friendly to your kidneys, eyes, liver and brain. Pretty rough on the environment, too.
Again, I don't hug trees but I do love to ride between them at a high rate of speed. ;)
One little tip that may help- there is a chemical called M Pyrol or Methyl Perillidone (sp?). It is common in paint strippers. If you can get a hold of a little of that, its a great carbon remover. Dissolves carbon great! Cuts paint pretty good, too. Its expensive but doesn't evaporate too quickly. It also has a very high flashpoint for better safety.
My father loved the stuff. He cleaned out a few engines with it. Tried on his 310 hp turbocharged airplane engine. Then he found out they paint the insides of the valve covers with epoxy paint. Did I tell you how good it eats paint? Cost him $2000 in repairs and almost a $20,000 engine. Ouch.
One more thing, you may want to remove any rubber o-rings or other rubber parts. Solvents can deteriorate rubber. Some of mine will make an o-ring swell up big time. Mineral spirits shouldn't be much of a problem but why risk it?
Even though these are really mild, please put on a pair of safety glasses. Back in the 70's I was cleaning a carb with aerosol carb cleaner. It back splashed into my eyes and I ended up in the emergency room. Ever had blisters on your eyes? Good news, the eyes heal faster than any organ you've got. Best plan- protect your eyes first so there won't be any healing needed.
Most parts washers use mineral spirits. Something I didn't mention is that kerosene and diesel are very similar and actually have a higher flash point. Whatever you do, don't use gasoline. Even though it doesn't have lead in it any more, it is flammable. I had a carb on a 64 1/2 Mustang backfire and belch gasoline on me. I looked up and my hands were on fire. Then I noticed my head was on fire! Did a great Richard Pryor imitation as I ran down the driveway with my hair on fire. Lit up the night sky in a spectacular fashion! I used my jacket to smother the fire on my head. That coat still has flash in it after many washings. Grimmmmm....
Back to the solvents. With regard to skin contact, these aren't corrosives (like oven cleaner, etc.) but it will "de-fat" the tissues. Think of it this way- if it will take the oil off your part, it will take the oil out of your skin. Either use gloves or put some oil back in your skin with lotion. Black rubber gloves aren't too good. Solvents will soften them. The best glove is actually cheap and light weight. Look for some light green nitrile gloves. They provide good chemical resistance and lightweight enough to give you some good dexterity.
I have a buddy who owns his own ATV repair shop and has permanently gray stained hands he says is from working in solvent so many years. Could be.
As for the trike, its probably 111 trichlorethylene or trichlorethane. One was banned and one is still available. As I avoid chlorinated solvents like the plague, I forget which one right now. In any case, we haven't been able to use these ingredients in the industrial market for years yet you get a whiff of it every time you use a magic marker or the older version of "Liquid Paper." These chlorinated chemicals are not friendly to your kidneys, eyes, liver and brain. Pretty rough on the environment, too.
Again, I don't hug trees but I do love to ride between them at a high rate of speed. ;)
One little tip that may help- there is a chemical called M Pyrol or Methyl Perillidone (sp?). It is common in paint strippers. If you can get a hold of a little of that, its a great carbon remover. Dissolves carbon great! Cuts paint pretty good, too. Its expensive but doesn't evaporate too quickly. It also has a very high flashpoint for better safety.
My father loved the stuff. He cleaned out a few engines with it. Tried on his 310 hp turbocharged airplane engine. Then he found out they paint the insides of the valve covers with epoxy paint. Did I tell you how good it eats paint? Cost him $2000 in repairs and almost a $20,000 engine. Ouch.
One more thing, you may want to remove any rubber o-rings or other rubber parts. Solvents can deteriorate rubber. Some of mine will make an o-ring swell up big time. Mineral spirits shouldn't be much of a problem but why risk it?
Even though these are really mild, please put on a pair of safety glasses. Back in the 70's I was cleaning a carb with aerosol carb cleaner. It back splashed into my eyes and I ended up in the emergency room. Ever had blisters on your eyes? Good news, the eyes heal faster than any organ you've got. Best plan- protect your eyes first so there won't be any healing needed.
Todd Turner
Member
- Dec 24, 2000
- 34
- 0
Hmmm... Good question. Sure wish I had a good answer! Sorry.
I really can't say for sure. I kind of doubt these mild solvents would hurt the glue but it is possible. I've had the same seams come apart so I know what you are talking about. Keep in mind that short term contact may not hurt. Leaving it overnight could.
Anybody else have an answer. I've used K&N's for the past 15 years so I can't answer about the glues in foam filters.
I really can't say for sure. I kind of doubt these mild solvents would hurt the glue but it is possible. I've had the same seams come apart so I know what you are talking about. Keep in mind that short term contact may not hurt. Leaving it overnight could.
Anybody else have an answer. I've used K&N's for the past 15 years so I can't answer about the glues in foam filters.
IMHO, go with the manufactorers suggested cleaning techniche's. You can't go wrong there. I have yet to use fuel to clean any type of filter (Except a water screen in a HUMVEE fuel filter or an oil screen filter in a Thunper).
Phillip
rickyd
Hot Sauce
- Oct 28, 2001
- 3,447
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- #9
Thanks again TOdd,
I always wear eye protection, years ago got paint thinner in them so now i take no risks..
I always remove "o" rings before using a tank, heres a tip for "O" rings that are stretched out of shape/size.. Throw them in the freezer for awhile and they will shrink back to size..
Thanks again for the Info,
Rick
I always wear eye protection, years ago got paint thinner in them so now i take no risks..
I always remove "o" rings before using a tank, heres a tip for "O" rings that are stretched out of shape/size.. Throw them in the freezer for awhile and they will shrink back to size..
Thanks again for the Info,
Rick