Parts washing machines are great for cleaning any small metal items that contain intricate surfaces that collect dirt, grease and grime. These machines are used extensively to degrease machinery or automotive components during disassembly. The operating concept of a parts washer is simple: A steady stream of recycled solvent flows continuously over the part until it has been washed clean. Consisting of a solvent tank, a pump and a tray to hold the part being washed, these machines only require that a solvent be added to them to begin using them. One of the cheapest and most effective solvents used is diesel fuel.
Place the parts washer on a stable level surface in a suitable work location and have clean rags or paper towels handy to wipe up any drips or spills that are inadvertently made. Plug the washer into a grounded electrical outlet. If using an extension cord, remember to keep the cord away from all fluids, including the solvent being used in the parts washer.
Put on eye protection and disposable rubber gloves. Remove the parts tray that lies in the bottom of the solvent tank, and set it aside. Fill the parts washer with diesel fuel. There will be a mark inside the solvent tank indicating the minimum level of solvent that must be used for the solvent pump to function properly. Fill the tank past this minimum level mark. Replace the parts tray.
Add the part (or parts) to be cleaned to the machine by placing them on the parts tray. Parts that are not impervious to fluids should not be cleaned in this manner. These include wooden items or fabric-covered components. Turn on the parts washer; place the parts to be cleaned under the steady stream of diesel fuel flowing from the flexible washing nozzle. The nozzle is usually attached to the side of the parts washer, and can be adjusted as necessary.
Adjust the direction and flow of the flexible nozzle so that a steady stream of diesel fuel is cascading over the entire part to be washed and is focused on the dirtiest spot on the part. Many parts washers have a timer mechanism that allows a washing cycle to be timed. If so, set the timer as desired and close the lid to the timer to keep the diesel fumes contained.
Check the part after several minutes to see if adequate washing progress has been made. Scrub any areas with a stiff-bristled brush that contain grime buildup that has not been successfully removed. Turn the part periodically on the parts tray so that the flow of diesel fuel hits the part from a different angle. Allow the part to remain in the washer until satisfactory cleaning has been completed.
Scrub the part down as needed with a stiff-bristled brush, then perform a final rinse by holding it under the flow of diesel fuel. Wipe the part dry with a clean rag and set it aside. Add a new part to the parts washer and repeat the cleaning process. When you are finished, turn off the washer, unplug it and close the lid to the washer to prevent fumes from escaping.
