What Solvent to Use?

[KDXSR5]

I just ordered a solvent tank (20 gal) from HF. I want opinions on what solvent to use in it. I can get the HF solvent (cheap) the checker or autozone solvent (cheap) or NAPA solvent (expensive). I think i will probably go with the NAPA stuff because I should not have to replace it for quite a while and I figure there is a reason why the NAPA stuff is so much more expensive than the others. I don't want to hear stuff like "just use gas in it" because I am not going to use gas in it, I am going to use the correct stuff. So, what do you use in your tank? Thanks.

[79coyotefrg]

use mineral spirits,  with a detergent or with nothing added at all

[Tallchevy]

You can also use simple green. It takes alittle longer but it won't mess up your skin like solvent will. If you use solvent make sure you wear gloves.

[emsvitil]

Costco has a gallon jug of degreaser / oil eater that works pretty good (and it's cheap)

Worst case, if you don't like the stuff, you put it in a spray bottle and use it for other things...

[unclejpl4x4]

U want something with a high flash point........ also if you gona clean carbs/ fuel related parts drain them first.........  and good rubber hand condom will fix the dry skin problem

[79coyotefrg]

You can also use simple green. It takes alittle longer but it won't mess up your skin like solvent will. If you use solvent make sure you wear gloves.

thats why you use mineral spirits, disolves grease and oil  and doesnt eat your skin
not paint thinner,  MINERAL SPIRITS

[KDXSR5]

Thanks for the input guys. I read the manual for the solvent tank and it says that I need to use a water based solvent, sorry I did not specify this earlier. Why would it say water based only? To cover the companies or what? Would it be ok to use a non water based solvent?

[unclejpl4x4]

thats new 2 me     is it plastic  and not metal  tank ?

[KDXSR5]

its a metal tank, but it says use water based only in the manual

[Hammerhead]

I know it isn't water based but this is what I do...

I go directly to one of the local oil supply companies that supplies gas and oil to the stations in the area.  At the receptionists desk I ask for a small drum of solvent.  I pay a few cents per gallon more than I do for Kerosene and I get refunded for the drum when I return it. 

Mineral spirits works well too if you can't get the solvent.

[Duffil]

don't waste your time with the napa stuff...it is parts cleaner..NOT solvent.  Well you aren't in CA so that may not be true for you.  I use diesel fuel in the one I made.

[BLACKDOG]

:

Thanks for the input guys. I read the manual for the solvent tank and it says that I need to use a water based solvent, sorry I did not specify this earlier. Why would it say water based only? To cover the companies or what? Would it be ok to use a non water based solvent?

could be the paint they used, not compatible with other solvents. 

[Duffil]

could also be to make sure the pump seals don't rot out.

[KDXSR5]

don't waste your time with the napa stuff...it is parts cleaner..NOT solvent.  Well you aren't in CA so that may not be true for you.  I use diesel fuel in the one I made.

What is the difference between a "parts cleaner" and a solvent?

[Duffil]

What is the difference between a "parts cleaner" and a solvent?

it is no where near as strong.  the napa 6505 parts cleaner is like $105.00 and it doesn't work as well.  Where I live in CA, non aqueous solvent tanks are a big no-no...unless you have SafetyKleen come around and service your tank for you.

[KDXSR5]

Hmm... I see. Well, I might go looking around at some industrial places for some slightly used solvent, or do what hammerhead said above. We will see. I will try to get my dad to make some phone calls for me.

[kneedownnate]

No matter what any solvent claims, water based or not, none of them are good to have on your skin for prolonged exposure.  Do yourself a favor, go to napa and get a box of nitrile gloves (like $7 or $8) and wear them whenever you're in your tank 

Duff is right, I don't think there's any such thing as a good solvent in california anymore.  Carb cleaner?   

You can also use simple green. It takes alittle longer but it won't mess up your skin like solvent will.

There's a guy who keeps trying to sell a simple green tank locally, and if he didn't want $100 I'd probably pick it up!

[KDXSR5]

yeah, I have about 5 or so boxes of nitrile gloves sitting around... just got to find them and use them

[Cheesemaker]

Everything I clean, I use some stuff called Orange Magic.  It's a biodegradeable degreaser, and can be used as household cleaner too.  Easy on the hands, and knocks off the grease and oil with ease!  I always hated solvent or mineral spirits. 

I need to get me some Nitrile gloves. 

[KDXSR5]

I use a similar orange product at work to remove gum from floors... it works prett darn well, i might look into the stuff. Plus it smells pretty darn good.

[WHITE_TRASH]

I use super clean and rubber gloves in my solvent tank.  Works fantastic.

[Tallchevy]

super clean and rubber gloves in my solvent tank.  Works fantastic.

Castrol Super Clean was my next suggestion.

[KDXSR5]

Where do i find this super clean? Just any auto parts store? Do you dilute it, or use it full strength? Thanks.

[unclejpl4x4]

RTFM

[KDXSR5]

RTFM

[unclejpl4x4]

RTFM

  the   

[KDXSR5]

Words from redpim1:

After he  replaced the pump he asked me the same question and I told him to use Varsol. You can normaly have your local part store get it for you or go to what ever petroleum distributor is in your area. Varsol is OSHA accepted standard, always wear your gloves and eye protection with any kind of cleaning solvent.  

Story: his bud used diesel in his HF solvent tank and killed the motor, so he uses this stuff now, and it works

[KDXSR5]

  the   

The manual? It didn't specify, all it said was use a water based solvent

[unclejpl4x4]

what about the manual on the can    and MSDS  ok i'll behave darn monday  it's mondays fault

[Tallchevy]

Here's a link. The distructions are on the container.

http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?invocationType=chstrip&query=castrol+super+clean