Harbor freight

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Busboy
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Harbor freight

Post by Busboy »

Anyone using a harbor freight parts washer with good results?
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
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shortstack
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by shortstack »

I got one a few years ago as a gift, and didn't read the instructions. I used Varsol, and the machine functioned for less than an hour before it destroyed the pump. I purchased a similar parts washer for small jobs at work and have been using a mixture of Purple Power and water for a few years now with no problems. Other than that, the construction of the unit itself seems decent enough. It does not feel cheap or wobbly. I have my lid modified to open more because it is not quite enough for me to use comfortably at 6'4".

Water based solvents do not cut the grease and debris nearly as well as petroleum based (or maybe I haven't found the right one...) but it gets the job done if you put in the elbow grease. When using the purple power in higher concentrations to cut through grease faster, all I notice is more foam and soapy residue left behind.

The next parts washer I purchase will be capable of pumping petroleum based solvents.
1971 f100 Custom, SWB, 302, T5
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Busboy
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by Busboy »

I asked the safety Kleen guy what the use for a water based solvent. He said they use a 3m product but the key to its success,according to him is the fact that their tanks are heated! I tried zep citrus based cleaner and it didn't cut grease at all. I am thinking of a way to heat the tank solution. One idea is to use an engine block heater. There is one for cummins engines that is a plate type with a gasket that mounts flat to the block, or tank. If it doesn't work I've ruined my tank!
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
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shortstack
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by shortstack »

I use the same purple power concentration (50/50) in a heated sonic cleaner here at work. It works alright, but the tank is barely big enough for a lawnmower carburetor to be fully submerged...
1971 f100 Custom, SWB, 302, T5
"It can't be that hard."
zazoos
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by zazoos »

I had one of those HF parts washers, but sold it. Just didn't work that well. I use a can of brake clean or sand blast the part. Works much better imo.
tsherry
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by tsherry »

I've had one for years, and use five gallons or so of Simple Green as the solvent. Works like a charm. the stuff is filthy, but still cleans up everything quite well, including my hands. And it's non toxic.
too many Fords, no where near 'nuff time.

or, money.
Madman
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by Madman »

I use one currently, and it works great, but I have real solvent in my tank, and not the eco friendly stuff.
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hdpusher
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by hdpusher »

Yes Ive had it over 5 years now. I dont use it everyday but it still works when ever i need it. I clean with kerosene. The filter is nothing more than a scotchbrite pad so it does clog when cleaning extra greasy parts.
67 Chevy II 302 sbc
67 Ford F350 Motor home
68 Ford F100 long bed (Sold :cry: )
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tac
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by tac »

Busboy wrote:I asked the safety Kleen guy what the use for a water based solvent. He said they use a 3m product but the key to its success,according to him is the fact that their tanks are heated! I tried zep citrus based cleaner and it didn't cut grease at all. I am thinking of a way to heat the tank solution. One idea is to use an engine block heater. There is one for cummins engines that is a plate type with a gasket that mounts flat to the block, or tank. If it doesn't work I've ruined my tank!
Get a 110 volt water heater element for $10. I think it threads into a 1" pipe thread.
Busboy
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by Busboy »

Where can you find one of these elements for 10.00 ?
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
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shortstack
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by shortstack »

I assume tac was talking about something similar to this, but may be wrong.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006I ... 7JEV32CP49
1971 f100 Custom, SWB, 302, T5
"It can't be that hard."
tac
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by tac »

Yep, that's it. I got the one locally at the Blue Box.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_146227-135-9008 ... er+element
If you feel really industrious you can hook it up to a water heater thermostat.
Busboy
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Re: Harbor freight

Post by Busboy »

Awesome, thanks guys. :fr:
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
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