Dishwasher as parts washer!

alexanderfoti

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Hi all

The FIL has given me a very nice, functional dishwasher. I want to turn it on nto an automated parts washer.

I have set it up with a 12v water pump to the inlet and the drain going into the same bottle, so it recirculates the same fluid essentially.

My only issue now, what to use as a cleaning fluid.

I tried some water based degreaser, but it foamed up (that was fun!). Any ideas or suggestions?
I think best to stay away from solvents (heating element, rubber components etc).
 

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Finish or Fairy tabs (whatever is on sale) :D:p


Just don’t use for aluminium
 
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alexanderfoti

alexanderfoti

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No merit in using parts cleaning fluid? I did think that, but lots of the stuff will be Ali.
 

Chrishazle

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I think proper parts washers use trichlorethane (that's what we used in the lab at college after distilling crude oil!) but don't think that's an option - the fumes would not do you any good at all!!
 
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alexanderfoti

alexanderfoti

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I think proper parts washers use trichlorethane (that's what we used in the lab at college after distilling crude oil!) but don't think that's an option - the fumes would not do you any good at all!!
Had a quick Google. Sounds effective and deadly. Hehe.
 

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Gunk in the rinse aid holder?
 
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alexanderfoti

alexanderfoti

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What about Bilt Hamber Surfex

A quick Google shows that it can be quite foamy :( I have some already, may give it a go.
 

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Why not just get a proper parts washing sink that recirculates the solvent.

I doubt any solvent will be compatible with the workings of a dishwasher over time. Plastics, different metals, rubbers etc.

if you are hell bent on your idea then lidl dishwasher tablets.

use whats intended for the device, anything else just wont cut it in the long run. plus certian parts will need different cleaniug chenicals

I do love the ingeniuty though of what you are are trying to acheive being a patent lawyer.
 

LostKiwi

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With pictures and a video of the foam party :D:p:cool:
Driving through Switzerland back in 2013 I think it was we drove past a house that looked like it was squeezing foam out the door in a similar way to toothpaste from a tube. There were a couple of people walking in the foam obviously trying to sort it out. I suspect someone may have used fairy liquid in the washing machine...
I did take a photo but it seems to have gone missing. MrsLK and laughed about it all the way across the Jura :)
 
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alexanderfoti

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Why not just get a proper parts washing sink that recirculates the solvent.

I doubt any solvent will be compatible with the workings of a dishwasher over time. Plastics, different metals, rubbers etc.

if you are hell bent on your idea then lidl dishwasher tablets.

use whats intended for the device, anything else just wont cut it in the long run. plus certian parts will need different cleaniug chenicals

I do love the ingeniuty though of what you are are trying to acheive being a patent lawyer.

I already have a manual washer, but this is free so if it works great, if not, then off to the dump it goes, as it was superfluous!
 

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We use a product called Blastersolv , it comes as a concentrate and we dilute it depending on what needs cleaned.

https://www.brit-lube.co.uk/products/blastersolv

If it looks like it may do the job I can get some more info on Monday , from the storemen , regarding where we get it from , its cost and its datasheet etc.

We used to use Tric (trichloroethene) by the gallon in Rolls Royce , it was a fantastic degreaser unfortunately it has been linked to some nasty diseases.

Kenny
 

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A hot Trichloroethane dip tank is the best! I wonder whether Paraffin would work in the washer. Soda crystals on a hot wash might be a contender as well..
 

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I know hot trike will shift almost anything - after a vacuum distillation of a crude oil the "residue" in the bottom of the distillation flask was thicker and nastier than tarmac, but the hot trike shifted it. However, it's nasty stuff and has to be treated with the greatest respect - if you can even buy it for small scale use!
 
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