Build It Yourself Parts Washer

Build it yourself parts washer FARM SHOP Miscellaneous 13-6-7 You can make a first class parts washer using miscellaneous junked parts that cost almost nothing, according to Bob Hamilton, Gobles, Ontario, who spent just $75 to come up with his washer design. "Factory-built parts washers cost $500 and up and then you have to buy the cleaning fluid on top of that. The main cost for my washer was fora remote filter housing, which was $50," says Hamilton. The washer consists of an old enamel sink mounted on top of a 45 gal. barrel. The barrel is about a third full of cleaning fluid. The fluid is pumped out through an outlet pipe near the bottom of the barrel, through a spin-on oil filter (he used a universal remote filter assembly that uses a Fram disposable spin-on filter) and up through an in-line filter to the outlet nozzle in the sink. A wash brush is fitted to the outlet nozzle to help in cleaning parts. Dirty fluid drains out the bottom of the sink and filters through an old sock that's changed often. "I've used it for 10 years or so and I've never pumped a single piece of dirt or debris back up to the sink," says Hamilton. The outlet pipe should be positioned at least 5 in. above the floor of the barrel so dirt will settle below it. A valve just outside the barrel lets you close off the flow of fluid when changing filters. Hamilton used a rebuilt washing ma-chine pump, which he bought for $20, to pump the cleaning fluid. Both the pump and hoses must be resistant to the corrosive effects of gas, oil and the varsol cleaning fluid. "I normally keep about 15 gal. of varsol in the barrel. When I put new fluid in the washer I add about a gallon of transmission fluid. It keeps the fluid from evaporating and makes it easier on your hands. You can also buy commercial cleaning fluid but it isn't cheap." Contact FARM SHOW Followup,Bob Hamilton, Rt. 1, Gobles, Ontario NW 1V0 Canada (ph 514 458-8024).

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