Harbor Freight Parts Washer Upgrades and Lessons Learned

Discussing Lessons Learned with the Harbor Freight Parts Washer. I made some mistakes and they were expensive. Maybe this can help you avoid them. Specialty Parts were:
- amzn.to/2S02EHa Oil Filter Adapter
- amzn.to/38SfwWK Legris 0101 10 71 Adaptor, 10 mm Tube OD x M14x1.5 Male Metric Thread - BE CAREFUL WITH THIS LINK BECAUSE SOMETIMES AMAZON LINKS TO THE WRONG SIZE IF THEY ARE OUT OF THE M14 SIZE!!!!!!
- amzn.to/315Orwc SharkBite 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter 90-Degree Drop-Ear Elbow
- amzn.to/2SzIp3m Flow-Through Brush. This is so handy if you are dealing with filthy parts like transmissions
- amzn.to/3hrvLz8 This valve was recommended by a viewer as a different type of drain valve for the bottom. Allows you to port the drain to the side!
I am using a basic oil filter since I have a petroleum-based solvent. If you choose to use a water-borne solvent then be sure to purchase a coolant filter instead which won't turn to mush in water. The one recommended to me was a WF116 coolant filter amzn.to/3ST2UqI
* I get a small $$ referral if you purchase from these links. Regardless, these are the products I bought myself so I stand behind the recommendations.

[@BBC12oz]

“He is no fool who demands a cheaper price”. Don’t be ashamed to buy something practical at Harbor Freight. We all do, especially for something intended for limited or periodic non-percision use. Take pride in your capability and ingenuity. Great job on the mods!

[@rourkemcgaffin5694]

I 2nd that emotion. Harbor Freight has some of the same qualities that made me a regular Radio Shack shopper. Sure, they had some dogs in their line up but they would sneak in a ringer, like a 70s receiver that had better specs than the top brands for a 1/4 of the price, or have some very capable spy stuff before high priced spy shops opened up. HF has some great cordless impact wrenches, excellent generators and air compressors with great prices, warranties and a very customer friendly return policy. Now, do their crescent wrenches have a ridiculous amount of slop? Yeah. Ratcheting clamps that break the first time you use them? Uh huh.

[@Wohlfe]

Harbor freight is good enough and sometimes shockingly good. If I buy something cheap and it breaks I know I need to invest in high quality stuff, if it doesn't break I saved money.

[@dpasek1]

My favorite pre-cleaning step for really dirty parts is a light spray down with engine degreaser or pressure washer cleaner followed by a full pressure wash treatment. This removes most of the gross dirt and grease. The parts washer is the finishing step. Solvent lasts much longer that way.

[@jrljr66]

Totally awesome video. Your a genius in my world.Thank you for posting this and making our lives easier. Saved me a lot of time!

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Nice upgrade! Lots of great tips.

[@stephenberry156]

Thank you for the help, perfect timing for me.

[@chumang]

Just got back from harbor, was looking into what solvent to use. thanks for the other tips as well

[@martinholloway7694]

Thanks for making this video. Very helpful.

[@mikezyzz5942]

Thank you for making this video and listing the parts you used!! You are awesome!

[@chrisarneson8644]

Happy to help!

[@mattmoore9710]

Just picked up one of these from my local Harbor Freight. I was able to just use a 1/4" NPT fitting to screw into the bottom. I got a 3/8 NTP ball valve and adapter to attach to the 1/4" coupler for my drain setup. Getting ready to mount my oil filter kit and put it to use. Great video and no B/S. Just straight to the point

[@mattmoore9710]

I must add....I havent filled it yet to see if the 1/4" fitting will seal properly but it does screw in nice and seems tight. I'm getting ready to fill it and will let you guys know if it leaks or not. 🤞

[@chrisarneson8644]

It is not uncommon for them to change these designs overnight. That's a great observation and a fantastic change if true.

[@ridethroughlifertl]

@@mattmoore9710 Did it leak?

[@JUKE179r]

Great info! I was looking this parts washer.

[@justinhaines7588]

You could also try a stainless steel washable oil filter. It would be a bit more of an initial investment but you never have to replace it, and water based solvent won't affect the filter

[@x-man4702]

Great video!! Thanks for posting! Great idea adding on a filter and great tip about the solvent.

[@davidleal651]

Don't be embarrassed of using Harbor Freight. I use their products as intended. Meaning....1 use only and everything after that is bonus. 1 time I bought their cheapest grinder because I needed to cut a 50 foot long groove in some stucco. I wasn't going to use my nice new Industrial Craftsman (I'm old, that was a great tool in the 80s). Heck, that little $9.99 grinder lasted 15 years( I think they are $14.99 now). Also, things like their Pittsburgh wrenches are great...they have lifetime warranty last time I looked and those are the ones I keep in my truck. That way if they get stolen, my Proto wrenches are nice and safe at my shop. Your video has great information. Thank you. I was basically looking for if the stock pump could survive solvent based solution. Sounds like it does. The extra information on the filter was awesome and your adaptation was good. I like the shelf on the bottom and the dolly. I think I will do that with mine but I might try with the shelf upside down so I get that 1/2" more of clearance on the depth.

[@Justicejamesb]

Fantastic video. I have to say that you are like so many of us; a love / hate relationship with what I like to call "The Freight" (Harbor Freight). Thanks for making this video, I think you have made some awesome upgrades to this parts washer. If I ever get one for sure the first upgrade I'm doing is taking the darn sticker off, then I'll follow your advice on the rest ;-)

[@dtperformance256]

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenbauer7744]

Thanks for the video. I've been looking at one of these for years, and I like your improvements. Have you looked at using a synthetic media filter like a Mobil 1? Also, what is the loss rate of the solvent through evaporation or removing parts from the tank ? How often do you use the washer and how often are you require to add more solvent?

[@stevenunya2182]

Thanks for the information! I was considering buying this same unit and making the modification you did. However, I am dealing with a two car garage and don't have very much space. I am going to look for a smaller unit that I can modify, or perhaps making a miniature one myself.

[@mjmcomputers]

I’ve been looking at psc 1000 for mine. Looks like I’ll get some. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@chrisarneson8644]

I'm glad it helped.

[@Spark-Hole]

No need for flash point to be higher than diesel. Diesel is good enough. How can you ignite diesel.

[@josephburnham4621]

Thanks for the tips. You can add another gate valve for the filter for changing filters.

[@josephburnham4621]

Use brass too

[@robertperkins8763]

Super helpful -- thanks!

[@richardtullius6419]

Just came with a like new used one today for $50, now really looking forward to the upgrades. Thanks for the info on solvents.

[@bill_nye_the_russianspy_9642]

Great video man I picked the exact same parts washer up for $40 and I just got back from Lowes after watching this and bought everything you mentioned. I did my drain a bit different but when my oil filter adapter comes in tomorrow I'll be in business. Oh and I hope the $80 was worth it for this psc 1000 lol

[@acklan3]

Nice video. I have been using Varsol in my HF washer since 1998. Works very well.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Nice review! Thanks for the solvent tip. I would assume it may evaporate over time? Could you elaborate or perhaps do a video on how you hooked up your filter. Quite a brilliant idea Chris. Thanks, Jim

[@lgfrisa]

Good work

[@funkysquirrel3120]

I have an old dishwasher than I use in the garage. The heat and steam give the best results for cleaning, vinegar can be added if it is especially tough dirt. No scrubbing or waiting for things to soak for ages.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Great idea

[@richardbartlett4075]

Nice job Chris, I bought 10 gallons psc 1000, now at $49 + tax now. I made the mistake of using carb cleaner in my HF washer. Thank god I didn't have enough to turn on pump. I had to clean all the blue paint chips that this created - what a mess. Thanks

[@jessejohnson159]

Thanks! Great info!

[@k.d.november9234]

Harbor Freight also has a Set of Hose Pinch Clamps that'll stop the Solvent from flowing through those Fuel Line Hoses when you change the Filter, as an option to removing the Filter Bracket Bolts and holding it above the Tank. Or, you can use inexpensive PEX 1/4 Turn Shutoff Valves. Great work, by the way, and I appreciate you taking the time to create this Video!

[@M.TTT.]

vice grips work too

[@bikeme218]

We had agitating parts washer at work, but it had a built-in heater and we kept it just hot enough not to burn your hands, but when the service came in to change out the solution and the new stuff was cold it didn't work nearly as well as it did when it was hot, just a suggestion

[@DontCloudMe]

If Pat heard you say you were embarrassed of buying tools at HF it would break his little heart. I can almost see a single tear rolling off his cheek and falling on to a 20% discount coupon he was about to hand you. I have quite a few tools from HF, and I'm not the least bit embarrassed. I learned a long time ago that better art supplies don't make a better artist. I remember as a young kid going camping and my parents loaded me down with a brand new pole and tackle. The works. I sat for hours without even a nibble. Then some local kids showed up, broke a branch off a tree, tied a little string to it, and within 20 minutes had a full string of trout and were on their way. Sometimes commercialism gets the better of us and causes us to make the mistake of leaning more on the tool and less on our ability. I'm guilty of having a few premium tools, but HF has some great values laying around. Admit it; The whole never-ending coupon thing is kinda fun. Besides, tricking out HF stuff has practically become a national sport.

[@chrisarneson8644]

We will have to disagree on that. I hate the harbor freight business model and despise having to fix a tool before I use it. If they weren't so cheap I would never even consider visiting the store. I truly wish they would just price their products appropriately and maybe have one or two sales per year. This constant sale environment is gross and sleazy. I hate being forced to play a stupid game. I shop their stores less because of the games they force people to play. I'd much prefer to buy from Amazon if I can where I can actually get customer service. That doesn't work well on heavy and bulky items though.

[@802Garage]

Two ends of an extreme here. I think the truth is more in the middle. Some tools from Harbor freight are great and pretty much trouble free from the get go. Jacks, most air tools, various corded tools, impact sockets and sets. Other tools really aren't worth getting from there period. Their saw blades, a lot of their hand tools, certain electric tools in general, cheap lights. There is a lot of stuff you can do a lot with like the welders too. They just aren't going to be a premium products. I certainly try to buy most tools elsewhere, but some from HF have worked great for me. I just finally upgraded from all air tools to lithium cordless and I went Dewalt 20V and Milwaukee M12, didn't really consider the HF even if they are good. One thing to never buy though is their quick release air fittings. Absolute garbage and any other brand I have tried is better. Personally I don't mind fixing tools to make them work down the road though if I saved a ton of money, but not all the time.

[@javierr1blue]

Thank you for the video

[@s1914]

Great vid cheers Chris 👍

[@chrisarneson8644]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisarneson8644]

Yep. The original filter is very minimal though. Mine is still in place.

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hello nice upgrades. I work on small engines and was looking for a parts washer. I like tabletop models and looked into numerous ones including Harbor Freight. I also priced Safety Kleen's model 14. I like the environment friendly models using water based solvent. They also use polymer tank/tubs models Benchtop Pro. I'm leaning towards the Safety Kleen model 14. I want to purchase outright not lease and use the tractor supply solvent.

[@garymeredith2441]

Chris I love everything you did on this Harbor Freight Parts washer . I think the only way to get anything clean is to use real solvent like what you have here , which is not water-based crap . I do like how you did the filter arrangement at least that preserves the solvent quite a bit .

[@rogercoulter3050]

Try Biodiesel - spectacular solvent, biodegradable, non-toxic (although less so once it's been used to clean parts).

[@catdome09]

I used a mineral based solvent and tanked the motor within 5 minutes. I watched this video before I read the manual (my mistake) and the manual clearly states to use water-based cleaning solution only. Maybe they changed the pumps since but, yeah...

[@airnashville3883]

Nice video and very informative. I was talked into an ITC membership about 6 months ago and it's taught me about what I call the "Cult of Harbor Freight." This is a perfect example. By the time you rehab anything they sell into a full functional tool you have spent the time and effort that could have been saved by buying quality first. I think they do offer some bargain priced solutions.

[@chrisarneson8644]

It's definitely a fuzzy line. Some things at Harbor Freight are clearly worth investing the time in improvements so that you have a tool that works well. Others are not. My general rule is that if it has a motor I don't buy it from Harbor Freight (I've broken this rule only a couple times). In the case of this Parts Washer it would be pretty inexpensive and easy to replace the pump if it died so it was worth the effort. I'm still very pleased with the purchase and the minimal amount of time I spent in improving it. There's no way I would ever purchase a precision-type tool from Harbor Freight nor would I buy any tool that could put me at personal risk if it failed. So I will always avoid anything that is high RPMs or high stress. YMMV.

[@ouisi7]

Sometimes you start looking around and you see that the more expensive options aren't much better than HF. With parts washers, there is a very good chance they all come out of the same factory, just with different paint. The Jegs, Eastwood, and HF all seem to be built the same way.

[@vrm86gt]

picked up one of these washers, haven't done any mods but i do have the rolling dolly i may mount it to, just need to go get some solvent!

[@joeshmoe5935]

How does the parts washer paint hold up to PSC-1000

[@chrisarneson8644]

No damage after several years..

[@OldSchoolNoe]

I bought one and 'bout to put it to good use

[@wayneo7307]

Brake Kleen and Simple Green Work if you Don't Have A Parts Washer like Me . I Would Like One Some Day ! Good Video Anyway .

[@tjf1531]

i like it!

[@roberthayes5037]

Great idea, thanks 👍👍

[@vr6swp]

Recycling the solvent through a paint filter (in a funnel) would go a long way towards getting trash and dirt out, and storing solvent in the bucket(s) will help keep it from evaporating when you're not using the tank.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Agreed on the paint filter. I hadn't thought of that but I like the idea. I have had virtually no evaporation as long as I keep the lid closed though.

[@viperv303]

I like the idea of putting it on a dolly. I'll have to do that with mine. Would make it easier to move it around and go outside when I need to use it. Thanks!

[@chrisarneson8644]

It fits on a standard HF mobile base perfectly. Quick, cheap, and easy wheels!

[@josephnickerson687]

@@chrisarneson8644 Hi Chris. Great video - thank you! How did you attached the washer to the mobile base? I Didn't catch the details on the attachment process. Thanks

[@chrisarneson8644]

Joseph Nickerson I simply set the washer on the base and pit 1 screw per leg into the base. I think the legs already had screw holes in them. If not you could drill a couple holes through the metal. I then just dropped the shelf down over them. It’s held by gravity. Hope this helps.

[@dayinthelifeofdolly8810]

I use water solvent but I use a water filter like you would put under a sink or to a washing machine.

[@alexblackburn627]

I’m a little late but your totally right that automobile style oil filters will clog with water, when you pull the oil filter off an engine with a blown head gasket you often get crystal clear water pouring out not the milkshake you see in the valve cover/ dip stick. Look up “automotive COOLANT filter” and you will not have any issues with the water based cleaners clogging the filter and they also fit oil relocation kits. You can’t use a oil filter with water. Gotta be a coolant filter

[@alexblackburn627]

Like the ACdelco WF116 coolant filter.

[@chrisarneson8644]

That's a great tip. I will add it to the video description tips section. Thanks!

[@DylanCyr]

Are these ok to clean things that have greased bearings on them? I assume you'll have to pull them apart and re-grease. What about something like an AC compressor that has areas where the solvent could potentially go inside the unit.

[@edb6095]

Nice video. Would like to see another on how well the filter actually filters the filth.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Ed B It filters out chunks and particles but the dissolved grease is still in the fluid so it’s always going to be pretty gross to work with.

[@edb6095]

@@chrisarneson8644 Right on. Thanks man.

[@AW-zy1kw]

You mentioned a cheap walmart oil filter. Can you link it? or tell me the brand and model?

[@smw142]

That last tip lol

[@crookdeyebandit5082]

I know this videos kinda old, but i just bought one of these, can i run the same fluids yout using with the stock filter it has? I didnt "upgrade" to a pil filter

[@nadiajones7594]

Would a fuel filter be better?

[@chrisarneson8644]

Be sure to check out the specialty parts listed in the video description.

[@BigFish6161]

How do you dispose of the solvent?

[@NinoJoel]

3:18 I'd recommend Alcohol based cleaner. It is non toxic and is working absolutely great

[@MtnBadger]

Good job, I have a smaller washer but have done some of those things, remote oil filter is next, I'm in the process of cleaning/trying to reuse the not very old (but very dirty) fluid, right now. Was getting a "remote, filter relocation device" for my hotrod, guess I'll get two. 😊 BTW, that drain valve you installed is called a *Ballcock* (aka "ball valve," [save the jokes], it has a ball shaped shutoff in it). :)😊 It's not a *petcock* which, though they can both do the job you have, here... Are very different and a ball valve can do much more/different applications. I'm not just "arm chair sniping" at you, I just want people to be able to ask for the right thing when they try to mimic your ideas. 😊

[@jeffjohnson2792]

Great tips. I know the flashpoint is high on that cleaner fluid, but is it flammable at all? I was wondering if the old stuff (a little bit of it) I could use to start fires at my burn piles I have to do sometimes in the fall in my area.

[@chrisarneson8644]

It's flammable and definitely oil based but obviously the flashpoint is higher than some of the other options.

[@Steve-tz4rk]

I use drain oil from changing oil in my car. mixed with a little gas (Like a cup to a gallon) Shake it to mix good and it makes a great fire starter without the flash that gas alone would have.

[@saleenr6]

what size is the fuel hose?

[@tleonard410]

What pump are you using ?

[@uniquehorn1480]

"Sometimes I buy their (Harbor Freight) tools, but I really am embarrassed every time I do" lol. You and all of the rest of us, lol.

[@davidstansbury3204]

So you put your filter after your pump? Wouldn’t you want to filter it before it goes into the pump? To keep dirt and particles out of the pump.

[@samson2143]

Thinking about using flex seal rubber spray around tank bowl to stop solvent from stripping the paint coat, think it will work?

[@chrisarneson8644]

I have had no problem with the paint being stripped so based on my experience it would be complete overkill.

[@countryside8122]

Simple green is the BEST rust remover. for small parts, put rusty item in container, just cover it with simple green and let it set in the sun for a day or two. Then rinse part and see the difference!!

[@chrisarneson8644]

Interesting. I've never tried simplegreen for that. Thanks for the idea. I will try it out. I have no shortage of rusty parts.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Hey Chris thanks for the advice and knowledge on the modifications of the parts washer i diget a kick out of the water based solution story on the paper filter i too get rid of the Harbor Freight stickers sometimes even printing a vinyl Snap On. To go over the HF or its brand logo its not that i dont tell my freie truth I also have has a long history with British Cars as so far ive owned a late jag Xmodel B for 14 years a TD, TF 1500, Austin Healey Spridget and i do entually want a MGA with Brunning gear Because ive always thought that the MGA , TF, and the Jag XKE are amount the best looking cars of all time before you give me a hard time on the rubber Bumper MG keep in mind i graduated high school in Florida in 1982 Desperately wanted a convertible and i stumbled on the B at a used car dealership that i could afford I pulled the engine and tranny on it 6 times thinking i had clutch slippage to find out i really had overdrive problems and eventually put a straight gearbo out of a older car and stored the original overdrive that matched the car she ran like a bat out of hell for the 14 years i owned it with many fun miles running back and forth to the Florida Keys. With the sunshine on us untill a guy begged me to sell the car to him. And eventually I let him overpay for the car

[@chrisarneson8644]

I love MGBs but I agree that the TF and MGA are two of the most beautiful cars of all time. I have dreams of having an MGA in the same garage as my healey someday. I'm a sucker for nearly all british cars though.

[@rogerkneeland4433]

Craig Monteforte L

[@tonyb337]

if you ever want to go back to a water base solvent you can use a sock as a filter,I use my old wore out socks to filter,,just a thought.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Where would the socks go?

[@michaelcouey1383]

Isn't having the filter after the pump kind of counter intuitive? Wouldn't you want to come up with a way to filter the solvent before it goes through the pump body?

[@joshuaperry8602]

That was my thought. If you're drawing it through the pump you're really just relying the factory screen to catch it before the pump. If it makes it through the pump fine, what's the point of filtering it before it comes out the nozzle?

[@michaelvrooman5681]

We have a commercial fuel/ oil supply outlet that sells parts washer solvent by the gallon. I beleive it is mineral spirtits based solvent. Much less money than the 5 gallon cans at TSC or other places.

[@MikesTreasures]

Great video. What do you do with the old psc-1000? Can it be taken somewhere to be recycled?

[@chrisarneson8644]

Because it is petroleum based, I can take it directly to my auto parts store locally and pour it in their giant bin.

[@MikesTreasures]

Wow. Cool thanks

[@luislopezjr2862]

great vid nice set up, like u to know and u said it urself, the solvent was not ur problem, jus upgrade ur filter to a non-paper. if the water destroys the paper on the fltr jus use a bettter one(royalpurple) . dont know what more cost effective but i think a 10$ filtr it better thn 30$ solvent for a sample.

[@chrisarneson8644]

The new solvent is dramatically better than any of the water based solvents I've tried though.

[@wereexpertstoo3795]

Thanks for doing this video. I've been using my parts washer a lot more and will do these upgrades. Considered heat with a hot plate? That is the one mod mine has.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Daniel Hoffman I’ve definitely considered a hot plate. I’ve heard it’s a great upgrade.

[@Audion]

How would you use the hot plate? On a shelf just under the tub?

[@wereexpertstoo3795]

@@Audion yep. I welded some mounts and just slid it in.

[@aspensulphate]

Be careful. Do you understand what "flash point" means? Petro-based solvents like PCS-1000, Agitene, etc. have a flash-point of around 140 degrees F. They are pretty safe at room temp, but when heated near the flash point, they produce vapor sufficient to ignite. Not "spontaneously", but with a spark or other ignition source. A fire could be the result.

[@EnduringGuerila]

That awkward love hate with Harbor Freight... You aren't alone

[@DaveMcLain]

I just did this same filter mod to my Harbor Freight as well as swapping to a Little Giant pump because my stock one had quit working. I'm using a Permacool remote filter adapter and a Hastings LF426 filter thank you for the tips.

[@Ashroyer86]

Would this setup be good enough to clean transmission case and parts?

[@chrisarneson8644]

Yep. That's what I used mine for.

[@SimanSlivar]

Food for thought, the pump unit already comes with a mesh filter. The best thing to do is use it as a cleaner more than a "washer" I use simple green in mine, and I added a heater. These are really only supposed to be used to get of the grease and dirt layers. After that you will want to use a water or media blaster to remove the staining.

[@chrisarneson8644]

I agree. I don't have a heater in mine but have considered it. I'm certain it would help. My tank ends up with a lot of sludge and chunks at the bottom. I think the filter minimizes that but I can't be sure.

[@SimanSlivar]

@@chrisarneson8644 Yeah there is really no way to stop that from happening. All the crap from the parts is what all that is sludge is. For replacement filters I just ran to lowes and grabbed some mesh stuff. I imagine that they wouldn't play nice with the oil based solvents though. But the heater does make it easier to drain the sludge out... For the next step in my cleaning process I've converted an old sand blast cabinet into a wet blast cabinet. For years I've been using a normal pressure washer with a short wand and a carbide tip. Its a pain in the ass but works. It also doesn't eat away at the parts as much like traditional media blasting does. I've been looking at some high pressure industrial pumps to replace my power washer. That way I can reuse the water and not constantly dump it. For now I have an adapter to a garden hose attachment and I just run it out to the street. There really isn't anything harmful since I got that stuff off in the parts washer...

[@crookdeyebandit5082]

Do you add water to yout simple green or do you just do strictly simple green?

[@SimanSlivar]

@@crookdeyebandit5082 mix but i keep it strong abour 1:1 if not a little more

[@chrisarneson8644]

@@crookdeyebandit5082 I tried SimpleGreen Industrial concentrate and diluted it with the recommended amount of water.

[@jasonschaeffer72]

Try using a coolant filter for an semi truck. They are 5 times larger and should last a lot longer

[@larryaltman3694]

Took the words right out of my mouth…yes, many people don’t realize there’s such a thing as a coolant filter.

[@jeffjohnson2792]

Also, is there any compatibility issues using brake cleaner spray with this fluid?

[@chrisarneson8644]

No idea but I don't see why they would be incompatible. Both are petroleum based solvents.

[@myronww]

Have you tried using a coolant filter instead of an oil filter?

[@lawnmowerdude]

Do you think the restriction added by the filter system will shorten the life of your pump?

[@chrisarneson8644]

I don't think so. The pump just keeps doing it's thing even with the restriction. The other factor is that it's a HF pump so you really can't put any faith in it to begin with.

[@myronww]

WIX makes a coolant filter that looks to be the same filter that goes with the base you mounted to your parts washer. The base you have goes with the WIX24070 external coolant filter. Coolant filters are supposed to be better at handling water because coolant is mixed with water.

[@chrisarneson8644]

This is a really excellent idea. I will definitely look into it! Thank you!

[@ericdashman1838]

I bought that filter and the threads and hole were too small. I wasted $12. The nipple is a 3/4" x 10 thread, standard for oil filters but not for the WIX24070.

[@boogerhead0]

Is the paint inside the tank holding up to the solvent soaking ?

[@chrisarneson8644]

No flaking at all.

[@brianmawyer1891]

How is it holding up now? Is it still operating like when you got it? Has the solvent caused any problems with the tank or the pump?

[@chrisarneson8644]

I haven’t used it very much lately just because the dirty parts of the project are done but it still works fine and is in great shape

[@MrUtahfan]

You could consider butterfly valves at the filter base. Then you won't have to unscrew the base everytime you need to change the filter.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Sure but I just have wing nuts on it now. I quickly unscrew it from the leg and then can easily flex it up and drain it into the main tub before removing the filter. Absolutely no drips or mess.

[@thomassantos1476]

Little confused on what good the oil filter does being between the pump and nozzle. Not seeing how it would protect the pump being down stream from it. Just wondering before i add it on mine.

[@chrisarneson8644]

It's not trying to protect the pump. Those pumps are super simple little things. they are sealed units so there's really nothing to protect anyway.

[@aspensulphate]

Isn't there a woven filter in the pump housing? Kind of looks like a "scotch-brite" pad. It's designed to filter the large particles from the fluid before entering the pump.

[@redrush40]

How do you stop “flash rusting” after you wash metal parts and let them dry?

[@chrisarneson8644]

I have never had that happen. When you wash them it leaves a tiny amount of oil on them. I have sometimes sprayed WD40 on parts if I was worried about flash rush. WD stands for water displacement I think.

[@chief1972]

On my third pump.Finally bought one on Ebay that was made for petroleum based solvent.Can't stop my drain plug from leaking though.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Have you tried teflon tape on the threads? If you are really struggling then get the yellow thread tape that is rated for petroleum.

[@chief1972]

Chris Arneson Good tip.I finally found a fiber gasket that sealed properly.With all the money I spent on the motor and different gaskets,I could have bought a new parts washer.I'm up and running though.I'm going to remember that yellow tape though,I've never heard of that.

[@chrisarneson8644]

@@chief1972 Any home center should have it. It's used to attach natural gas lines to appliances.

[@rvvanlife]

Do you think that E Bay pump would also work with diesel fuel?

[@MrItsthething]

3:34 Simple Green is indeed almost too good to be true for cleaning parts, when you don't have to run it through a filter I guess. I use it about 10-1 in an ultrasonic cleaner for various small things like carb parts, etc. I once had to clean an aluminum intake from a Ford 2.9 that had lots of oil varnish and carbon buildup from the PCV system. A soak in Simple Green and a good scrub with a toothbrush took it right off. I even tried gasoline and it barely touched it.

[@chrisarneson8644]

I tried it and was unimpressed. The PSC1000 was much better for really greasy engine parts.

[@nicholasbrown6481]

Biodegradable solvents are the same as soap and water. And.....when you add the oils and grease that you're washing off. Its now hazardous anyways.

[@chrisarneson8644]

I completely agree with this. I have no idea how to dispose of water-based solvents filled with oil. You can't burn them. You can't dump them. The best option is to take them to some recycler if you can find one.

[@boogerhead0]

Also, is the pump holding up ok with the PSC -1000 ?

[@chrisarneson8644]

Seems to be. I don't use it a lot but it works fine every time I do.

[@glennwallace9203]

The HF parts washers say they are only for water based solvent. PSC1000 is petroleum based, any issues with the pump?

[@chrisarneson8644]

The pump is entirely fine and has been for years.

[@BigRichardsGentlemensClub]

Is there any chance of a fire with this "water based only" pump when using petrol based solvent?

[@chrisarneson8644]

This stuff has a very high flash point so it's not likely to catch fire. That's one of the appealing points about it. The pump is entirely sealed as well since it's made to sit in water.

[@Raphael_NYC]

Thank you. raphael santore

[@pierrot867]

Does anyone know where you can find a similar solvent in the UK?

[@pierrot867]

@Caferacer Wolf can't believe this comment got replied to cheers dude! Jizer sounds like a good bet! I've also been contemplating high flash kerosene, or is that daft?

[@abelwharton450]

The key to water based solvents heat. A small submersible element is cheap and h2o solvent is cheap, but overall its a Pain. Especially if you're worried about rust.

[@chrisarneson8644]

Interesting. I wish I had tried that out. I didn’t even know you could buy a submersible heater.

[@jdouglas22]

Cool

[@nuttzandboltzgarage1946]

Or 1/4ips and toss Teflon and pipe dope like you would any threaded connections

[@eduardogallardo9474]

Great video and thanks. Do you have the parts numbers and prices for what you bought? Specifically at Home Depot and thru Amazon? It would be of great help. Sorry if I asked an already answered question...

[@chrisarneson8644]

All the part numbers are in the video description. You may have to expand it to see it though.

[@MattYoungDeveloper]

Actually no, this long description is quite confusing - hard to tell if this is one part or several, "SharkBite 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter 90-Degree Drop-Ear Elbow from Home Depot" as I can find separate parts for each like if I break it up like SharkBite 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter AND OR 90-Degree Drop-Ear Elbow... and other combinations BUT searching for that whole sentence doesn't give any exact part that makes any sense. Perhaps breaking that up into exact items on separate lines, or using part numbers or something like that will really help us not to make mistakes. Thanks.

[@MattYoungDeveloper]

It seems like it might be this: www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-1-2-in-Brass-PEX-Barb-x-Female-Threaded-Adapter-UC072LFA/202270579 for SharkBite 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter and this www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-1-2-in-Brass-PEX-Barb-x-1-2-in-Female-Pipe-Thread-Adapter-90-Degree-Drop-Ear-Elbow-UC334LFA/202270584 for the 90 degree elbow - I guess what was confusing me even more was the petcock shutoff thing as amazon shows a similar part www.amazon.com/SharkBite-22222-0000LFA-Valve-Connect-Copper/dp/B003128NXA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1531759153&sr=8-4-fkmr2&keywords=SharkBite+1%2F2+in.+Brass+PEX+Barb+x+1%2F2+in.+Female+Pipe+Thread+Adapter with a similar description... but I'm assuming you just picked yours up at Home Depot and did not include that in the description...

[@chrisarneson8644]

That is one part. Go to homedepot.com and paste in that description. It comes right up. Part number UC334LFA.

[@chrisarneson8644]

That is definitely not it.

[@dougpalmer290]

la totally awesome is the best on the market