Is THIS the Best Harbor Freight Parts Washer Build? Heated and Filtered Build

This is my build of a Harbor Freight 20 gallon parts washer. I painted the factor parts washer and added an external solvent reservoir with built-in solvent heater and in-line filters. This is the way to upgrade your parts washer!
Side note - It's critical that you ground this system and use a GFCI outlet or you could shock yourself! I used an in-line GFCI power plug so I know I'm protected. Don't do this kind of wiring if you're not comfortable with line voltage!
Here are the links to buy some of the more specific parts:
Submersible Heater: amzn.to/3HCqGjQ
Filter: amzn.to/3Ja4TAG
GFCI Plug: amzn.to/3Hz0HtN
Drain Valve: amzn.to/3GA726I
Download the STL file for the 3D printed bulkhead at: www.thingiverse.com/thing:536...
#HarborFreight #Partswasher #Build #Motorcycle

[@bronsonburks2745]

Awesome Build!

[@jincolo]

Dude, I'm gonna be honest, I really didn't like the video. I like the mods you did but with no narration, it made it difficult to follow along and get pros and cons, or any advice on how to do them. I noticed several other commenters ask questions about the items you used and the lack of more details.

[@TurboTimsWorld]

Great Video, we have a "safety clean" enclosed heated/pressure that's a rented unit here in the UK. Its amazing I think you have hit the nail on the head with parts washers being heated. 55"C in UK temp BUT our unit has a built in pressure washer OMG !!!! Ive worked in the motor trade 30+ yrs and OMG a heated pressure wash parts washer is the way to go. I filmed "GoPro in the parts washer" (and sorry not plugging links) but it may interest you for a future project to enclose and add the pressure washer units. Thanks for the video.

[@reddoggarage]

I’ll check it out, for real rough stuff I’ve pressure washed outside and brought into the parts washer. But yea heated is 1000x more effective. Thanks for watching!

[@exemjazhuel3428]

Bro you got the link for the piece you use for the center in the 10 gallon lid ?

[@JEFTELAND]

do you happen to have part numbers for the brass fittings that you used on the 3d printed bulkhead plate?

[@lockshoprobert]

Where did you get your electrical switch from and do you have a part #. Can you show the inside of your reservoir. Thanks!

[@austinlinder98]

Do you have a link for the strainer/filter on the drain side?

[@whatchu_talkin_john_willis]

What did you use for the return screen filter?

[@greenhornet923]

Hello..How can I go about buying a bulk head off you..I want to mod my parts washer as well..Thanks

[@toddenge3526]

Great modifications! Where did you get the filter you used on the drain line? I can find the supply line Fram filters, but haven’t been able to find the larger particle filter you used on the drain line. Thanks.

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks, The filter is from Amazon. Here’s a link. Aimela Water Pump Strainer 3/8 Inch, Garden Hose Sediment Filter, Inverted Hook Interface, with 200 Mesh Filter Screen, Suitable for Pressure Washer, Outdoor Faucet, RV, with 2 Additional Clamps www.amazon.com/dp/B09CQ8SVNZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_6NY9GC7MKKAFQB5JZ6G9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@andresguerrero5330]

What pump did you use?

[@luisortiz5706]

What is the width of the 3D printed bulkhead plate? I am having scaling issues with the file. Great video. Thanks!

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks, The biggest dimension is 5.3"

[@cushionface09]

Costic soda works really well to clean blocks with just be careful it can burn your skin & eyes.

[@toddenge3526]

Also, I forgot to ask, what did you coat the bottom of the tank with? Thanks again.

[@reddoggarage]

That’s flex seal. It worked great in the bottom of the basin but not as good on the shelf in the parts washer. Scrubbing parts on the shelf has tore it up some.

[@n9wox]

​@@reddoggaragehow much flex seal did you use?

[@brandonwright4314]

Hey! Fantastic setup and great, to-the-point video. Those submersible heaters were exactly what I was thinking of doing and couldn't find anyone else using them and then your video popped up. Saw you mention in another comment that you could post the stl for the bulkhead but I couldn't find it. Mind sharing that?

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks a lot! I just posted the STL for the bulkhead to Thingiverse. The link is now in the description and also here: www.thingiverse.com/thing:5363721/files Good luck!

[@billjohnson7206]

@@reddoggarage tried the file but its tiny. do you know the measurements for it. Much appreciated

[@jruppert1975]

I gotta ask, do you turn off the heater when your hands are in the parts washer? Everything that I am reading on Amazon says not to have your hand in the water while on.

[@reddoggarage]

Funny enough those disclaimers weren’t on those submersible heaters previously. That said, yes I use it while the heater is on and haven’t had any issues. Having that in-line GFCI is really important. It’s really no different than the pump in the water that comes with the washer.

[@tywarren4704]

Excellent video! Would you mind sharing the details on the barbed fittings & hoses that you used for the bulkhead?

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks, here are the parts I used: Litorange 2 PCS Lead-Free... www.amazon.com/dp/B09LQXK2H2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Joywayus Brass Hose Fitting,90... www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMRYL16?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Ucreative 5FT High Temperature... www.amazon.com/dp/B089LZ82GQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@tywarren4704]

@@reddoggarage Thank you! Do you have a complete list of all of the fittings & everything that you used for the entire build?

[@exemjazhuel3428]

there is bro

[@tywarren4704]

​@@exemjazhuel3428Where's the full list?

[@hobbesnmina2001]

Nice mods, wondering how the heater is holding up? Do the flow holes fill up with debris or does the filter keep the solvent clean enough and no plugs? How do you control the solvent temperature to 100F? I ordered the same heater but got a temperature controller.

[@reddoggarage]

About a year later and no issues at all and still the same filters, heater and pump. I just turn the heater off when it gets warm enough since it’s on a separate switch. A temp controller is a nice idea.

[@jimbayler4277]

Question: What is the Harbor Freight part number for the washer ?! I went on their site and couldn't find it no matter what search terms I used. I even searched each of the category lists trying to find it. I seem to have displeased the search gawds.

[@reddoggarage]

This is hard to believe but I can’t find it on their website any more either. It’s possible that they are having supply issues on it. Here’s another parts washer that looks to be the same but branded as Jegs www.walmart.com/ip/JEGS-81525-20-Gallon-Parts-Washer/349504695?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18397&&adid=22222222227236402218&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=280181317678&wl4=pla-467563425016&wl5=9013141&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125215519&wl11=online&wl12=349504695&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiA1JGRBhBSEiwAxXblwaTsRuezen5P9p--4IaQBAD0iUe3RSYavccHc3v6e35HgpvDrgAB9BoCsSgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@n9wox]

If the metal shelf was mounted lower, towards the bottom of the legs, I think the tote could rest on top of the shelf, without having to cut a hole in it.

[@mikejoyce7157]

Your next mod is to add wheels for mobility. Locking, of course.

[@oliver_klozoff]

I put a piece of plywood on a pallet that I had locking casters on and mounted my washer to it. Adds needed height and makes it mobile.

[@rskarl9468]

Which Craftsman tote did you use (link please)?

[@reddoggarage]

10 gallon: Medium 10-Gallons (40-Quart) Black Heavy Duty Tote with Latching Lid www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-10-Gallon-40-Quart-Black-Tote-with-Latching-Lid/1000976068

[@Tahu2323]

What did you paint the bottom of the sink with?

[@tywarren4704]

Flex Seal

[@michaeldenton8610]

Hey what paint did you add to the bottom?

[@reddoggarage]

It’s flex seal. I used it on the bottom and on the shelf. The shelf has not held up very well against scrubbing parts on it but the bottom is fine.

[@n9wox]

What did you line the bottom with?

[@reddoggarage]

Flex seal. It did not hold up well though. I’d probably use bed liner next time

[@mikepeck9260]

Nice work, Thinking of something similar.. Just debating as during winter i need it to not freeze in unheated space. so may be leaning towards a magnetic heater and keeping it in the tank instead. the 3D printer file for some reason loads a super tiny item. Im no 3D pro so not sure if its me doing something wrong. What did you paint it with? Im doing a GS450 Scrambler build with my son looks like you are into building as well.

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks. Its possible the 3D file is importing in Metric. Try scaling it up by 25.4 to convert to inches. I painted the bottom of the tub with flex seal but it hasn’t held up as well as I expected. Hope that helps!

[@exemjazhuel3428]

bro did you got the link for tthe blue flex hose and the blue and yellow valves?

[@tywarren4704]

I am wondering the same. It's Loc-Line, but I'm having a hard time finding the fittings that he used.

[@exemjazhuel3428]

@@tywarren4704 bro did you know the name for the lid wire piece?

[@rx7autoxer]

Looks awesome! Any significant reduction of flow with the filters installed? Can you post a link to the heater you used in your description? Maybe an affiliate link? I’d love to build something like this. Well done!

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks, I added some links in the description. The flow rate is probably reduced some with the filter and head pressure that was added. The pressure is still plenty, if you close one of the nozzle valves you get more pressure than I would like anyway, so I leave them both open and flow as much solvent as possible. Thanks for watching!

[@harleyhoracio1]

What’s the likelihood that you can pre-soak some parts in the bin prior to cleaning? Is there room?

[@reddoggarage]

There is room in the bin, or you could close the drain valve and let the top fill up with cleaner to soak parts.

[@harleyhoracio1]

@@reddoggarage Wish you’d sell this whole upgrade so all I’d have to do is buy the HF parts washer and Craftsman bin. 🤞

[@reddoggarage]

@@harleyhoracio1 now that’s an idea. Maybe down the line I could do that.

[@harleyhoracio1]

@@reddoggarage I think you’d sell a lot.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Subbed. I’ll be checking out other vids soon!

[@andrewschmidt9421]

What size are those bulkhead fittings? You did an awesome build I just purchased this from Harbor Freight. It looks like you did so we the copied the color from you. Great build!

[@ThePainkiller3666]

They just came out with a gray/grey model today

[@reddoggarage]

Haha I’m just going to assume they saw my video and liked the color scheme!

[@coreycarver9974]

Where did you get the switch cover from

[@reddoggarage]

I 3d printed it to the size I needed and to have an incorporated mounting bracket.

[@joewilliams5283]

@@reddoggarage Do you happen to have a link for the file?

[@derRoteKampfflieger]

Everyone thinks they are upgrading by filtering. The pump does NOT care about sediment. It is specifically designed thusly. If anything the added head pressure is shorting the life of the pump.

[@reddoggarage]

I’m not concerned with the pump. My aim is to keep the cleaning agent free of debris so it doesn’t clog up carburetor jets and stuff with old debris.

[@derRoteKampfflieger]

What kind of debris is going to be light enough to float in the stream and small enough to make it past the filter but big enough to clog a carburetor? Hey if it makes you feel good awesome. I just know 99 percent of these people are blowing money and wasting time thinking they are making improvements. They are not.

[@6jefes948]

Very cool build! Are you happy with the citrus cleaner? Is it as good as a petroleum based solvent?

[@reddoggarage]

I’m surprisingly happy with how good the warm citrus cleaner works. Is it as good as solvent? Probably not, but it’s close enough to solvent-grade for me without the dangers that come with solvent. Thanks for watching.

[@AudieChason]

To people attempting to reproduce this... the heater melted my lid so I bought a fully submersible version. Don't use the brush on version of FlexSeal. It's messy and very difficult to apply uniformly. The spray version is much easier to apply consistently. These cheapo washers are very prone to rusting and the FlexSeal does a good job of retarding inevitable rust.

[@harleyhoracio1]

I’m having someone local to me print the bulkhead. He wants me to download and send actual STL and dimensions. I sent him the link to your Thingiverse, so I’m not sure what the problem is. I have zero knowledge of how 3D printing works, apologies.

[@reddoggarage]

The inside rectangle is the critical dimension. It should measure 4.3”across the long dimension. Sometimes calibrations between machines can make printing someone else’s files a challenge, but if he confirms that one dimension it should be fine. Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll share the stl file with you that way.

[@cushionface09]

Last time I got it from my local Ace hardware store for around $20 or so . Wear gloves & eye protection.

[@joshhooker5522]

Hey bud. Your build looks great. Couple things. The links you posted will take people to their personal orders page, not to the products you're trying to link. Second... Any interest in making your print file for the bulkhead plate public? Or selling a printed plate? I'd be a buyer. I don't have a 3D printer yet.

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks for the heads-up, the links should be fixed now. I can post the bulkhead file on thingiverse for free, or I could print you one for a few bucks

[@joshhooker5522]

@@reddoggarage I'd definitely be interested in purchasing one from you! I'll see if I can send you a message.

[@exemjazhuel3428]

@@reddoggarage me too bro i need it

[@76Starship]

I hate the stupid loud music.

[@StupidTeenageVideos]

The music made me piss blood!!!

[@aspensulphate]

Music shouldn't have that effect. You might have prostate cancer!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

I've spent the past few days watching dozens of parts washers videos. In my opinion yours is among the top 5 in terms of design and execution. Well done! I'm sure a lot of people will have problems making one like yours because you didn't actually explain while doing it but fast forwarded through the whole build. On the other hand, if they're like me they have watched enough of these videos to understand the concepts and see everyone else doing most of what you've done except for the countersunk tub in the bottom, which is brilliant because it eliminates 5-gallon buckets on the shelf and gives you plenty of headroom above to route plumbing. Nice touch! I assume you painted the bottom of the tank and the rack to protect from abrasion by parts during cleaning because Zep doesn't eat paint like solvents will. Is that correct? I saw that you had problems with the rack, so I guess that didn't work. One video I saw fabbed a stainless steel rack which solved that problem. How have you found Zep on your hands or do you use gloves? After cleaning with Zep does flash rust occur? Have you cleaned a chainsaw yet and if so, how did that work out? When you want to clean out the tub do you close off the drain valve, pump all the liquid to the tank, lift the tub lid and set it off to one side a little and scrape/wipe out the gunk in the bottom? Does the gunk collect on the bottom much? How often have you changed the filters? Thanks so much for this video and for reading my comment!

[@reddoggarage]

Thanks! Yea the rack didn’t hold up well to the parts scraping through the flex seal. The bottom of the basin is fine since I just set parts down there to soak and not much scrubbing to gouge the coating. My thought was that it would hold up to the cleaning agent better and not rust out the bottom. So far I don’t have any rust issues. I use gloves when I’m cleaning. The zep cleans well and isn’t too rough on my hands but the heated zep cleans well. The tub underneath works great and yes I close the drain valve and pump all the solution up to the top so I can clean out the bottom tub. I have not replaced either filter. The drain side filter/screen has to be emptied about every use because it catches the big chunks of debris. It’s easy enough to just unscrew it and dump the debris out. Thanks for your comment!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@reddoggarage Are you using Zep full strength? If not, what ratio water to Zep?

[@reddoggarage]

@@Rein_Ciarfella 100% zep.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@reddoggarage I just checked out the Zep website and the one you're using they say not to use on plastic. Have you used any on plastic, and if so, were there any negative effects? I think I'll get one of the spray bottle sizes to play around with as I have no experience with this product yet. I work on small engine equipment and have been using Super Clean, Simple, Green, Dawn, etc. Super Clean sprayed on chainsaws works really well, but that's doing it by hand (no parts washer).