Solvent tank for drivetrain cleaning

[Jim Bronson]

Does anyone have a solvent tank for drivetrain parts cleaning?  That seems like the ultimate solution for cleaning greasy parts.  It would be nice to have two chains and just leave one in there all the time.

The drawbacks are, potential fumes in an enclosed area and they're expensive.

I found this one on Amazon but it's $205...
http://www.amazon.com/Gallon-Pressure-Cleaner-Solvent-Electric/dp/B0029443HG

Plus 20 gallons of solvent, may put this in the category of "maybe someday"

I also do some work on my cars though and it would be nice to have for that as well.  So maybe the dual use will justify it ;)

--

Keep the metal side up and the rubber side down!

[jinxed]

I havent used proper solvent to clean for a while. All I use is a small plastic tub of hot water, a bar of Lava soap, and a couple old tooth brushes. If the parts are really grimey, I'll spray them with some simple green to soak a few minutes before scrubbing. I'll use the tooth brush to work up a good lather on the bar of soap and use that to scrub. A quick rinse and dry, preferably followed by a good hot sunning on the porch, and they're squeaky clean. For the chain, I'll coil it up in a small ziploc freezer bag then give it a generous dousing of simple green, seal it up, and let it sit while I clean the other parts. Every so often I shake it up and flip it over to make sure it's all coated and cleaning. After that, I dump it my tub, scrub it with the tooth brush, then rinse and dry it the same. Re-lube and reinstall everything and it's like new.

[cyclot...@gmail.com]

We just got one at the community shop in town bikebbq.com

It's huge, takes a while to heat up, but works fantastically. Can put an entire frame inside it!

Doesn't work that great for casual use.

[Scott Henry]

Try this, from Harbor Freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-2-half-gallon-parts-washer-96952.html
6.5 gallons and big enough for a crankset with rings attached. The
best washers are heated, but this one is great for normal home use.
Scott

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[George Schick]

Another good product from Harbor Freight might be an ultrasonic cleaner.  I've always wanted one of those and this one is about the right size with a 2.5 liter capacity.  Should work good with something like Finish Line citrus solvent, which may be diluted with up to 5 parts water.  Would be great for chains.

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

[Philip Williamson]

I worked with solvent tanks in my youth, and have never once missed them. I don't really clean my bike drivetrains, though. 

Let us know if it turns out to be the bee's knees!

Philip

www.biketinker.com

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10:35:22 AM UTC-8, Jim Bronson wrote:

[Jon in the foothills of Central Colorado]

I've had this 5 gallon Safety Klean solvent tank since 1985.It's good size for bike parts cleaning, including hubs mounted on wheels . Has an easy change filter and last time I checked they will exchange the reservoir with fresh cleaner fluid. The reservoir separates from the top and is easily exchanged when it gets dirty. The fluid drains back into the reservoir when turned off and I haven't noticed any fumes when not in use.

It's nice to have a small air compressor to blow dry your parts (do it outside) immediately after cleaning to remove all solvent and adding new lubricant if doing so.

http://safety-kleen.com/products-services/parts-cleaning-technologies/solvent-parts-washer/manual/model-14

Jon

[RoadieRyan]

I have been using an ultrasonic cleaner I got on Amazon for the last couple years and love it as it gets to all the cracks and crevices I would have a hard time reaching with a tooth brush.  It will do almost all of the drive train components as well as the stem and seat post (if they aren't too long) I do a lot of work on old 10 speeds so it is very handy. It is close to this model http://www.amazon.com/Kendal-Industrial-Digital-Ultrasonic-Cleaner/dp/B0018IIPFK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1424881043&sr=8-8&keywords=ultrasonic+cleaner 

[pb]

It's worth doing a scan of the ebay results for "parts washer":

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Tools-/631/i.html?_nkw=parts+washer

This 3.5 gal bench-top unit sounds like it has the right features, $80 shipped:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-1-2-GaIlon-SM-PARTS-WASHER-Heavy-Duty-Pump-Brand-New-Tool-cleaner-part-wash-/141581927209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f6f0c329

I'm tempted, although I manage to get things pretty clean on the bike, in the stand, out in the driveway, using Simple Green.  I guess my San Diego location helps out with that.   

~pb

[KenP]

Has anyone thought of using an old crockpot to soak parts in?

[Brian Campbell]

I use a 2 gallon plastic bucket (has a tight fitting lid) and fill with WD-40. I have a small parts bucket that fits inside. In 5 years, I have had to add about a half a gallon of WD-40. Works really well.

[hsmitham]

Jim,

I just use a plastic wash tub and simple green, works like a charm and stores away easy. 

~Hugh

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10:35:22 AM UTC-8, Jim Bronson wrote:

[Marc Irwin]

Where did you find a bucket with a lid tight enough to prevent the WD-40 from evaporating?

Marc

[Beth H]

Jim -- I use El Duke degreaser (available in 12 oz. bottles at Rivendell: http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/gooduke.htm) in one of those pink tubs that hospitals used to send patients home with. It's big enough to hold a crankset and everything else. I have on hand an assortment of brushes ranging from Park tool skinny brush to big fat solvent tank style (fr Harbor Freight) to a few old toothbrushes, enough to reach all the nooks and crannies in drive-train parts. Since El Duke is plant-based, I don't worry about toxins and don't even bother wearing gloves half the time. I drop the parts in, let them soak for about twenty minutes, and then scrub away. Carthartic and cleansing.
When I'm done, I remove the parts rinse with hot water, and hang them up to dry. I let the liquid in the tub settle, and then I carefully pour off the top into a jar; it's usually good for at least one more use (two if it's not too gunky and I pour carefully).
Since discovering El Duke, I no longer use synthetic solvents.

Beth Hamon, Portland OR
http://www.beth-hamon-music.com

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10:35:22 AM UTC-8, Jim Bronson wrote:

[Brian Campbell]

Marc, Home Depot has them in the paint section. It is a bucket designed for holding paint.  It is white plastic.

[Beth H]

I went digging to find out the status of El Duke degreaser. Since Rivendell sells it, I contacted them. Here's what Spencer told me:

"Hi Beth-

The El Duke guy quit making the stuff for a year or so a couple years ago. 
Then he moved to WC and we convinced him to start making it again. 
I think Riv is the one and only place to get it since he does not have the time to distribute it all by himself (the El Duke project is a side job)."

So there you have it. It's now a smaller side project, and available ONLY through RBW in 12 oz. bottles.

Still worth it, if you ask me.

Beth H.