Maintaining your vehicle often involves cleaning greasy and grimy parts. While professional setups can be costly, a budget-friendly Car Parts Washer can be assembled at home without breaking the bank. This article explores a cost-effective DIY approach using readily available components and highlights a highly recommended cleaning solvent.
One popular option for a DIY car parts washer is the 20-gallon parts washer from Harbor Freight. Often available for around $80, especially when on sale, this unit provides a basic framework for parts cleaning. While functional, the stock pump in these budget washers can be a point of concern, often made from plastic and prone to wear.
Alt text: The Harbor Freight 20-gallon parts washer, a budget-friendly option for DIY car maintenance, shown in a garage setting.
To address the potential pump issue, consider an upgrade. In some cases, used pumps from higher-end parts washers can be retrofitted to these units, significantly improving reliability and performance. This resourceful approach not only saves money but also enhances the longevity of your DIY setup.
The effectiveness of any parts washer heavily relies on the cleaning solvent used. For a user-friendly and efficient option, Inland Technology “Breakthrough” solvent stands out. This solvent is known for being easy on the hands, lacking strong, unpleasant odors, and drying without leaving an oily residue. While typically priced around $80 per 5-gallon can, obtaining this solvent for free, as mentioned in some instances where customers switch to other products, represents exceptional value.
Alt text: A container of Inland Technology Breakthrough solvent, a highly recommended cleaning solution for car parts washers due to its user-friendly and effective formula.
It’s important to note that not all cleaning solutions are created equal. Many water-based cleaners available in retail channels can be ineffective or even harmful. Some harsh chemicals, while powerful, can be detrimental, potentially etching aluminum, damaging skin, and posing health risks. Therefore, choosing a quality solvent like Inland Technology Breakthrough is crucial for both effective cleaning and user safety.
In conclusion, building an affordable car parts washer is achievable with a Harbor Freight 20-gallon unit and strategic upgrades like a more robust pump. Coupled with a high-quality solvent such as Inland Technology Breakthrough, this DIY solution offers excellent parts cleaning capability without a significant investment. While there’s always room for improvement in any setup, this budget-conscious approach provides remarkable value for money and is highly effective for home automotive maintenance.
