[Vwdiesel] Parts Cleaning

[Val Christian]

VWers,

Cleaning a bunch of diesel parts, covered with soot laden engine oil,
polymerized around whatever dirt kicks up from the roads here, I decided
to try something different.

I've used gasoline (not a good idea for the obvious reason of flamability,
but also that it carries contaminants into the bosy quickly, through
the skin), kerosine, diesel fuel, and the savior of cleaning--cans of 
brake cleaner.  I really like cans of brakecleaner.  Better than ether for
starting, since it's less volatile (helps me get the weed wacker and
other stuff going in the spring).  I thought, that just for once, I'd 
try the conventional.  Commercial parts cleaner solvent.  So I went off
the the local Tractor Supply, laid down my $22, and walked off with 
5 gallons of mystery hydrocarbon.

After mulling it over, I decided to order up a MSDS sheet.  Couldn't find
it on the web, so I called the store.  They'll fax one as soon as they 
can find it.  

As near as I can tell the stuff is likely low-purity petroleum distillates,
which are low volatility.  My initial plan is lidded containers, and a 
two or three stage wash.  Vegatable strainer of parts, swish in the
first container, brushed, and then moved to the next, for the low grade
poor and lazy man cleaning.  If I get really impressed, there are the
parts cleaning stations, made out of sheet metal, with low cost fountain 
pumps on them, that can be had from Harbor Freight.  

These things seldom come fast to me...I kinda hate collecting more stuff
in the garage.  On the other hand, I like being able to get the job done
quickly.  And cleaning valvecover screws, and other little parts that get 
all grimed up, is a real pain.

So what do you guys use, and how does it work for you.  Someone has to 
have an old KitchenAid dishwasher, plumbed up to recirculate Zippy 500
Parts Cleaning Petroleum Distillates (not approved for direct skin contact,
of course).  I'm not sure I want to go that far, but learning from 
others is always welcome.

Oh, I refuse to buy synthetic parts washing oil.  I just can't do it.
I'll go back to the cans of brake cleaner first.  It's a religious thing.

Val