Question about ultrasonic cleaning.

[wkmpt]

I keep looking at one of the ultrasonic parts cleaners from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-liter-ultrasonic-cleaner-95563.html

Obviously, ultrasonic parts cleaning machine manufacturers would like to sell you their own formulation of cleaner to put in the unit, but I'm wondering what other substances work as well.

Would good 'ol carb dip work? Provided flammable material isn't a hazard in the machine, I could see the combination of the dip plus vibration spitting out some pretty fabulously clean carbs.

Anyone have experience and/or an opinion on the matter?

 

[almarconi]

A water based cleaner should work fine.

 

[rapidray]

Just so you know,I have NEVER had an issue getting mixture screws out when I sonic cleaned first! Ray.

 

[Agemax]

you can use almost any fluid you want, but some chemicals are formulated for specific metals

 

[almarconi]

you can use almost any fluid you want

This is just plain dangerous advice. How about gasoline would that be a good cleaner to use or how about some benzine?


This is copied right from the manual for the parts cleaner:

Use only lukewarm water. Excessively hot water will damage the transducer. Do not use penetrating oils in the Cleaner as they may damage the Cleaner and any materials being cleaned. Never use volatile solvents, gasoline, or other flammable liquids.

 

[JEEPRUSTY]

I am sure a major issue with ultrasonic cleaning is the ability to avoid harsh chemicals.
I think you may be misunderstanding the most any fluid you want post.

I do not think it would be necessarily wise to use carb dip.

Some of the big machines will pulverize the parrts if kept in too long.
There are some interesting videos on it on youtube.

 

[almarconi]

I think you may be misunderstanding the most any fluid you want post.

What's there to misunderstand? I understand english and that is what he wrote. It would be better to not comment than to provide some one with potentially dangerous advice.

 

[Agemax]

what i meant was use water as the main but its safe to add almost anything in a very diluted form. i have 3 different bottles, specially formulated for U/S cleaners for different purposes but for some applications i use vinegar, white spirit and even white wine, which is excellent for cleaning gunged up carbs

 

[wkmpt]

One of the reasons I was asking about which solutions/solvents are safe to use, is that in my last place of employment, we had an ultrasonic cleaner that was used for cleaning stainless surgical stuff. The solvent we used was some kind of clear liquid that if left sitting out a good amount of it would evaporate completely in minutes. So that tells me it's probably not water.

Anyway, when I get the unit, I'll try water/wine or water/vinegar. Any suggestions as to the concentration of either?

Also, what about using a dilution of that "Simple Green" cleaner?

 

[Agemax]

i use simple green, but most solutions should be 10 parts water to 1 part additive,depending on what you are using and what you are cleaning

 

[rustybronco]

What's there to misunderstand? I understand english and that is what he wrote. It would be better to not comment than to provide some one with potentially dangerous advice.

I'm sorry, but when did most of us loose any sense of reality? common sense tell us not to mix something potentially flammable with electricity. to those that don't, darwinism will thin the herd.

you can use almost any fluid you want, but some chemicals are formulated for specific metals

 

[almarconi]

I'm sorry, but when did most of us loose any sense of reality? common sense tell us not to mix something potentially flammable with electricity. to those that don't, darwinism will thin the herd.

People do stupid things all the time. Have you ever used a chain saw, how do people amputate their leg while using a chainsaw? The list is almost endless when it comes to doing things that may make sense to you and me. Don't assume anything when offering advice.

 

[Agemax]

it all depends if you know what you are doing and have the knowledge to go through with it without putting yourself at risk

 

[Buetra19]

I clean my chainsaw with gasoline and a blow dryer.

 

[Guest]

I have that same Ultra sonic cleaner, The first thing you want to do with it is take it apart and seal the stainless tank at the top where it meets the plastic housing. They condensate, because it has it's own heat source, and moisture gets down inside them and shorts them out. Ask me how I know. The first one shorted the second time I used it. The second one is still working fine 2.5 years later, but I sealed it. The only down fall I find is the timer only lets it run for 5min intervals. and alot of times you may want to turn it on and pre heat the cleaner first. As far as cleaning solutions any thing water based . I use Awesome cleaner from the dollar store and some times vinegar, depending on what needs cleaning.

 

[Guest]

I have that same Ultra sonic cleaner, The first thing you want to do with it is take it apart and seal the stainless tank at the top where it meets the plastic housing. They condensate, because it has it's own heat source, and moisture gets down inside them and shorts them out. Ask me how I know. The first one shorted the second time I used it. The second one is still working fine 2.5 years later, but I sealed it. The only down fall I find is the timer only lets it run for 5min intervals. and alot of times you may want to turn it on and pre heat the cleaner first. As far as cleaning solutions any thing water based . I use Awesome cleaner from the dollar store and some times vinegar, depending on what needs cleaning.

I may try to seal mine also ( I have the same one). Mine does 8 minutes intervals though. I have used Simple Green with success and Purple Power also

 

[chuck hahn]

Bypass the timer and run it as you see fit based on the starting condition and what your experience tells you youll need.

If your averaging say 5 turn ons, then plug it in and let it go for the 15 minutes or so and then unplug.

Screw all the running back and forth crap.

 

[Willmrx]

I clean my chainsaw with gasoline and a blow dryer.

While smoking! LOL!

 

[Agemax]

my U/S cleaner has pre heat and a 60 minute timer. i bath a single carb for 80 minutes.
20 sat up right, 20 laid on its front, 20 on its back and 20 stood on its head.
that way it gets every nook and cranny and orifice from every angle

 

[Wingsconsin]

This has worked for me...

This has worked for me...

Simple Green diluted with water...
Straight simple Green on a rag for wiping down then dipped in a gallon of water in a bucket..
We add 2QTs of water to the Ultrasonic and then fill to the "Full" line on the Ultrasonic with Simple Green.
Works great...
When I take a part out I have 2 bucket of wter sitting nearby...
I dip it in bucket #1 then bucket #2 to 'rinse' the Simple Green off...
Dry with a towel or compressed air to get the water out...