Parts washer fluid, what does everyone use?

[billdn]

Having just replaced the spent fluid in my parts washer and cleaned out the inch or so of sludge,. I need to replace the fluid, I'd prefer not to use paraffin, but the options when googling degreasers are various as are the comments.
So what's the general consensus of what's best to use.

[Oddjob]

We used Safety Kleen in the parts washer at Queens Park Motors

[Orcade-Ian]

I've been using Bilt Hamber 'Surfex HD' in my parts washer for a couple of years now and really pleased with it.  No, it's not as good as true solvent cleaners as it's more like a strong soap solution.  It comes in 5 litre containers and is diluted with water - strength dependent on how filthy the bits are but it works right down to well beyond 20:1.  It doesn't 'float' the dirt off - you still need to brush it away.  When I've got my hands mucky on any job I even clean them with it and have no cracked/split skin like I used to get with solvents.  I also use it in the ultrasonic bath with good results.
Speak to Bilt Hamber to discuss your requirements,
Ian

[Trigger]

Safety kleen fluid is just a water base cleaner these days and is crap, like most water base parts wash cleaner (environmental friendly ) . The main problem with any water based cleaner is you would have to dilute it with de-ionised water or rust will occur.
The stuff i use for year is like the old safety kleen fluid but is about £90 for 20ltrs and my machine has a 30ltr tank.

[Laverdaroo]

JIZER is absolutely brilliant as a degreaser and comes in gallon tubs, been using it for years.......... although not as good as it used to be butvits the same no matter what you buy really.

[heli_madken]

We used Safety Kleen in the parts washer at Queens Park Motors

In Salford back in the 70s Ken? honestly they had the most amazing deals on new bikes back then did you work there?

By far the most amazing parts washer I have ever come across is this stuff -  https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-degreaser-5ltr/88668 cheap and just cuts through the crud like a knife through butter, dont use anything else for normal parts washing.

For Ultrasonic stuff I use various cleaners from Allendale Ultrasonics - https://www.allendale-ultrasonics.co.uk/detergents-and-fluids

[Oddjob]

Yeah the big old mill like building. We were stuck down underground, suppose you could call it a basement, I started there late 70s iirc, was there around 6 years I think, then did a spell at Claremont motorcycles in Ashton-under-Lyne, main Yamaha dealer. After that went working for a small back street workshop until I decided to call it a day. Got sick of having dirt ingrained into my skin.

[AndyD]

Agree with heli-madken on the Screwfix stuff - used it for a while now and seems to do a pretty good job and isn't too unpleasant either.
When I bought the cleaner from Machine Mart I also bought their degreaser which was pretty useless, foamed badly and formed a thick smelly layer of scum on the surface so that didn't go too well!

For the ultrasonic, I've bought fluid from a company called Mistral (mistralie.co.uk) - I think when I first looked some years ago it seemed to be the same stuff Allendale were selling.
They also did (maybe still do) a solvent degreaser which was really good and aggressive.

Cheers,
Andy

[heli_madken]

Queens Park were amazing with their prices on new bikes. I remember being pig sick that I could have got my GL1000 for a good deal less than I paid for it from Rogersons in Orrel.

My mate bought a CJ250T from them again considerably cheaper but as far as I am concerned a horrible bike. At one point we made the journey there every couple of weeks on a Saturday.