Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is a common choice for cleaning engine parts, with many people remembering their fathers and grandfathers using it for this purpose. It is an effective degreaser and cleaner, particularly outdoors, and is kind to skin. However, it has a strong smell that can linger on clothes and is not water-soluble, making it difficult to wash down the drain. For these reasons, some people opt for alternatives such as kerosene, water-soluble cleaners, or a mixture of mineral spirits and diesel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Diesel is an effective cleaner for engine parts, removing carbon deposits and leaving parts shiny. |
| Cost | Diesel is a cheaper alternative to other cleaning solutions. |
| Safety | Diesel is flammable and has a strong, lasting odour. It can irritate the skin and evaporates quickly. |
| Convenience | Diesel is readily available. |
| User Experience | Some users prefer diesel for its lack of hand irritation compared to other petroleum products. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel is a good degreaser
One advantage of using diesel fuel as a degreaser is its availability and low cost. Diesel fuel is widely available and can be cheaper than other solvents, such as Agitene, which is described as "expensive". Diesel fuel is also less harsh on the hands than other products, such as varsol, which can dry out the skin and cause cracks.
However, one of the main drawbacks of using diesel fuel as a degreaser is its strong and persistent smell. Some users have tried to mitigate the smell by sealing the lid of the parts washer with weatherstripping or by using an exhaust hood over the tank. Others have opted to use a different product, such as kerosene, which is described as having a "lower vapor pressure and a lower flash point" than diesel fuel.
While diesel fuel can be effective as a degreaser, it may not be suitable for all applications due to its strong smell. It is important to consider the ventilation and odor control measures that may be required when using diesel fuel as a degreaser. Additionally, users should be aware that diesel fuel may leave an oily residue on parts, requiring a final cleaning with another product.
Overall, diesel fuel can be a good option for those seeking a cheap and widely available degreaser. However, the strong smell and potential for residue may be drawbacks for some users. It is always recommended to follow safety guidelines and user discretion when working with any chemical products.
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Diesel fuel is cost-effective
Diesel fuel is a cost-effective option for parts washers. It is a good degreaser and cleaner, effectively removing carbon deposits and leaving parts shiny. It is also kind to skin, not causing irritation or dryness, and is slow to evaporate.
Diesel is a cheap and readily available option, especially when compared to other solvents like Agitene. It is also versatile, being used as a machining oil, cutting threads, and in vertical mills. It is a good alternative to other petroleum products, which can irritate the skin and evaporate quickly.
One user commented that they use diesel in their parts washer and have done for 40 years. They also mention that diesel is always available, and they use a small amount of brake cleaner to remove any oily residue. Another user mentions that diesel is a good option when working outdoors, as it is effective in an open container.
Diesel is also a good alternative to other cleaning products like carb cleaner, WD40, and water-soluble cleaners. It is a good option for those who are not concerned about the smell, which can be mitigated by sealing the lid of the parts washer with weatherstripping or using an exhaust hood.
Overall, diesel fuel is a cost-effective and versatile option for parts washers, offering good cleaning performance and skin benefits at a low price.
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Diesel fuel is easily available
One advantage of using diesel fuel for parts washing is its availability. Diesel fuel is widely available at gas stations and can be purchased in large quantities, making it a convenient option for those who need a significant amount for parts washing. It is a good option for those who are located near gas stations or who can easily access them.
Another benefit of diesel fuel is its effectiveness as a cleaner. It has been used for many years by mechanics and car enthusiasts to clean engine parts. Its high viscosity and ability to soak parts overnight help remove stubborn grease, oil, and carbon deposits. Diesel fuel can also be used in combination with other products, such as a parts degreaser, to enhance its cleaning power and make it more soluble.
Additionally, diesel fuel is known for being gentle on the hands compared to other petroleum products. It does not irritate the skin as badly and has a lower evaporation rate, making it more comfortable to work with for extended periods. This can be especially beneficial for those who regularly clean parts and want to avoid skin irritation or dryness.
While diesel fuel is easily available and effective for parts washing, some users have expressed concerns about its strong smell. The diesel odor can be challenging to remove from clothes and hands, and it may linger for a long time. To mitigate this issue, some people use an exhaust hood over the tank or seal the lid of the parts washer with weather stripping to contain the smell. Others opt for using diesel fuel only in outdoor settings or in well-ventilated areas to minimize the impact of the odor.
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Diesel fuel is not hard on the hands
Diesel fuel can be used as a parts washer fluid. It is a good degreaser and cleaner, and it is also inexpensive and easily available. Diesel fuel is also not hard on the hands. While it does leave an oily film, it does not irritate the hands as badly as other petroleum products. In fact, diesel fuel is similar to the parts degreaser you can buy from motor factors in 25-litre drums. The latter is water-soluble, so if it is spilled, it can be washed down the drain, unlike diesel fuel.
One user on the Rennlist forum shares how their father used diesel fuel to clean car engine parts. He would soak the parts overnight in diesel fuel and then clean them using a diesel bath (a bucket with fresh diesel fuel) and a brush. This method effectively removed most carbon deposits and left the parts nice and shiny.
Another user on the Rising Sun 4WD Club Forum mentions that they like using diesel fuel when they are outside in a drain pan cleaning parts because it is inexpensive. They also state that diesel fuel works very well outdoors in an open container and is good for the hands.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the strong smell of diesel fuel, noting that it can linger on clothes and hands for a long time. To mitigate the smell, one user suggested sealing the entire circumference of the parts washer lid with weatherstripping. Another user mentioned that they used an exhaust hood over the tank to reduce the odour.
In summary, diesel fuel can be an effective and inexpensive parts washer fluid, especially for outdoor use. While it may not be as hard on the hands as some other products, it is important to consider the strong smell and potential for lingering odours on clothes and hands. Additionally, users should be cautious and avoid spilling diesel fuel, as it cannot be washed down the drain like some alternative parts washer fluids.
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Diesel fuel has a strong smell
Diesel fuel can be used as a parts washer, and it has been done for many years. It is a good degreaser and cleaner, and it is cheap and easily available. However, one of the major drawbacks of using diesel fuel is its strong smell. The smell of diesel fuel is pungent and tends to linger on clothes indefinitely.
Some people have tried to mitigate the smell of diesel fuel in parts washers by sealing the lid of the washer with weather stripping or using an exhaust hood over the tank. However, even with these measures, the diesel stink can be hard to get rid of, and it may still linger on clothes and hands.
For this reason, some users prefer to use alternative solvents like kerosene, terpenes, or citrus-based products for parts washing. These alternatives may be more expensive, but they offer a more pleasant experience due to their lower odour. Kerosene, for example, is known to cut grease and oil effectively and has been used by some without any issues for many years.
Additionally, other products like Citra-solv, which can be followed by a water rinse and lube, are also recommended by some users. Mineral spirits are another option for parts washing. They are low in flammability, have a relatively low odour, and are hard to ignite. These alternatives provide effective cleaning while reducing the strong smell associated with diesel fuel.
While diesel fuel works well as a parts washer, its strong smell is a significant consideration. Users may need to take extra steps to manage the odour or opt for alternative solvents that offer a more pleasant experience, especially if they are concerned about the lingering smell on their clothes and hands.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel is safe to use in a parts washer. However, it is very pungent and the smell tends to linger on your clothes. It is also important to note that diesel is not water-soluble and can get you into trouble if spilled.
Diesel fuel is a good degreaser and cleaner. It is also inexpensive and readily available.
Some alternatives to diesel fuel include kerosene, mineral spirits, water-soluble cleaners, carb cleaner, and WD40.
Aside from the strong smell, diesel fuel can leave an oily film on parts, requiring a final cleaning with another product. It is also not water-soluble, which can make spills difficult to clean up.
