Parts washer fluids

[KenO]

So I posted this on GarageJournal, but am going to post it here too.


So, I understand rust is a major concern for the water-based parts solvents. I know parts solvents have been beaten to death here (yes, I've searched for about the past hour and a half). However, I've seen a couple people post about adding a rust inhibitor to the water-based fluid. Any thoughts on this?

I'm considering building my own parts washer, and am also considering figuring out an efficient way to heat the fluid. An old water heater does come to mind, but we'll see. My plan is to store the fluid externally to the washer, and pump it in, and obviously drain out the bottom into whatever container is holding & heating the fluid. This is for use in an attached home garage (bedrooms are directly above the garage) so I can't have petroleum smells or harmful vapors. Thought???

I also had the thought of building a PLASTIC parts washer - either out of a plastic shop sink, or a plastic 50 gallon barrel. Can I safely also use a plastic 20 gallon barrel to heat with, or is that too much risk of melting it and creating a huge mess??? Still undecided on the method of heat, but very open to suggestions. Obviously, trying to be as economical as possible.

 

[Silk]

When I used water based cleaner in my workshop parts cleaner I had a heating coil made up to fit the drum, it has a temp control on it. You need to get heat the water based cleaners, otherwise it's like washing dishes with cold water, it just doesn't work well. I still have the heating coil, and these days use it in a cut down plastic drum for a dip tank. Even with solvent cleaners the steel drum can rot out - contaminants can turn acidic if left in there too long. This is in a workshop unit where the mechanics wash everything and everything, I think one of the culprits was brake fluid.