What happens to oil after 4 years in an engine?

you can spend a fortune on special tools and still not have what you need for the next job

 

I know that quite well. Have over $60k in tools and shop equipment. But when it comes to specialty tools, you have to weigh the cost versus the advantage. How long will it take to recover the cost of the tool? That kind of thing.

 

If you include the cost of my shop building, the concrete floor, getting power to it, I can beat you on the 60k tools and equipment

 

Well if you really want to hash numbers, you better get in line. Lmao. Shall I ad the 4600 sq ft shop to the numbers? OK, then I would be at $310k. haha

 

Let me see...34x70 pole barn is 2380 sq ft...and more when we add the second level, we brought 400 amp electric service 600 feet underground to it, but we did our work on the cheap. I have been collecting tools for 35 years now.

Howard

 

I know how you feel. I've been at this since I got my first tool set at 13. Never find myself stopping buying tools.

On thread track, the heads are now installed. Still have the cams to do, and the oil pump, timing system, and oil pan. I have to laugh, I have gone through 10 gallons of Purple Power at this point cleaning all of this stuff up! Hahaha.

 

That's why I have a parts washer...spent yesterday putting tires on a dirt bike. Not a big fan of bead locks

Howard

 

That was USING the parts washer. I have one. I use Purple Power in it because it is more environmentally friendly, and is cheaper to dispose of when time to get rid of it.

 

We recycle the kerosene we use in the parts washer to light brush piles and stumps...

I am also a big fan of simple green, but it needs a special heated parts washer. Tell me about using purple power is a standard parts washer...

 

I haven't had any issues with using it as a standard parts washer fluid. I dilute it 50/50 and it does a pretty decent job. It cost's me $22 for a 5 gallon container that usually lasts me about 6-8 weeks under normal use. I don't have to do any brush pile burning or anything like that, so no use for me on that, but a good idea! I have looked at getting one of those shop heaters that run off used engine oil and transmission fluid. Too expensive for me.

 

Yeah, it really is better to use heated cleaners. The heat helps to break up grease and grime. Think about it, you wouldn't wash your dishes in cold water! I would love to have a heated parts washer, but it is not in the cards right now. The one I REALLY want is way too expensive.

Of course I could always do like this guy. And to be honest, he is pretty dang ingenious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FsF0s8FFlQ

 

nice, but way, way to dangerous to put in a shop where other folks can use it

 

Considering I will be the only one using it, I feel reasonably safe. I am not planning to do the agitator, but a thermostat controlled heating element is not a bad idea.

 

I didn't see a thermostat on what looked to be a hot water heater element...and hot caustic material is eye, skin and breathing hazard.

 

I don't think he had a thermostat either, but as I mentioned, I would install a thermostat controlled element. I am quite aware of the dangers of caustic material. But thanks.

 

This is NOT a parts cleaner for the average homeowner/DIY type. This is an industrial process with numerous hazards and the equipment needs to be rated for the environment to work on a long term basis.

 

Simple Green IS a caustic solvent, use with care. As far as safety goes, I have been a safety professional in a number of roles for the last 25 years, and I have seen stupid is so many different ways...

Howard

 

I will be sticking with the Purple Power since that is the product we use on a regular basis, and it is the least expensive, but effective cleaner we can get. I have no plans to use caustic cleaner in the future. Right now I am at a 50/50 mix of PP and water.

Perhaps you do not realize that I am not a DIY, nor did I suggest this type of washer modification for anyone. I simply showed something that I found was interesting. Many parts washers come with a built in, thermostat controlled heater. These are quite expensive, and this modification can be done safely. I am not a DIY guy just trying out a redneck idea here. I am a profession, at a certified shop, who is looking at a better way to clean my customer's parts.

My brother is a licensed instructor in environmental safety, and has been in the field for over 30 years. I did consult him about this, and he said as long as I have it thermostatically controlled to keep the temp regulated below 160, since I will be handling the parts as they get cleaned, that I will be fine. See, not everyone out there is an idiot.

 

I respect your skill and your contributions to the list. I gave up full time mechanic work years ago and now I get involved in extremely high risk industrial operations, ones that if things go wrong, it makes international news...so I err on the side of caution. Currently I oversee a team that inspects high explosive production operations, and I do all their engineering analysis. Think of the arcane profession of "system safety".

On any piece of equipment I have to assume it is being used by a general industrial worker, not someone highly skilled and aware of all hazards and issues.

I personally find the use of a heated caustic cleaner to be cheap and effective on steel parts, but have my concerns on aluminum and other light metals.

Since my personal parts cleaner is used as a hobby unit, I can live with $20 gallons of K1 every couple of years...

Howard

 

I could never give up being a full time tech. I love doing this too much! So far I have seen no signs of any issues using Purple Power to clean steel or aluminum parts. Been using it for quite a while. When I was at the dealership were were using a totally enclosed heated caustic cleaner, and we were cleaning aluminum transmission cases and other parts, and never had any issues there.