Ultrasonic cleaners for engines ?

[Rob Killick]

Hi ,

I picked up an ultrasonic cleaner .
It is timed and has a heater , that reaches 170 degrees F , with a 2.5 liter capacity .
I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with this type of unit , for engine cleaning .
One thing I would be worried about , would be removing the coloring (OS LA's and Irvine) from the crankcases .
 
Thanks

[De Hill]

I go down to the local Dollar General store and buy a cleaner called "mighty orange". It works well in my ultra sonic cleaner. It will remove anodize and paint, though. I doubt if you can find a cleaner that will not remove paint in an hour or three.

When you place an engine into the ultrasonic cleaner, don't let it rest on the bottom. Hang it from a hook or in place it in a basket at least an inch off of the bottom. corrosion will occur if you let it rest on the bottom of the tank.

[Rob Killick]

Thanks De ,

Aprreciate the info .

[Dave Adamisin]

Been using one for forthy years. Great for everything but the ball bearings. Brg's always get "grindy" after some time in the US cleaner.

[Garf]

I used to work in an instrument shop. We used to use a simple soap solution in ours. Then again, we never had things as nasty as baked on castor oil to clean. I wonder how antifreeze would work in one?

[Stan Bidowski]

That's a good question.  I use a crockpot with good results as many do.
I also use ultra sonic cleaners ( I have 3 ).  One larger unit has a heater,
but doesn't get as hot as the crockpot on high.  I also thought about using
antifreeze in a Ultra 'S', but haven't tried it yet.  I have used various
fluids/cleaners in it, with mixed results, for many years.

Stan Bidowski 

[Warren Wagner]

Stan,

Where did you buy your ultrasonic cleaner?

I've wanted one for years, but they are not your common household item, so I have not found a source other than going to a very expensive chemical supply company and paying big bucks.

Thanks.

Warren Wagner

[De Hill]

Get on ebay and type in ultrasonic cleaner in the searchbar. You will probably want  one which will hold 5 pints. Less than $100.00.

De

[Stan Bidowski]

Warren, the larger ultra sonic cleaner ( I think the brand is L&R )was purchased at a dental supply
company.  I asked my dental technician about a source when I was in for a cleaning.  She offered
an address for a local company in Winnipeg.  I also bought a smaller one there too.  The 3rd one I
found at a flea market by pure chance, for a very good price!  - Check with your dentist.  I also
purchased some cleaning fluid from the dental supply as well.

Stan Bidowski