- Joined
- Sep 27, 2019
- Messages
- 99
- Reaction score
- 104
- Points
- 33
- Location
- Louisville KY
- Vehicle Year
- 2003
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger 4x4
- Engine Type
- 4.0 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
So as I started taking the Ranger apart it became obvious I'd need a bigger parts washer. Have a little tiny one I bought years ago, I think it's a 5 gallon or something like that. Not big enough for things like intakes and other cruddy stuff I'm having to re-use for the long block, so I picked up a 20gal Harbor Freight special with a 20% off coupon. Ended up costing right at $80 with tax. Started looking around and found lots of postings showing various mods, which got the creative juices flowing. I intend to run a non-aqueous solvent, PSC-1000, available at Tractor Supply, so the pond pump that comes with the parts washer was the first to go. A solvent compatible Little Giant will go in the sump. I also wanted to have a brush as well as the regular flex nozzle that comes with the parts washer. I wanted to be able to heat the solvent to 100 degrees F or so to enhance the action. Also on the list of mods was to install some kind of filter to keep the solvent clean. I should have paid more attention to the size of the filter I got on Amazon. It's HUGE, but its a 10 micron hydraulic filter, came with the head, $58 for the whole thing. I want to be able to hold 4-5" of solvent for extended soak, and be able to circulate solvent in the wash tank from the holding sump and back. Between Lowes, Amazon and eBay, I put together a bunch of bits and pieces to get where I want to go. First task, get it up on wheels so I can move it around. A piece of 3/4 plywood and some salvaged casters got it up and mobile. The shelf that came with the washer was dropped down to cover the plywood. Next was a reservoir for holding solvent. After a couple of tries, found that a Rubbermaid Roughneck 20 gallon tub just fits inside the legs. It's also made of a plastic that's solvent resistant. Got a Little Giant solvent pump, a 1200w stick heater, electronic thermostat, float switch, power switches, a couple of bulkhead fittings, and other bits together. Today, I started the mods. The rest of the bits will be here Tuesday. Stick heater will go in the sump thru a stainless bulkhead fitting. The float switch will keep the heater from coming on if the sump level gets too low. The electronic thermostat will be backed up by a 110v lower thermostat off a 10 gallon water heater to keep the system from overheating. An explosion proof sealed LED flood light is going on the underside of the lid. Three switches will control heat, light, and pump.
3/4 bulkhead fitting will have a 5" tall 3/4" copper standpipe so I can soak and circulate the solvent.
Ball valve on the existing drain. Bulkhead drain and tank drain are T'eed together, will drain into the sump.
20 gallon Rubbermaid Brute sump.
Nozzle that came with the washer mounted on one side, manifold in the middle, brush goes on the other side
Manifold lets me run nozzle, brush, or both.
Giant filter. It'll be mounted sideways between the tank and the sump
3/4 bulkhead fitting will have a 5" tall 3/4" copper standpipe so I can soak and circulate the solvent.
Ball valve on the existing drain. Bulkhead drain and tank drain are T'eed together, will drain into the sump.
20 gallon Rubbermaid Brute sump.
Nozzle that came with the washer mounted on one side, manifold in the middle, brush goes on the other side
Manifold lets me run nozzle, brush, or both.
Giant filter. It'll be mounted sideways between the tank and the sump
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