Cleaning tractor w/power washer - detergent to use

[texbaylea]

I just bought a power washer primarily for cleaning the tractor. What detergent do you use with the washer? I am concerned about getting the grease/dirt mix off the FEL. I do plan to thoroughly regrease when I finish.

Vernon

 

[Redneck_Randy]

This thread may provide you with some info.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82874

 

[Soundguy]

Be aware that many good cleaners can eat paint. greased lightning and purple stuff and clones will eat paint. Simple green is usually safe when mixed as directed... Dish soap is fine..

Soundguy

 

[flusher]

I just bought a power washer primarily for cleaning the tractor. What detergent do you use with the washer? I am concerned about getting the grease/dirt mix off the FEL. I do plan to thoroughly regrease when I finish.

Vernon

A lot of the car/engine detailers use Dawn dishwashing liquid.

 

[texbaylea]

Randy
Thanks for the link. I did a search but apparently did not use the right keywords.

Vernon

 

[schmism]

btw if you wash your car with Dawn, youll have no wax left on it (if you had any to start with that is )

 

[ejtaylor822]

I have used simple green and the Briggs & Stratton degreaser in the gallon jugs they sell at Lowe's. Have had real good succcess with both, think I like the B&S stuff better. As you mentioned, always regrease and lube after I wash it off and NEVER direct spray at full pressure.

Eddie

 

[RalphVa]

I'd NEVER use a power washer. Lots of gaskets and stuff there aren't designed to withstand that kind of pressure, particularly from the outside.

In the old days before the current fancy brands of cleaners, I'd wet my engine with water from a hose and then sprinkle with Tide. Then hose off. Did a GREAT job. Now, there's liquid Tide. Just wet (with hose) and use a pump squirter to apply some Tide. Let sit and then remove with spray from a hose.

Take the power washer back for a refund. They just waste fuel.

Ralph

 

[scott_vt]

I just bought a power washer primarily for cleaning the tractor. What detergent do you use with the washer? I am concerned about getting the grease/dirt mix off the FEL. I do plan to thoroughly regrease when I finish.

Vernon

Mornin Vernon,
I use the Purple Power stuff I get from my local NAPA store and it seems to do a good job. I also use it for cleaning old grease and crud on the old tractors that I rebuild etc. You can dilute it if you feel its too strong!

 

[dancer]

I think all janitorial supply shops have some very good cleaners for multiple purposes. I buy SuperSolv, otherwise known as "Myers Blue Stuff", from our local Myers franchise store. At about $12 per gallon in the concentrated form it's a bargain considering a 10:1 mix with water is about the strongest solution you'll ever need to use. Its label says that is is a "Cleaner, Degreaser".