A parts washer pump is a submersible, direct-drive pump designed to recirculate solvent-based cleaning fluid from a parts washer's reservoir through a flexible hose or spigot, allowing a technician to brush and rinse greasy or dirty components with continuously filtered solvent. The pump sits submerged in the solvent tank, drawing fluid through an intake and delivering it under moderate pressure to a hand-held spigot or fixed nozzle above the wash basin.
Automotive shops, machine shops, and industrial maintenance facilities rely on parts washer pumps wherever degreasing and cleaning of mechanical components with solvent is a routine task. Their chemical-resistant construction — typically Viton seals, cast aluminum or corrosion-resistant plastic housings, and thermally protected motors — allows continuous submersion in solvent without seal degradation, making them the standard replacement part for both original-equipment and universal-fit parts washer stations.
Common configuration: 115/120VAC single-phase, 60 Hz, with flow rates ranging from roughly 190 GPH (3.2 GPM) up to 340+ GPH depending on model. Pumps are rated for use with Stoddard solvent, deodorized kerosene, and other UL-classified PJQU solvents (flash point no lower than 100°F), or specifically for water-based/aqueous solutions on certain models.
Quick-Reference Spec Glossary
- Flow rate (GPH/GPM)
- Fluid recirculation rate at rated head height
- Head/lift rating
- Maximum vertical lift the pump can sustain (ft)
- Voltage/Amperage
- Typically 115/120VAC, 60 Hz; amp draw usually under 1A
- Seal material
- Viton® preferred for solvent resistance; nylon/plastic heads common
- Solvent compatibility
- UL PJQU-classified solvents (flash point ≥100°F), Stoddard solvent, or aqueous-only
- Outlet size/type
- Typically 1/4" or 1/2" MPT/FPT, or barbed fitting
- Thermal protection
- Auto thermal cutoff to prevent motor overheating
- Housing material
- Cast aluminum or chemical-resistant plastic