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Best way to remove and clean cutting oil from sump

Whetstone

Cast Iron
Joined
Mar 27, 2011
Location
Providence RI
I just bought a horizontal mill and want the replace the cutting oil (which smells like motor oil) with a water based coolant. I can use the pump and a vacuum to remove most of the oil from the reservoir, but what is the best way to clean the sump and lines in preparation for coolant? Fill the sump with a solvent and run it through the system? If so, what solvent? Are there other options?
 
Try diesel fuel or kero as a solvent, nothing stronger/more flamable.

Afterwards, the off the shelf alkaline cleaner should remove the solvent.
 
When I've cleaned 'orrid coolant tanks I've always used sawdust - pile it in, stir it around to absorb the oil and water, and then vacuum it out. Obviously taking care to avoid pipe lines etc.
 








 
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