VARSOL Where to find?

[storeman]

Most of you senior soldiers will remember a solvent for parts washers called Varsol. Worked very well and would probably be a good additive to Mystery oil on prepping a new set before firing it up. Google search has a few dead ends on Varsol, such as Home Depot, which doesn't carry it. Anyone know where it can be had? I know mineral spirits are supposed to be similar but there is no comparison in effectiveness, in my opinion.

I did stumble on a concoction called Red Joe that sounds interesting but haven't tested it yet.

Jerry

 

[4x4 Forever]

You have my curiosity up now too. I have not heard of VARSOL for probably 15 years. Might have gone 'green'...I was some of the best stuff to clean parts with.

 

[littlebob]

I've bought it a few years ago at the Ace Hardware, it was very expensive! Now I just use the stuff out of my mystery barrel of old gas, Diesel and oil.

 

[FrankUSMC]

We use it at work, and you are right it is very $$$. We buy it by the tanker load, and go though it fast for cleaning air craft parts.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

 

[seano11]

I guess I'll start taking order's for varsol, up here in Canada it is all we use. Can get it pretty much anywheres

 

[dburd72]

varsol

Try your local paint dealer that where i got my last gallon

 

[bones1]

Varsol™ fluids

I used it for many years but can't find it now. Good read here as well
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/what-happened-varsol-146676/

 

[ODdave]

Dumb question, But what are you doing with it? Exactly?

 

[storeman]

I want it to soak IP parts in and injectors. I have a super-sized ultrasound unit that could use it as well. Guess I'll try Keith's chemical to try and loosen the control arm. You can filter and reuse Varsol. It removes varnish in tanks and dissolve a lot of other crud. It used to be standard for filtered 30 gallon parts washers used in many repair shops.

 

[ODdave]

Ok, I was going to say if you needed to soak small amouts of stuff I.E. carburator parts Barryman Chem-Dip works EXCELENT, But is quite pricey.
Walmart.com: Berryman Chem-Dip Carburetor and Parts Cleaner: Automotive

 

[storeman]

I figured Keith had stock in Berryman so I had my wife pick up 2 cans at Walmart today. 15oz for $2.99. I looked at Advance yesterday and it was over $4. I'll try it on injectors and see how it does, also on the IP control lever. The lever on my "new" 002a is all gummed up.

jerry

 

[C15TA]

Varsol is a copyright name of Imperial Oil/Esso/Exxon. It can be bought at Home Depot and places like that but it is packaged by one chemical company thay pays Imperial for the rights. It is a mineral spirit but in much purer form and therefore more expensive than cleaning solvent. Varsol has become a generic name like Kleenex and Skidoo. People say they are going skidooing even though they are driving an Arctic Cat.
In the old days before the environment movement we used to wash the garage floors every Saturday with Varsol and it did an excellent job. Now we use a crappy environmentally friendly soap.
Cheers,
Barry

 

[hoop]

Varsol will stop Termites also.......

 

[storeman]

Now you are really making me salivate!