Finding an inexpensive replacement pump for a parts washer is relatively easy if you’re using a water-based cleaning solution. Finding one compatible with petroleum-based solvents is considerably more difficult, but is still a necessary parts washer mod to do if you plan on doing heavy-duty cleaning.
Many inexpensive parts washer pumps are designed exclusively for aqueous cleaners. Petroleum solvents can damage incompatible seals, housings, and other components, making pump selection particularly important.
Fortunately, several manufacturers offer compact pumps specifically designed for solvent-based parts washers. Three worth considering are the Beckett GP210V, Little Giant 1-YS, and Little Giant 1-EAYS.
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Beckett GP210V
The Beckett GP210V is a compact, submersible pump intended for both solvent-based and aqueous parts washers.
Unlike conventional oil-filled pumps, the GP210V features an epoxy-encapsulated motor and a fluoroelastomer (FKM) shaft seal. Its corrosion-resistant polyester housing provides additional protection against cleaning chemicals.
The 115-volt pump delivers approximately 210 gallons per hour (GPH) at one foot of head, with a maximum pumping height of seven feet. These specifications make it suitable for typical benchtop and freestanding parts washers.
The GP210V also features a 1/4-inch threaded discharge and a six-foot power cord.
Although generally more expensive than basic replacement pumps, the Beckett is worth considering for anyone wanting a purpose-built solvent pump without purchasing an entire parts washer assembly.
Thankfully, this pump is easily available on Amazon for under $100 at the time of this writing.
Little Giant 1-YS (501020)
The Little Giant 1-YS is another compact submersible pump, designed specifically for parts washers using Stoddard solvent or deodorized kerosene.
Its construction differs from the Beckett. The 1-YS uses an oil-filled motor housed in cast aluminum, along with a nylon impeller assembly and a double-lip Viton seal.
The 115-volt version delivers approximately 205 GPH at one foot of head and offers a maximum pumping height of 7.4 feet. Its performance is therefore comparable to the Beckett GP210V.
The pump also includes thermal protection and a six-foot power cord without an installed plug.
For someone replacing a failed solvent-compatible pump, the 1-YS is a practical alternative. Used examples occasionally appear on eBay and other secondhand marketplaces, potentially offering considerable savings over new equipment.
This is a quality metal pump, and is also available easily on Amazon (although it’s about twice as expensive as the Beckett).
Little Giant 1-EAYS (518020)
The Little Giant 1-EAYS offers similar functionality in a slightly smaller package.
This pump features an epoxy-encapsulated motor, cast aluminum and polyester housing, nylon components, and a fluoroelastomer shaft seal. It is specifically designed for circulating compatible, unheated metal-parts cleaning solvents.
The 115-volt motor produces approximately 170 GPH at one foot of head, with a maximum pumping height of seven feet.
Although its flow rate is lower than those of the Beckett GP210V and Little Giant 1-YS, it remains sufficient for many small parts washers.
Its relatively compact dimensions also make it attractive for installations where space inside the solvent reservoir is limited.
This pump isn’t commonly available on Amazon, so you might need to trawl eBay (or you can also check industrial supply businesses like Grainger).
Choosing the Right Pump
All three pumps offer comparable performance for light-duty parts washing, with the Beckett providing the highest rated flow and the Little Giant 1-EAYS providing the lowest.
For budget-conscious buyers, purchasing a used pump may be worthwhile, provided its condition and compatibility can be verified.
However, petroleum-based cleaners are not interchangeable. Products such as Crown PSC 1000 contain petroleum distillates, but compatibility with a particular pump should be confirmed against the manufacturer’s approved solvents and operating requirements.
Regardless of which model you choose, use a properly rated parts washer, follow the manufacturer’s electrical installation requirements, and never substitute an ordinary water-only pump for one specifically intended for petroleum-based cleaning solvents.
