CRC SmartWasher SW-423 Mobile Parts Washer Kit, and Durable Parts Washer, Cleans Dirt, Oil, and Grime from Industrial and Automotive Parts, Water-Based, Non-Flammable, pH Neutral

The price was the lowest I could find. The shipping was great with NO damage. The product is fantastic and supplied with the chemical and Ozzy mat. I have had it for a week now and it is working great.

Parts washer in automotive repair shop wanted something on wheels that was water base works well

Product was great but I had to repair it to use it. Contacted seller and replied said they will get back with me. Never contacted me

Some background.This bioremediating technology has been around for a long time, but few shops seem to be aware of it or of its benefits to them. I was a factory rep for one of SmartWasher’s competitors for several years, and we found resistance to this technology from shops, because they had been using Stoddard solvent for many years and saw no reason to switch to “soapy water.” No way could it clean like petroleum-based solvents. (Yes, it does, and it isn’t soapy water). Selling was a matter of placing demos in shops, along with a lot of hand holding, because the differences in use and maintenance requirements often frustrated users who didn’t follow instructions. So why switch to bioremediation? California shops led the way, mainly because of new California laws and regulations which made continued use of petroleum solvents either illegal, very expensive, or both. When word got out how effective this cleaning method is, easy on the hands, no foul odors, no fines, and no need to pay for fluid changes, the price of the machines and supplies became much less of an issue. I used my demo unit in my shop for almost 20 years after that competitor pulled out of the US, and when I ran out of supplies, I started using SmartWasher Ozzyjuice and filters. When my old demo unit finally failed, I stepped up to the SW23, and I’m finding it a huge upgrade. By the way, I have no connection to CRC or SmartWasher, and I haven’t received any compensation for my opinions.How it worksThe microbes that do the work are similar to the ones used to clean up – eat, actually - the massive oil spill from the Exxon Valdez in Alaska. The microbes are supplied by SmartWasher in the FL-4 Ozzymat and are activated and kept healthy by the warmed cleaning solution. The elevated temperature also increases cleaning effectiveness. The FL-4 filter pack consists of four mats – one has a blue material containing the microbes which lies against the filter support. Each week the user peels off one of the mats, exposing a fresh, clean filter surface. Once a month, the FL-4 is replaced, putting four new filters and a fresh supply of microbes into the system. Several types of cleaning fluid are available. This particular kit comes with the SW4 solution, which I’ve found to be excellent for my needs working on cars, motorcycles, and general degreasing of parts and tools.The SW23 machineThe SW23 is advertised as a mobile parts washer, but I’d previously seen it described as designed for cleaning brakes - specifically, brakes on vehicles elevated on a lift. It probably would be great for that, but I’ll likely never move it from its corner in the shop. Still, it’s nice to know that I could, and the machine is very easy to maneuver. I also appreciate the large tub which has radiused corners, making large or awkwardly shaped parts easy to deal with. The angled brush w/button operated valve, described as ergonomic, would be excellent when used at chest level – cleaning brake parts on an elevated vehicle. But for use on items in the machine’s tub, I find the angled brush both difficult and uncomfortable to use. The button must be held depressed while the wrist is at an uncomfortable angle – see the pictures. If this bothers you as it did me, the issue can be rectified by installing a straight brush with no valve button (picture) along with a ball valve available here on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/ys3ubx8h) to control fluid flow at the brush. I show my valve installation location in the pictures. SmartWasher’s larger units are equipped with a non-valved straight brush and remote valve which might be adaptable to the SW23, but I chose a simpler and less expensive solution using aftermarket parts. Note – It’s clear that the angled brush was modified from a barbed connection (pictured) for threading onto a brass adapter. You can do the same thing with a straight, non-valved brush, or just use the standard 3/8 hose barb without the brass adapter.SuppliesOccasionally, you’ll need to add a 5-gallon jug of whatever Ozzyjuice you’re using, plus replace the FL-4 filter pack once a month. CRC’s website provides a map to display stores in your area that sell the products. I shop for them at NAPA stores and buy on-line. NAPA routinely places the juice and filters on sale at considerable savings. But for the initial purchase of this SW23 kit, you definitely want to grab this deal on Amazon. Even with the kit on sale at NAPA well below regular price, I purchased here on Amazon and saved an additional $500. That’ll pay for a lot of juice and filters. Above all, read the instructions (RTFM), take your time setting up the machine, and never use the SW23 as an oil dump. Scrape as much oily crud as possible into a trash can before using the tub. The manual includes helpful troubleshooting tips. Once you get used to using the SW23, you’ll be glad you bought it.I noticed a complaint here regarding durability and parts availability. The owner’s manual shows most all of the parts w/part numbers – all except the tank and tub, even though tank and tub (and wheeled dolly) are designed to be easily separated for service of internal parts. So that person’s complaint is valid. I couldn’t speculate on durability, but I’ll certainly update this review if issues crop up.

This parts washer is good when it works. But constantly needs repairs. Pumps circuit boards heater probes. Getting parts is a pain. Now my tank cracked where it attaches to the rolling base and CRC says I can’t just buy the tank I have to buy the complete parts washer. If you think 1600. And your done well think again they could give you he parts washer and still make 3 times that on parts.

Very good machine

This is being used in a technical college. So far it's worked better than expected! Very pleased with it.

Update.. 05/2025, Still going strong, have only had one issue with this unit, but turned out to be a blown fuse..We repair / rebuild marine transmissions in our shop, on a daily basis.prior to the smartwasher we used the typical petroleum based solvent washers. These became less and less cost effective, as the prices to both purchase and dispose of / recycle the spent solvent increased.At first I was put-off due to the washer's heating element needed to be powered on 24/7.We don't typically change the mats weekly, rather than bi-monthly, or when drainage is slow, this has not noticeably compromised cleaning of parts, and has saved a few bucks.. The juice seems to last, and doesn't require many top ups.