Wash Parts the Right Way: Temco Parts Washers Demonstrates How Proper Cleaning Improves Performance
EPARTRADE Race Industry Now Webinar Highlights Advanced Spray Cabinet Technology Designed for Motorsports, Engine Builders, and Industrial Applications
When engine builders talk about horsepower, precision machining, or assembly techniques, one step is often overlooked despite influencing every stage of the build: parts cleaning.
During the latest EPARTRADE Race Industry Now webinar, "Wash Parts the Right Way with Temco Parts Washers!", Mark Haworth, Owner of Temco Parts Washers, and Leyton Barry, Head of Sales and Marketing, joined host Joe Castello of WFO Radio to explain why effective parts cleaning is much more than housekeeping—it's an essential part of producing reliable, high-performance engines and driveline components.
With nearly five decades of experience manufacturing spray cabinet parts washers in Oklahoma, Temco demonstrated how modern cleaning technology can dramatically reduce labor, improve consistency, and help technicians identify issues before expensive failures occur.
Clean Parts Build Better Engines
Every successful engine build starts with clean components.
According to Haworth, cleaning isn't simply about appearance—it directly affects inspection, assembly quality, and long-term reliability.
"When components are properly cleaned, technicians can immediately identify cracks, damaged threads, casting defects, worn surfaces, and other problems that would otherwise remain hidden beneath grease, carbon, and oil residue."
For race teams and engine builders working with tight tolerances, that level of visibility becomes especially important before machining or final assembly.
Instead of spending valuable shop time manually scrubbing components over a sink, Temco's spray cabinet systems automate the entire process.
Haworth compared the concept to a household dishwasher: load the parts, close the cabinet, start the cycle, and return later to clean components ready for inspection or assembly.
The result is greater consistency while freeing technicians to perform higher-value work.
Built Around High Flow Rather Than High Pressure
One of the webinar's most technical discussions focused on a common misconception in industrial cleaning: that higher pressure always produces better cleaning results.
Temco intentionally takes a different engineering approach.
Rather than relying on restrictive spray nozzles to create extremely high pressure, the company's machines utilize:
- High-volume pump systems
- Large-volume detergent flow
- Elevated solution temperatures
- Purpose-designed detergent chemistry
For example, the popular T5 Storm uses a pump capable of moving approximately 105 gallons per minute while operating around 65 PSI.
Instead of blasting contaminants off the surface, the heated detergent solution chemically loosens grease and oil before the high-volume flow continuously washes contamination away.
Haworth explained that spray nozzles often become maintenance problems because even small debris can clog them, reducing cleaning performance over time.
By eliminating restrictive nozzles and maximizing flow, Temco creates a more reliable cleaning system with fewer maintenance concerns.
Heat and Chemistry Do the Heavy Lifting
Temperature is another critical component of Temco's cleaning philosophy.
Standard operating temperature is approximately 180°F, with optional systems capable of operating above 200°F for demanding applications.
Combined with specially formulated detergents, the elevated temperature accelerates the removal of:
- Heavy grease
- Engine oil
- Carbon deposits
- Assembly lubricants
- Industrial contaminants
Rather than using generic cleaners, Temco develops detergents specifically for spray cabinet environments.
The detergent formulations include:
- Rust inhibitors
- Defoaming agents
- pH modifiers
- Corrosion protection additives
This allows cleaned ferrous components to resist flash rust after washing while maintaining excellent cleaning performance.
For aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, Temco offers a separate aluminum-safe detergent designed to prevent discoloration while still effectively removing oils and contamination.
Automatic Oil Skimming Extends Bath Life
Another feature highlighted during the webinar was Temco's automatic oil management system.
As the cleaning solution cools overnight, oils naturally separate and rise to the surface.
Before daily operation begins, programmable heat timers activate the oil skimmer while the solution is still cool, removing floating contaminants before the wash cycle starts.
This automatic process helps maintain cleaner wash solution without requiring operator intervention, improving detergent life while maintaining cleaning performance throughout the workday.
Engineered for Real-World Shop Applications
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Temco designs machines around the size and type of components customers clean.
Among the most popular models discussed were:
T5 Storm
Designed for most automotive applications, the T5 Storm features:
- 30-inch rotating work table
- 41-inch working height
- Capacity for most gasoline engine blocks
- Transmission cleaning capability
- Adjustable spray bar system for large and small components
A removable mid-level spray bar allows operators cleaning smaller parts to concentrate cleaning energy where it's needed while reducing cycle times.
The machine also includes transmission fixtures and parts trees that securely support awkward components during cleaning.
T10 Cyclone
Built on the same platform as the T5 but providing an additional 10 inches of vertical clearance, the T10 is ideal for:
- Diesel engine blocks
- Heavy-duty transmissions
- Hydraulic components
- Marine engines
- Industrial equipment
TL3 Top Loader
Recognizing demand from smaller repair facilities, Temco also introduced its compact TL3 top-loading washer.
Designed for:
- Motorcycle engines
- Powersports
- Small engines
- Machine shops
- Bench-level cleaning operations
The TL3 is available in both 120V and 240V configurations, providing portability for smaller shops without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.
Designed for Long-Term Reliability
Throughout the presentation, Haworth emphasized that Temco focuses exclusively on spray cabinet parts washers.
Unlike manufacturers offering broad product catalogs, Temco has specialized in cleaning equipment since 1978, allowing continuous refinement of both equipment and detergents.
The company continues supporting machines built decades ago by maintaining a large in-stock parts inventory, with same-day shipping available for most replacement components.
Confidence in the equipment is reflected in Temco's warranty program, which includes:
- Two-year parts warranty
- Ten-year limited cabinet warranty when using Temco detergents
Engineering the Right Solution
Barry explained that selecting the proper parts washer involves much more than simply choosing a machine size.
Temco works directly with customers to determine:
- Component dimensions
- Maximum part weight
- Material composition
- Electrical requirements
- Production volume
- Required options
Available configurations include:
- Single-phase or three-phase power
- Automatic water fill systems
- Higher-temperature heating packages
- Two-tier turntables
- Specialized fixturing
The objective is to provide an engineered cleaning solution optimized for each customer's workflow rather than a generic off-the-shelf machine.
A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
While parts washing may not receive the same attention as cylinder head development, CNC machining, or dyno testing, the webinar reinforced its importance throughout the engine-building process.
From exposing hidden cracks before assembly to reducing technician labor and producing more consistent results, effective parts cleaning improves both productivity and component reliability.
For race engine builders, transmission specialists, performance shops, and industrial rebuilders alike, Temco demonstrated that proper cleaning isn't simply another shop task—it's one of the foundational processes behind every successful build.
As Haworth concluded during the webinar, every component eventually needs to be cleaned. The question isn't whether it gets done, but whether it's done efficiently, consistently, and correctly the first time.
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
