GPU Block and Rad cleaning...

RoEy

RoEy

RoEy

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Hi all,

4870x2 Koolance Water Block

Has anyone who has this block attempted to clean it? My XSPC Res leaked so I've stripped all my system down so I'm thinking I may as well do some cleaning. As you look at the block with the koolance lettering, there is screws all the way around the edge of the block. Is it just as case taking them out to get into it?

TFC Quad Rad

What's the best way to clean the rad, I've had it for roughly 9 months now? Only ever used bi-distilled water in it.

Thanks,

RoEy
 
Hi James,

this is what the block currently looks like

021610194810.jpg


Ok or needs cleaning?

RoEy
 
i cant really make it out but if there is bits in it (particles of whatever) then clean it as that then starts to sand away your moving components e.g pump with the friction.

if you do though make sure that you don't damage the rubber seal around the edge,
also when putting the top back on- tighten the bolts down a little bit at a time all the way around so you get an even seal and no tension is put on a certain part.

hope this helps :)

p.s take some pics of what you find if you do and wip them on here
 
I spoke to Koolance and they never mentioned anything about a rubber seal. They just said take the screws off and I'll be able to get to it to clean it. They recommend water & windex LOL!

RoEy
 
Hi,

I took the top plate off and tried to clean the block but it looks like the block has discoloured. It looks really dirty but when I try to clean it nothing comes off and the surface feels smooth. I have some ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL BS 1595 but I'm not sure whether or not I should use it. Is it normal for these blocks to go that colour after just 9 months use? All I have in my loop is bi-distilled water with corrosion blocker and a silver kill coil in res.

Fortunately the o-ring didnt pop out so I just put the screws back in. The top plate sits flush with it all execept for one edge where it's slightly higher than the rest, is this ok? I'm sure the o-ring will prevent any leaks.

I've included a photo for you so you can have a look. Plus, on the photo to the right hand side I have a slight groove in the block itself, is this normal?



RoEy
 
Been cleaning the radiator all day too with distilled malt vinegar, clear, and it keeps coming out blue. On my 4th bottle. I've never used blue coolant and the rad was brand new 9 months ago. Is it possible it's having a reaction with the copper and that's turning it blue? Not getting any lighter at all.

Only ever used bi-distilled and corrosion blocker in it.

RoEy
 
im not too shure about the waterblock but with the radiator, just keep doing that and you should see some difference, if there is no difference then something strange is going on :)
 
James Manns said:
im not too shure about the waterblock but with the radiator, just keep doing that and you should see some difference, if there is no difference then something strange is going on :)
Click to expand...

I've been told copper acetate is blue. Does this mean the vinegar has corroded the copper inside the radiator?

The last lot was much ligher blue.

RoEy
 
RoEy said:
I've been told copper acetate is blue. Does this mean the vinegar has corroded the copper inside the radiator?

The last lot was much ligher blue.

RoEy
Click to expand...

I hope you diluted the vinegar.

Neat vinegar will eat copper

Is the block meant to be copper inside or nickel plated ?
 
mrdbristol said:
I hope you diluted the vinegar.

Neat vinegar will eat copper

Is the block meant to be copper inside or nickel plated ?
Click to expand...

No I didnt. :( I've had it in for a toal of 4 hours. Does that mean I've ruined my rad? :(

Nickel plated.

I'm crapping it now.

RoEy
 
RoEy said:
No I didnt. :( I've had it in for a toal of 4 hours. Does that mean I've ruined my rad? :(

Nickel plated.

I'm crapping it now.

RoEy
Click to expand...

Rinse with distilled water and leave it then. The blue probably is copper reacting with the vinegar ( a mild acid ).

Is it a new radiator ?

If so you don't really need to clean it that thoroughly, just rinse with boiling water to remove any 'bits' that maybe in it from manufacturer, then rinse with distilled.

Try a bit of tomato sauce on the block.

Sounds stupid, but tomato sauce has a small amount of vinegar in it that will help clean, and as it's a paste you can leave it on for a while and it won't drip off. Try on a small part first to see if it works - It does on copper.
 
mrdbristol said:
Rinse with distilled water and leave it then. The blue probably is copper reacting with the vinegar ( a mild acid ).

Is it a new radiator ?

If so you don't really need to clean it that thoroughly, just rinse with boiling water to remove any 'bits' that maybe in it from manufacturer, then rinse with distilled.

Try a bit of tomato sauce on the block.

Sounds stupid, but tomato sauce has a small amount of vinegar in it that will help clean, and as it's a paste you can leave it on for a while and it won't drip off. Try on a small part first to see if it works - It does on copper.
Click to expand...

Thanks for info mate. You think my rad will be ok then?

It's 9 months old, TFC Quad rad. I've emptied the vinegar and boild some water, rinsed it with hot water 3 times then rinsed it with de-inonised water 3 times too. Is that enough to ensure the vinegar has been fully removed?

I might leave the gpu block as it's all smooth and the channels are free.

Thanks again,

RoEy
 
RoEy said:
Thanks for info mate. You think my rad will be ok then?

It's 9 months old, TFC Quad rad. I've emptied the vinegar and boild some water, rinsed it with hot water 3 times then rinsed it with de-inonised water 3 times too. Is that enough to ensure the vinegar has been fully removed?

I might leave the gpu block as it's all smooth and the channels are free.

Thanks again,

RoEy
Click to expand...

It'll certainly be clean :D

If it hasn't leaked, then it sounds fine.
 
RoEy said:
If it hasn't leaked? Meaning it might have a hole in it somewhere due to the vinegar?

RoEy
Click to expand...

Its possible.

Neat vinegar will eat copper, i'm not sure how long it would take to damage a rad pipe - Hours/days ?

Pressure test it by linking it up to a simple loop (rad - pump- res) and let in run.
 
mrdbristol said:
Its possible.

Neat vinegar will eat copper, i'm not sure how long it would take to damage a rad pipe - Hours/days ?

Pressure test it by linking it up to a simple loop (rad - pump- res) and let in run.
Click to expand...

Think I'm going to sell it all. Had enough of my PC.

RoEy
 
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