Adding components to a loop without draining

ozzaman · 25 Jul 2013 at 12:32

Hi,

I just wanted to gauge the forums experiences of adding to an existing loop without actually draining it..

It sounds like a bit of a nightmare, but I haven't actually heard from somebody who has actually done it.

I wanted to move where my second radiator was resting, but to do so I will need to replace the tubing. Being able to isolate just the radiator would be ideal, but I cant think how to do it.

Any help appreciated!

dfour · 25 Jul 2013 at 12:36

I think overall it would be easier and less risk of leaks to just drain the loop.

Diagro · 25 Jul 2013 at 12:43

When i do this i raise the tubes that will be open above the res, that way no water will escape

ubersonic · 25 Jul 2013 at 13:22

I have done it a couple of times, it depends what component though and what tools you have at your disposal as to how doable it is. If its a GPU, most GPU blocks have multiple ports, just undo a lower one with a bowl underneath (it wont flood out as the lid is on the res and the is a vacuum) then clamp the hoses to/from the GPU with something like wood clamps or vice grips then undo the hoses (letting them drain into the bowl) and install the new GPU and reconnect. As no coolant is lost between the res/pump it will all fire up fine and you can just top up the res.

*EDIT*

Didn't read, I wouldn't recommend disconnecting a rad with the system charged.

V3teran · 25 Jul 2013 at 13:38

Next time put in some QDC's (Quick disconnects) to make things alittle easier.

whyscotty · 25 Jul 2013 at 14:55

V3teran said:
Next time put in some QDC's (Quick disconnects) to make things alittle easier.

^^^
This