Flushing the radiator.

KateB

KateB

KateB

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Joined
8 Jan 2012
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183
Hi guys.

I'm about to flush my new radiator for the first time and have 2 questions if that's ok?

1, I've done a bit of reading on which method short of getting external buckets, pumps and filters and the consensus seems to be hot (just under boiling) soapy water shaken, poured into a white bowl several times until it runs clear, flush with distilled water.

Is this what you guys recommend?

2, I have 5l of Methods distilled water from here but don't wan't to waste it on flushing a radiator. I was going to go to my a local garage and pick up a cheap bottle of distilled water that I used to years ago for my car battery top up but apparently I'm showing my age now as they don't do it any more just de-ionised.

I know the reasons to never use de-ionised in a working loop but is it suitable for the final few flushes to remove the soapy water from the radiator?

If not does anyone know where to get a cheap 1 or 2 litres of distilled water from on the high street?

Thanks guys.

Kate.
 
I don't have an answer but did spend a little while a few days ago trying to find out where to buy distilled water, so I would like to know too.

I did look at how to make your own too which did not look too difficult - basically a big pot with water with a glass bowl inside but not touching the bottom, then the lid turned upside down with ice on it. Heat it up but don't let it boil. The distilled water will then form in the glass bowl.
 
De-ionised or distilled water makes no difference. Most of us that don't use pre-mix coolants use de-ionised because it can be bought cheaply from a supermarket (£1.15 for 2.5ltr from Asda). Do not use soapy water or you will be forever trying to get it out. Use distilled/de-ionised water with some distilled vinegar (clear stuff). I always heat the water in a kettle to around 50-60 degrees pour it into a jug, mix the distilled vinegar in and pour into the rad. Fit the blanks and give it a really good shake then leave it for 15-20 mins but giving it a shake every 5 mins. Give it one last shake and drain into a jug so you can see what comes out. Repeat until clear and then fill and flush a couple of times to remove all traces of vinegar. Another option is to use the Mayhems Blitz Pro kit but make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.
 
When you say high street, assume UK? If so your usual places like Halfords etc would be the best bet. As per the comment above dont worry about pumps etc just fill/shake/repeat, the vinegar helps shift stubborn stuff.

Good luck!
 
Before i got this blitz stuff i used to just fill them with white vinegar and water and leave them a while, then wash with hot soapy water, rinse out with cold water by just hooking it up to the cold tap till it gets all the soap out then a quick rinse with dionised water.

Now i just fill with blitz and leave it overnight then rinse with dionised water.
 
Thanks guys.

Opinions eh?

Typing Distilled vs De-ionised into google and reading various articles the general consensus seemed to be that distilled when made removes all impurities and ions while de-ionised removes the ions but leaves trace amounts of minerals behind.

Over time when metal plates (water block) are subjected to an electrical current the remaining trace amount of minerals react and re-ionise the water causing damage long term to components and if you were to have any leaks electrical issues.

That's why distilled is recommended.

BUT this is just from reading articles on the internet. I have never done this before hence why I ask you guys.

Likewise the Vinegar thing, another link mentions modern radiators are made with water based flux and vinegar corrodes it so to use soapy water.

Like I said opinions.

Thanks guys.

Kate.
 
I read the same thing re. the de-ionised water Kate. I don't know whether it's an issue in real world application, but I just didn't want to take the chance.
 
I have just under 3L of coolant in my loop and up until recently always use CarPlan de-ionised water with a additive for corrosion protection and anti algae and in my 10+ years of watercooling have never had a component damaged because of using it. I even went 2.5 years in between draining the loop at one point. My original cpu and gpu blocks lasted me around 6 years before they were left behind in advances of performance so they got replaced. They were still in pristine condition when I sold them on. I am also still on my original pumps with no plans to replace them.
 
Excellent, Thank you.

I have the expensive 5l of Mayhems Distilled water from here that I will save and use for the loop and I just bought 5l of de-ionised from Halfords that I will use for the flush.

Thanks again everyone.
 
Whats the ratio of vinegar to water?

I'm assuming I'm not using litres of the stuff, so a few drops per litre of water?
 
I can't say that I have ever measured it out. I imagine that if I did it would be around 900ml of warm water to 100ml of distilled vinegar. I have seen people using up to 1/3 vinegar to 2/3 water. It's not really in the rads long enough to damage them so unless you are using a whole bottle per rinse and leaving it for extended periods you will be fine. Don't forget the vigorously shaking part, it's important as it helps to dislodge things like flux and excess solder from the manufacturing process.
 
Thank you.

I sent a similar query (first post) via email to XSPC where I bought the radiator from and this is their response:

"It's not necessary to flush it before use. We thoroughly clean the radiators before sale."

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts. very insightful and helpful.

Kate.
 
KateB said:
Thank you.

I sent a similar query (first post) via email to XSPC where I bought the radiator from and this is their response:

"It's not necessary to flush it before use. We thoroughly clean the radiators before sale."

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts. very insightful and helpful.

Kate.
Click to expand...

Now that is advice you definitely need to ignore! The only company that cleans its radiators is Mayhems, and they still include a Blitz kit with their rads so you can do it again before installing. I used XSPC rads in my last build and can confirm that while not as bad as certain other makes, they definitely, 100%, DO need cleaning.
 
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