Flushing the radiator.

KateB

KateB

KateB

Associate
Joined
8 Jan 2012
Posts
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Thanks guys.

Yeah, I intended too.

Be silly not to at least give it a few flushes to make sure.

Thanks again.

Kate.
 
I just want to double check before I put it in the radiator.

The vinegar needed is distilled barley malt vinegar?

Thanks.
 
Cheers.

I'm not worried about the mechanics, I'm comfident in my ability once I get started but the things I don't know like vinegars, I have to double check.

Thanks again.
 
Thanks.

Clear distilled water with a silver kill coil or two is all I want.

The case, fans, reservoir, waterblock, sound card, GPU and now motherboard have enough LED's that I don't need colour from the liquid as well.

Thanks.
 
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