Watercooling cleaning?

Mayfair

Mayfair

Mayfair

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Joined
17 Aug 2010
Posts
654
Location
Essex
Hello all,

Built my first water-cooling loop around 7 months ago, all went well luckily enough :)

Here is what the loop consists of:

EK Supreme HF Full Nickel CPU Block
EK-FC580 GTX+ - Nickel Plexi Waterblock
Laing D5 Vario MCP655 12V DC Pump
EK-Multioption RES X2 - 250 Advanced
XSPC RX480
XSPC RX240


It's come that time where I need to tear down the system change coolant and clean the loop, Since I haven't done this before I thought I'd ask a few questions before I start.

What would be the best method on cleaning the parts? I read regarding the CPU block, open it up and check for anything and if there is oxidation let it soak with ketchup for a while, then put it into a container with de-ionised water. Also will it do any damage to my Nickel block putting ketchup over it? :)

What about the GPU block , rads and the pump & res? Should I just re-build the loop outside the case and run it with de-ionised water, empty and repeat until the water is clear?

Sorry if these are stupid questions, Just want to make sure all the necessary producers before I go ahead.

Thanks :)
 
If you are going to do a full tear down, and I mean like, taking all your blocks apart and giving them a full clean then in my opinion, when you open them up just give them a good rinse and wipe off any residue from the fluid that you had in running through it if applicable.

Depending on the fluid you were using, hopefully you won't have to do much.

In all honesty (and of course someone please correct me if I'm wrong), when I do a "clean" of my WC kit, it's usually when I change the fluid to like a different colour or something.

Usually just running good hot water through the loop for around 30 mins will give the system a good clean out of whatever is in the loop, and then a final rinse using DI water. The method I use can be seen here:


I use this method to make sure I get any left over stuff left in radiators as well. It's a LOT cheaper than you think, and really does get any loose bits caught up in your loop.

Some also say using vinegar is a good way to flush out your loop, although I've personally never tried it, as for Ketchup... never tried it, and I don't think I ever would.
 
Thanks for the reply jinxpad,

Going by that video it seems quite effective! I have like 10L+ of De-ionised water already so that should be enough for a few flushes using the method in that video.

Would you mind posting me a link to what filter/pump you bought to setup that method?
 
Hey Mayfair.

I've just cleaned out the same CPU block... it was really simple and easy to clean. I did use some warm tap water however, but I'm buying some deionised water tomorrow to clear it out with. I just grabbed a toothbrush and cleaned down the tiny channels, and kept rinsing it with water. Even after 15 months of usage it was pretty clean. I think most of the gunk was from the radiator, though.


Here's some before/after shots of the CPU block cleaning:
http://imgur.com/a/0x70Y
 
jinxpad said:
I cant link to other sites, shoot over a trust message and I'll give you the details.
Click to expand...

Sent a trust message,

Many thanks jinxpad,

Saul said:
Hey Mayfair.

I've just cleaned out the same CPU block... it was really simple and easy to clean. I did use some warm tap water however, but I'm buying some deionised water tomorrow to clear it out with. I just grabbed a toothbrush and cleaned down the tiny channels, and kept rinsing it with water. Even after 15 months of usage it was pretty clean. I think most of the gunk was from the radiator, though.


Here's some before/after shots of the CPU block cleaning:
http://imgur.com/a/0x70Y
Click to expand...

Oh that's good, Instead of using regular tap water could I just put some De-ionised in the microwave for a minute or so and use that?

I'll prob get the method setup as jinxpad showed, and use that to clean the rad(s) , GPU Block , etc then open up the CPU block as you have said then do a final flush using the 1st method to make sure it's all ok.

Does that sound good enough?
 
Yeah deionised water is perfect. I'm flushing everything out with about 10 litres of that tonight. I may shower with all the components first though (my reservoir's filled with bleach, needs a thorough rinsing) and give them all a good scrub with a toothbrush.

Your method is far better than mine, but I don't have the money to buy a water filter and submersible pump :(
 
Saul said:
I may shower with all the components first though (my reservoir's filled with bleach, needs a thorough rinsing) and give them all a good scrub with a toothbrush.
Click to expand...

Dude, you are getting in too deep! You'll be sleeping with your water cooling gear next :)
 
Cleaning!!!

Guys please feel free to educate me my last swiftec rig had been running fine for about 4.5yrs I never cleaned it. Infact after my recent rebuild I took a look into the CPU block and it was like new shiny even.

Anyhow even though it did not seem to need it I ran 1 litre of neat white vinegar through the pump rad and block for 10 minutes then rinsed with distilled. Seemed to do the trick I know the pump is sealed inside and knew I would get no corrosion if I was quick.

You guys make me feel like I am some sort of cowboy, and I not following best practice?
 
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