Time to clean out my loop, few questions.

[Master Disaster]

Its been around 12 months since I installed my custom loop. I did it the lazy way and bought an Alphacool AIO kit which was great for my needs but over the last month or so I've noticed my temps getting higher and higher, so much so today I've killed my OC and gone back to stock cause temps were idling at mid 50s, even at stock I'm still idling at high 30s to lows 40s. When I first installed it idle temps were mid 20s and max temps under load with an OC were 60s.

 

Its the first time I will be cleaning out my loop and I'm a little nervous about it.

 

Is it OK to remove the CPU block, stick it in a bucket and unscrew the fittings to drain it? I'm gonna have to do this as I didn't install a drain pipe (will do it when I drain it this time though) plus the CPU block is the lowest point in my loop anyway so it makes sense to drain it there, right?

 

Do I have to flush it out after I drain it or do I just drain then refill? I'm using premixed Alphacool liquid with anti corrosive and anti bacteria already mixed in and the liquid still looks really clear in my bay res. If so then what do I flush it with? I've heard vinegar is good?

 

Is this fluid any good? Its what was included with my loop so I figured better to stick with it than change it, right? I'm using clear tubing and I don't want anything coloured as my system is black and red but I know red fluid is really bad for pumps and rads.

 

Heres my loop - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/alphacool-nexxxos-cool-answer-240-ddc-xt-kit

Heres the fluid - http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Cape+kelvin+catcher&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ACape+kelvin+catcher

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[brandishwar]

Pulling off the CPU block would certainly be beneficial for numerous reasons. Since it's the lowest point in your loop and you need to drain it, it makes since to just lower it into a bucket, carefully undo the fitting to remove the tubing, and let it drain. Be sure to tilt the case in a few directions as well to help move the fluid out of the radiator and reservoir.

 

Do not reuse the coolant. Replace it -- and make sure to dispose of it properly instead of just dumping it down your drain. But you will certainly want to flush out your radiator, block and reservoir with distilled water as best as possible. For the radiator, just fill it, plug it, shake it, and repeat that a couple times. Same with your reservoir and fittings -- just soak the fittings for a little bit in distilled water, move them around, and dump.

 

I'd also recommend replacing the tubing as well rather than just rinsing it out.

[W-L]

-SNIP-

 

It mainly depends on how your system has aged with that coolant. For draining taking the CPU block to remove a fitting over a bucket is a good idea it will prevent any water from getting on the components. 

 

For loop maintenance it's recommended to do a loop tear down usually meaning replace the soft tubing if it has yellowed hardened or discolored in anyway. Afterwards you said you noticed an increase in CPU temps I would check to blocks to ensure no plasticzer or gunk from the soft tubing has built up inside if there is any it's best to disassemble and clean before re-assembling.

 

For the rads a good flush with a vingear solution and rinse with water and a final rinse of everything with distilled before assembly is good practice. Also the coolant you choose is good it has the proper biocides and a bonus an anti-corrosive all premixed.

[Master Disaster]

Pulling off the CPU block would certainly be beneficial for numerous reasons. Since it's the lowest point in your loop and you need to drain it, it makes since to just lower it into a bucket, carefully undo the fitting to remove the tubing, and let it drain. Be sure to tilt the case in a few directions as well to help move the fluid out of the radiator and reservoir.

 

Do not reuse the coolant. Replace it -- and make sure to dispose of it properly instead of just dumping it down your drain. But you will certainly want to flush out your radiator, block and reservoir with distilled water as best as possible. For the radiator, just fill it, plug it, shake it, and repeat that a couple times. Same with your reservoir and fittings -- just soak the fittings for a little bit in distilled water, move them around, and dump.

 

I'd also recommend replacing the tubing as well rather than just rinsing it out.

 

 

It mainly depends on how your system has aged with that coolant. For draining taking the CPU block to remove a fitting over a bucket is a good idea it will prevent any water from getting on the components. 

 

For loop maintenance it's recommended to do a loop tear down usually meaning replace the soft tubing if it has yellowed hardened or discolored in anyway. Afterwards you said you noticed an increase in CPU temps I would check to blocks to ensure no plasticzer or gunk from the soft tubing has built up inside if there is any it's best to disassemble and clean before re-assembling.

 

For the rads a good flush with a vingear solution and rinse with water and a final rinse of everything with distilled before assembly is good practice. Also the coolant you choose is good it has the proper biocides and a bonus an anti-corrosive all premixed.

 

Thanks guys, great advice from both of you

 

I'm gonna tackle this when i get paid in a few weeks. It looks like I'm pulling everything out then, was hoping i could just drain, refil with cleaner, rinse then refil but if needs must.

[Mattias Edeslatt]

Does the liquid look bad? Are you shure it's not dust buildup on the rad and/or the warmer temps of summer that is the cause of the higher temps? No reaston to change liquid and all that job if that's not the problem.

[W-L]

Does the liquid look bad? Are you shure it's not dust buildup on the rad and/or the warmer temps of summer that is the cause of the higher temps? No reaston to change liquid and all that job if that's not the problem.

 

12 months is the max any custom liquid should be kept in a system even if it looks good, most of the biocides are time or light sensitive so they degrade overtime also require topping up or changing. Not to mention soft tube degrades which is ideal time to check and replace any if needed.