Automotive radiator in a custom loop?

[Budgetclocker]

Looking at the video JayzTwoCents  did with 4 480mm radiators and a box fan, that got me thinking.: is it possible to adapt an automotive radiator to a PC watercooling custom loop? Would this be feasible and what problems would be expected with it?

[Electronics Wizardy]

Ive done it. Temps are good. YOu need a lot of adapters and there will probalby be a leak somewhere.

[KarathKasun]

Best way would to build a manifold for the radiator in and out.

 

Otherwise you need a string of adapters to get up to the size needed to attach to the radiator.

[PineyCreek]

No reason why it shouldn't but you'll probably want to beef up the pump.  I imagine there would be more opportunities for leaks with the larger change in flow capacity though...larger space and more liquid to move in the automotive radiator but that has to change to standard tubing sizes and blocks inside the computer.  Lots of adapters, potential points of failure, and pressure differences.

[KarathKasun]

Lower pressures if you set it up properly.  Gotta minimize vertical runs to keep the required head pressure low.

[Mick Naughty]

Very easy. Even better when I used an fittings, get appropriate barb and tube and there won’t be any leaks. Could even use a larger trans cooler. Don’t cheap out on the pump and it would work like anything else. 

[GSTARR]

Using car radiators is how water cooling got its start

[SolarNova]

You CAN do it, but theres more to it than just pump changes and fittings.

 

Most automotive radiators, atleast 'good' ones, are Aluminium. Most PC water cooling components are Copper and/or Nickle. You should never mix these metals in a 'normal' loop. So just understand that u should idealy make sure that if the rad is aluminium , then u also use aluminium blocks and fittings.

 

Theres a reason u dont just run straight water in your car, the usual iron engine block and alumiunium rad would result is heavy corrosion and the liquid would turn brown quickly, and your coolant flow, and cooling efficiency would suffer. Proper car coolant has plenty of inhibitors in it and isnt pure water, which drasticaly lowers corrosion rates. Its also why u have to drain and refill your car coolant often... or at least 'should'.

[B4Quattro]

Just use one of these:

 

https://watercool.de/en/mo-ra3-0