First time loop clean

SM Phoo · January 30, 2021

For the most part, I have tried google, but it's pretty much just a bunch of cleaning a loop after a few years.

Basically, Do I clean the loop, part for part before doing a leak test?

I've found that the radiators need a good rinsing a few times to get rid of particles, but cant seem to see any info on the CPU / GPU block.

Also the same with my res. When I bought it, all the fittings where in a plastic bag inside the res, so I assume there could be leftover particles in there also.

And the tubing. When shaving off the edges, or putting soapy water in to help pull out the inner tube, I guess it leaves impurities, but maybe I am just way over thinking here. I just want to do it right!

I guess using some distilled water while doing a leak test could probably flush out a lot of this stuff, but when I watch youtube about leak testing, most use the coolant that they will use.

Also, to go back to the radiator. I've read numerous ways of cleaning. Distilled water seems expensive, so I cannot see the benefit of filling the rad up 5 or 6 times just to pour it away. So can water be used for the first 5 or 6 flushes, and then distilled at the very end?

Somebody also mentioned using isopropyl alcohol. I have a full bottle as I had to clean some thermal paste, and I won't be using it again anytime soon. Could that be used as a last flush in a rad?

Thanks

Neggy-Z · January 31, 2021

For new radiators i use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm/hot tap water, and give them a good shake for a couple of minutes, then drain, i repeat thing until the water comes out clean and no particles, then i flush once with normal tap water then a final flush with distilled water.

For the rest of the parts a simple flush with tap water then distilled water is usually good enough.

If you're buying used stuff, anything with copper/nickel i would give a good clean with some toothpaste and an old toothbrush and wash any acrylic with warm soapy water and a good microfiber towel, you never know what coolant the previous owner was using.