Transporting A Watercooled System?

[superbike81]

I'm preparing to do my first custom loop system in a Thermaltake The Tower 900. My favorite professor from my old college found out about my build, and was asking if I could do the build during open-lab time for his basic PC repair students. I agreed, as I don't mind doing the build there, but I'm curious what kind of trouble I'm going to run into bringing it back home. 

 

It will be dual hardline loops, one CPU and one GPU, using high quality fittings of course. I've got a large SUV that I *think* I can stand the case upright in, but if I can't, is it okay to lay it down on its side? What issues may I run into by doing this? Or should I not lay it down at all? If it's OK to do, is there anything I should do before I start it back up other than the basic check for leaks and wet spots?

 

This is my first custom build and adding in all the moving around the PC is going to be doing has me a little nervous, I'd appreciate any advice!

 

Thanks,
Jason

[tbendubois]

You should run all the pipe first and attach the fittings to everything. Then you should fill your reservoir, and pump the system full, keeping your reservoir at the highest point. You should never put liquid in until it's ready to be totally sealed.

If you have no leaks you will have no problem transporting it. I moved my system in the back of a car tons of times. If your reservoir is sealed well you can hold it upside down and nothing should happen. It's called "closed loop" for a reason. 

[W-L]

1 hour ago, superbike81 said:

-SNIP-

It would be best to drain the loop before transport and use foam blocks to support the heavy components such as the GPU block to prevent flexing or movement.