Does antifreeze work well for watercooling loops!?

[GordonFreemanInTheFlesh]

I recently saw a video of some dude on youtube that used:

¼ of green antifreeze to ¾ distilled water!

The dude claims that he didn't change the coolant for 4 years and by the looks of it, it still was in great condition however he was using a chinese water pump but I don't think the plastic on normal D5/DDC is going to react since Acetal does not react with glycol, so what are your thoughts on this matter?

 

[xtreemchaos]

it works very good, but ive never like the colour its iver blue or green. i just use distilled water nowa days.

 

[OneMoar]

most of your loop problems are down to contamination or mixing incompatiable metals
I would not use car grade antifreeze as its not as pure

 

[Solaris17]

I recently saw a video of some dude on youtube that used:

¼ of green antifreeze to ¾ distilled water!

The dude claims that he didn't change the coolant for 4 years and by the looks of it, it still was in great condition however he was using a chinese water pump but I don't think the plastic on normal D5/DDC is going to react since Acetal does not react with glycol, so what are your thoughts on this matter?

Just use distilled water instead of doing a bunch of science. I ran distilled for years with nothing else, and my loop and block was fine.

 

[Outback Bronze]

Been using it for almost 2 decades now with absoulutly not one issue.

 

[Shrek]

Anti-freeze will reduce the specific heat and increase viscosity, but that may not be a big issue if temperatures are already good.

I recall a time I had rather strong anti-freeze in the car and the temperature went ever so slightly higher than usual.

 

[Outback Bronze]

I recall a time I had rather strong anti-freeze in the car and the temperature went ever so slightly higher than usual.

Yeah, I tried the thicker stuff on my loops years ago and didn't like it. Was too thick.

Now I just use the 50/50 (Glycol/Distilled) straight from the bottle and everything is sweet.

 

[basco]

like outback bronze i use this: https://www.amazon.de/Glysantin-50668294-Kühlerschutz-Konzentrat-Liter/dp/B088LGTVQ9?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=1Q9CVJ5VYTBNL&keywords=glysantin+g65&qid=1654236836&sprefix=glysantin+g65,aps,139&sr=8-1&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=12039003-21&linkId=de02fd9e0c3d8319a16644c75874bac6&language=de_DE&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
since forever and never looked back

 

[Shrek]

Now I just use the 50/50 (Glycol/Distilled) straight from the bottle and everything is sweet.

Don't drink it!!!

 

[Outback Bronze]

Don't drink it!!!

Why not? Might help my stomach loop : )

 

[Shrek]

OK, I know you know, but just in case (for others)... you die... and it is not a pleasant death.

 

[gurusmi]

But you all think about that the coolant does not only cool down the CPU etc? It does also lubricate the pump and all other movables inside a loop. I don't want to see the pumps bearings after a while of using not appropriate liquids.

 

[xmanrigger]

I have been using distilled water with just a little Prestone Premix for well over 10 years in multiple systems. I have never had an issue.

Prior to assembling loop, ensure all components have been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with distilled water. This includes all fittings, tubing, reservoir, pump, RADIATORS!, and water blocks.

Fill loop with distilled water leaving enough room for 5ml-10ml anti-freeze. Unless you are wanting to go for sub-zero temps, only a small amount is required for anti-microbial and corrosion protection.

The more anti-freeze you add, the less efficient cooling system becomes. So keep it to the bare minimum. Higher viscosities have lower thermal transfer. Keep the coolant as 'thin' as possible.

Other than a person wanting coloured coolant, there is no reason to use anything other. Unless you like throwing money away.

As a side note: I have used Prestone to go sub-zero. Never had an issue. Just ensure entire PC is subjected to same sub-zero environment. Otherwise you will get condensation - NOT GOOD. Also, when done session, shut down PC, disconnect all power, and allow to 'climatize' back to room temp over at least 12 hrs.

 

[thesmokingman]

I recently saw a video of some dude on youtube that used:

¼ of green antifreeze to ¾ distilled water!

The dude claims that he didn't change the coolant for 4 years and by the looks of it, it still was in great condition however he was using a chinese water pump but I don't think the plastic on normal D5/DDC is going to react since Acetal does not react with glycol, so what are your thoughts on this matter?

Nothing new here. If you are absolutely are lazy go auto coolant.

 

[Mister300]

I was a head Research Chemist for a govt fuel cell contract and they plumbed a lab scale industrial cooling system with the wrong PVC materials. Glycols will find any leak or half ass connection you make and leak, not advised.

 

[xmanrigger]

I was a head Research Chemist for a govt fuel cell contract and they plumbed a lab scale industrial cooling system with the wrong PVC materials. Glycols will find any leak or half ass connection you make and leak, not advised.

Glycol isnt going to 'find' a leak any easier than any other liquid with similar viscosity. Some glycol coolants may not play nice with plexi or acrylic though. Never had an issue with Prestone.

 

[jon_joy_1999]

But you all think about that the coolant does not only cool down the CPU etc? It does also lubricate the pump and all other movables inside a loop. I don't want to see the pumps bearings after a while of using not appropriate liquids.

Antifreeze's main purpose is to prevent water from freezing and bursting the coolant loop. It also increases the boiling point of the coolant, allowing a higher operating temperature in an engine. However they have lower heat capacities than water, which is why you don't put 100% antifreeze in an engine. A proper liquid cooling pump doesn't need lubrication outside of the water its pumping.

 

[gurusmi]

...A proper liquid cooling pump doesn't need lubrication outside of the water its pumping.

Wrong.There are also pumps that need to be lubricated others do neet to be. When the coolant needs to lubricate the pump, she rattles when starting. The main tasks of additives inside the coolant is to minimize biological activity. I would suggest to read this safety data sheet especially about the alphacool pure water. This coolant is used inside their loops (i.e. AiO). It is pure water. And that is needed. As people don't get the normal water cleaned as much as this coolant the add i.e. antifreeze because that also sets the any biological contamination to zero.

You can do whatever you want to. If you feel happy to cool your loop with honey, just do it and feel happy. But please do not tell others wrong facts.

 

[Totally]

most of your loop problems are down to contamination or mixing incompatiable metals
I would not use car grade antifreeze as its not as pure

Automotive grade coolant is packed with corrosion inhibitors for that very reason, you are not going to find a better example of an environment with dissimilar metals than a car engine. I've been using Subaru coolant since 2018 or so with no issues other than that flush out a pastel dye that precipitated out of the solution and was collecting in areas of low flow or traps.

 

[Canned Noodles]

Don't drink it!!!

"DO NOT DRINK ANTIFREEZE"

 

[Mister300]

Glycol isnt going to 'find' a leak any easier than any other liquid with similar viscosity. Some glycol coolants may not play nice with plexi or acrylic though. Never had an issue with Prestone.

I am not dealing with automotive use no one uses PVC in a laboratory or industrial glycol loop. Bad things happen, we had leaks everywhere from using wrong schedule PVC they should have used Monel nickel.

Case
Allstate Insurance v. Sibley et al, Eagle Cty CO Dist Ct 96CV219
Attorney
James Puga, formerly of Godfrey Associates, Denver, CO, 80231, now with Leventhal & Brown, PC, 950 S. Cherry St. Denver CO 80246, tel 303-759-9945, fax 303-759-9692
Representing
Defendant pipe manufacturer

Testimony
Report - Analysis confirmed that CPVC pipe in a fire sprinkler system had been filled with propylene glycol/water antifreeze solution, contrary to pipe manufacturer's instructions. Pipe failure and water damage was caused by environmental stress cracking due to the glycol.
Outcome
Pipe manufacturer was absolved.

 

[natr0n]

I got 2 china aio that I want to experiment with. I've seen people mod them successfully. Just have to know what works in advance.

 

[Fangio1951]

I got 2 china aio that I want to experiment with. I've seen people mod them successfully. Just have to know what works in advance.

hi m8,

I think you'll have to be a bit more specific = what sort of mod ????

 

[natr0n]

hi m8,

I think you'll have to be a bit more specific = what sort of mod ????

Hi There, fluid and longer hose maybe a small res too.

 

[Steevo]

It's what I have used for years, currently on year like 8 with the same coolant