what liquid should i use

[solo]

ive seen a whole bunch of combinations

methanol
methanol + anti freeze
anti freeze+ h20
glycol
windshield wiper fluid

no one has really given a definite answer, so which one would be best?

im using a 5k btu kenmore unit to chill my ati

[water_cooler 20]

I think methanol + water is the best

[Peen]

You need some type of anti corrosive stuff though

[solo]

Originally posted by water_cooler 20
I think methanol + water is the best

is there a certain mix i should use?

Originally posted by Peen
You need some type of anti corrosive stuff though

what kind of anti corrosive stuff?

[Peen]

jamal let me use some of his. I think its just methanol + dex cool from prestone? not sure what the mix is for sure

[Goyo]

Originally posted by solo
what kind of anti corrosive stuff?

WaterWetter or Zerex Coolant maybe?

[kommando]

rad coolant + methanol?

[solo]

whats the freezing point on dexcool and water wetter?

im thinking antifreeze + methanol would be nice

[Miles_Teg]

Originally posted by solo
...im thinking antifreeze + methanol would be nice

Don't see a reason why you'd do that. Methanol is to be used with water, to keep it from freezing over. The water part of the mixture is to get good thermal properties. It'd be a good idea to start with water/methanol in 70/30 mixture, and start from there. If if still freezes, add more methanol. A good dose of waterwetter should keep your system clean of algea and corrosion.

A tip; when testing a water / antifreeze mixture, have the pump of the chiller running for circulation. In rest the mixture might not mix well, causing the water part to freeze over anyway.

[solo]

Originally posted by Miles_Teg
Don't see a reason why you'd do that. Methanol is to be used with water, to keep it from freezing over. The water part of the mixture is to get good thermal properties. It'd be a good idea to start with water/methanol in 70/30 mixture, and start from there. If if still freezes, add more methanol. A good dose of waterwetter should keep your system clean of algea and corrosion.

A tip; when testing a water / antifreeze mixture, have the pump of the chiller running for circulation. In rest the mixture might not mix well, causing the water part to freeze over anyway.

water/methanol huh?

ill try it out, looks good
grocery store shoudl sell methanol right?

[Peen]

jamal uses Methanol + Antifreeze and it works fine

[jamaljaco]

Originally posted by Peen
jamal uses Methanol + Antifreeze and it works fine

I've tried it all, in just about every combination, and Ive found that I have no use for water in my system, thermal properties or not.I have found no difference in temps using water/methanol , methanol/prestone. I prefer straight methanol as it is easier on the pump but I like to have a bit of Prestone dexcool to prevent corrosion. I'm currently running around a 90/10 mix methanol/ dexcool. Experiment to see what you like . This is just what I like.

[iceman2g]

Where can you buy methanol?

[water_cooler 20]

u can ether get it at home depot look for denatured achool or at a car shop look for pure gas line anti-freeze ether one will work

[iceman2g]

Is it dangerous in anyway? Don't wanna be dying or anything.

[water_cooler 20]

its is dangerous but all u need to do is use gloves and protective eye were when pouring and making sure your res is as airtight as possible because u don't want to inhale alot of it

[solo]

yay!
thanks guys

[Miles_Teg]

jamaljaco,

"I've tried it all, in just about every combination, and Ive found that I have no use for water in my system, thermal properties or not.I have found no difference in temps using water/methanol , methanol/prestone."

I've been messing around with different mixtures as well, and I'm using 100% windshield washer right now, as I didn't notice an increase in performance either when using a water mixture.

Solo,

If you have a hard time getting methanol, and wanna go for antifreeze after all, don't just pick the first you find. They're also selling concentrated windshield washer, without the soapy additive. It has a very low freezing point (mine is -70C) and not cause foam in your reservoir.

[jamaljaco]

Originally posted by iceman2g
Where can you buy methanol?

you can find methanol wherever paint suplies are sold, usually sold as shallac thinner, lokk for denatured alcohol read the label, you can also try ethyl alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol.

[Unknown_road]

somebody tryed aceton(propanon)? it has a nice viscosity...

[solo]

sounds good, ill check out home depot this weekend

[jamaljaco]

Originally posted by Unknown_road
somebody tryed aceton(propanon)? it has a nice viscosity...

welcome unknown_road

I wouln't try acetone myself as it is pretty harsh. I work with all of these solvent everyday as a painter and wouldnt use anything that melts my rubber gloves in my system. I have heard it has been done but one would need to consider the materials used in their coolant loop first.

[OCme]

Acetone... now that's radical man! I like the idea but wouldn't it affect the plastic plumbing? ie Tygon

[solo]

i picked up 4 gals of denatured alcohol today along with some armaflex 1/2" tubing insulation

got liquid electrical tape, silicone sealant, and the marshmallow in the can thing

missing dielectric grease :'(

[Blergo]

use vaseline instead of dielectric grease if you have trouble geting dielectric grease, it works great, its what i use