Priming the pump?

[Ravynmagi]

I'm getting ready to install my first water cooling system (assuming the EXOS I had years ago doesn't count)...

I have an MCP655 and the instructions are very clear not to run it dry and to prime the pump first. I think I know what it means, but I want to be sure before I destroy something...

Basically my plan is this.

I'll install all the parts into my case, make sure I got all the tubing cut the the right lengths.

Then I'll remove the parts and set them up on a desk.
Fill up the reservoir with water and start up the pump (I have an external 12v molex hard drive power supply I can use to power the pump).
Continue filling the reservoir as water fills up the radiator and rest of system.
Then once it appears full, just let it run for a few hours or more to make sure there are no leaks.

Does this sound correct? Anything additional I need to do?

Oh, and I just read that I should flush out the radiator with boiling water half a dozen times or so to be sure it's clean.

 

[Arcygenical]

So long as the impeller is IN water, it's fine... Make sure there is water before and after the pump before powering it on. Not having water in it is the equivalent of throwing your car into Neutral at 100mph.

When I fill my system, I rarely use the pump. I fill the reservoir, cap it, pick the case up, and move it so the reservoir is at the very top of the loop, forcing the air into the res and the water into the other parts. I repeat this for a few times until I need the assistance of the pump to get the rest of the bubbles out.

 

[MrBloodshoe]

Sure, sounds good to me. However, unless I'm missing something, doesn't this approach require you to leak test twice?

 

[3DChipset]

I was under the impression that you setup the watercooling stuff in the PC but remove the memory, HD, PS, and video card (unless that is watercooled too) and do the testing for leaks that way. I don't think you measure the tubes and set it up outside the case ? ?

 

[MrBloodshoe]

Actually, assembling outside of the case is an okay way of doing it. I think the idea behind it is to check for leaks with the blocks, and easily flush out debris. But since all blocks from major manufacturers are factory tested now it may not be needed any longer. I tend to loosen factory-attached barbs and re-tighten to my satisfaction. Once that's done I assemble my loose barbs to their respective parts with great care, depending on the type of barb. At this point I slap the parts in, cut the tubing to fit, lock the tube down and then fill and run.

Disclaimer: I've being playing with pumps, barbs and tubing for over 30-years. I'm kind of cocky! Anything an installer has to do to feel comfortable about attaching water to computer equipment, he/she should do.

 

[novadude]

Make sure you leak test it in place before turning the power on to the system to avoid bumping a fitting loose while installing in the case. Arcygenical's method above is best, especially with that power supply you have; I'd suggest filling with least amount of components installed in the system, then install the rest of the system's components before leak testing (it helps when filling to have some weight still on the bench and more places to hold onto safely while tipping it)

 

[Arcygenical]

Eh, I never leak test it outside the case... I just set it ALL up, unplug the cables to the mobo, and start it up and fill as I go...

 

[MrE]

Disclaimer: I've being playing with pumps, barbs and tubing for over 30-years.

Question, what type of pumps were you playing with 30 years ago? Or was this aquarium or pool pumps?

I'm kind of cocky! .

Not sure how that pertains to this thread, but thanks for the warning.

 

[MrBloodshoe]

Question, what type of pumps were you playing with 30 years ago? Or was this aquarium or pool pumps?

Not sure how that pertains to this thread, but thanks for the warning.

Aquarium pumps, for fresh then salt. Cheap ones at first, then Eheim's and Iwaki's. My biggest project was a $10k custom reef tank.

The cocky comment was meant to indicate that I don't suggest my personal approach to mounting a water cooling subsystem to a first-timer or anyone who doesn't completely trust their work.

 

[nsx241]

I'm getting ready to install my first water cooling system (assuming the EXOS I had years ago doesn't count)...

I have an MCP655 and the instructions are very clear not to run it dry and to prime the pump first. I think I know what it means, but I want to be sure before I destroy something...

Basically my plan is this.

I'll install all the parts into my case, make sure I got all the tubing cut the the right lengths.

Then I'll remove the parts and set them up on a desk.
Fill up the reservoir with water and start up the pump (I have an external 12v molex hard drive power supply I can use to power the pump).
Continue filling the reservoir as water fills up the radiator and rest of system.
Then once it appears full, just let it run for a few hours or more to make sure there are no leaks.

Does this sound correct? Anything additional I need to do?

Oh, and I just read that I should flush out the radiator with boiling water half a dozen times or so to be sure it's clean.

I usually do it inside the case, but just remove the motherboard and all the components.