Some quick WC questions

[EtherealConstruct]

Hey guys I got a few questions for my first loop:

Do you use anything on your threads like locktite to prevent coolant from leaking from the thread holes? If so, what do you use?

Are worm drive clamps + barbs or compression fittings alone usually enough to prevent leaks?

What are your suggestions on best additives for distilled water coolant?

Thanks for the help, still assembling but getting paranoid about it!

 

[FaRKle0079]

I use teflon tape on all my threads "just in case." I also like barbs plus worm drive clamps because I know it'll be secure. Compression fittings will also keep things secure.

The only thing to add to distilled water is either a silver coil or PT nuke. Having both is redundant.

BTW, I dropped your fan off at the post office at 12:30PM today. It'll be there soon

 

[indokyne]

Hey guys I got a few questions for my first loop:

Do you use anything on your threads like locktite to prevent coolant from leaking from the thread holes? If so, what do you use?

Are worm drive clamps + barbs or compression fittings alone usually enough to prevent leaks?

What are your suggestions on best additives for distilled water coolant?

Thanks for the help, still assembling but getting paranoid about it!

Pretty much "yes" to all of the above. I would avoid locktite. It's a strong bond that may cause issues with disassembly down the road and unscrewing a locktite'd barb may introduce locktite boogers into your radiator / loop etc.

Teflon is my personal choice.

Yes, worm drive clamps are adequate. Even click clamps work well.

Another method used is to use slightly smaller tubing relative to barb size.
For instance using 7/16" tubing on 1/2" barbs to really help seal the connection.
Quick tip: If using smaller tubing, it's a PITA to get over certain brand barbs (i.e. Swiftech's plastic barbs). Dab a bit of whatever coolant you choose on the barb and it will help lubricate.

As far as coolant, I've always used anti-freeze. Is it the best solution? I don't know. Just something I started to use and never changed. The downsides that I've seen so far is eventual stain buildup on tubing but I think that holds true for most any additive.

 

[EtherealConstruct]

BTW, I dropped your fan off at the post office at 12:30PM today. It'll be there soon

Awesome. What kind of properties does antifreeze have? Pre-mixed additives advertise anti-microbial, anti-corrosive, and added cooling properties. Should I buy into that?

How about true-silver fittings instead of a kill coil? How many would I need to have the same effect?

 

[Cruiza]

Do you use anything on your threads like locktite to prevent coolant from leaking from the thread holes? If so, what do you use?

As long as the fittings have o-rings you won't have to do/use anything else.

Are worm drive clamps + barbs or compression fittings alone usually enough to prevent leaks?

Yes, both are fine.

What are your suggestions on best additives for distilled water coolant?

Personally, I feel the best coolant is pure distilled water plus some high grade silver (coil, coin, etc.). Performance additives usually do absolutely nothing besides stain your equipment and/or smell.

 

[EtherealConstruct]

Bump. Anyone got the answers to my previous questions?

 

[Cruiza]

Distilled water and silver coil/coin/whatever. That's all you need! I don't know how many fittings you'd need to compensate or how effective they really are, unfortunately.