What do you guys think of this setup?

[@md0Cer]

I was thinking of doing this. Considering I can find an A/C unit.

Anyways, I am going for cheap, as cheap as possible.

ok so,
DD Maze 4 CPU block

Dannar Mag 3 350GPH pump

Cooler or plastic tub insulated and modded so window a/c unit's evaporator is inside.

water

antifreeze

tubing socket etc. insulation.

1/2inch in id tubing.

smart pump switch thingy


How does that sound? If I can find a cheapo used window a/c unit at a yard sale for under 30 dollars, 30 for the w/b, 45 for the pump, pump switch thingy 20, maybe 5 for the tubing, and maybe another 10 for the silicone and dielectric grease and insulation. Totaling 140. Is that good for 140? Any opinions?

Thanks
-0cer

[squeakygeek]

If you don't need the corrosion inhibitors of antifreeze, then I would use winshield washer fluid becuase it's cheaper and it flows better.

[@md0Cer]

ok. Will I need to worry about corrosion if the only copper I have is the waterblock? The pump is plastic im pretty sure of and there isn't a rad.

[Mustanley]

I've got nearly that setup. DD Maze4, Mag3, 1/2" clearflex and using the guts from a water fountain to do the chilling. I have been using distilled water and a little isopropyl alcohol and haven't any issues with corrosion or funk growing in the coolant.
For insulation, I went with the adhesive foam tape, which was about $8 for a 25' roll. The project took nearly a whole roll of that stuff.

[squeakygeek]

Actually, once I think about it, the evaporator probably has aluminum fins, so unless you do something about that, you're going to need corrosion inhibitors.

[@md0Cer]

Yea I guess I do need something for corrosion. What about if I put in like half or 60 percent windsheild washer fluid and then 40 percent antifreeze?

[Mustanley]

It's gonna depend on the temps you're seeing. I would stick with using some distilled water for performance reasons, maybe 60/30/10 (distilled water/washer fluid/antifreeze). Then increase the percentage of washer fluid and/or antifreeze if the coolant begins to get slushy.

[squeakygeek]

Originally posted by Mustanley
It's gonna depend on the temps you're seeing. I would stick with using some distilled water for performance reasons, maybe 60/30/10 (distilled water/washer fluid/antifreeze). Then increase the percentage of washer fluid and/or antifreeze if the coolant begins to get slushy.

Tap water will work just fine if you have soft water.

[@md0Cer]

Originally posted by squeakygeek


Tap water will work just fine if you have soft water.

hmm im not really sure if I have soft water or not. I really don't know. With the anti corrosion of the antifreeze it should be fine right?

What if I did 40 percent water, 35 windsheild fluid, and 25 antifreeze? I dont think my water is soft, it has alot of minerals, the tap gets green buildup stuff.

[Mustanley]

Distilled water is cheap, so you probably want to use that just to be safe. The amount of water to additive ratio will be dependent on your A/C unit and how capable it is at cooling the solution. I've tested my coolant down to about -3C so far and it's about 95% distilled water and 5% alcohol. For an idea 50/50 mixture of water/antifreeze is good down to -40C.

[@md0Cer]

oh sweet. ok thanks. How do you prevent corrosion with no antifreeze?

[sandman001]

Use antireeze....it's easy.

You don't need all that much anitfreeze in there though. I'd say go with 25% antifreeze, 25% windshield washer fluid, and 50% water.

If it starts getting slushy, add more windsheild.