What's the best way to clean pumps and rads?

[GV2NIX]

I just took apart my system, it's been full for about a year. The tubing got pretty gross, so that leads me to believe that the insides of the pump and rad are pretty gross too!

I tried to flush out my rad with hot water and slosh some isopropyl around to kill any life-forms. I haven't done anything with the pump yet. Any suggestions about a good way to clean pumps and rads in general?

[Bugsmasher]

I believe many people suggest using a slightly acidic solution like simple vinegar or possibly the fluid from a radiator flush kit available at most auto parts stores.

Just make sure to fully flush the rad when your done

[GV2NIX]

Cool thanks! :)

How about the pump?

[bryan_d]

Flush the pump with vinegar too. Do not use the alchohol to clean out stuff because it may react with you internals in a negative way.

[voigts]

The MCP600 has a head that you can take apart. Take it apart and clean it out. That is the only part that water flows through.

[GV2NIX]

Should I scrub the impeller with a toothbrush or something? Or will that be too harsh?

[voigts]

A toothbrush should be just fine. That is what I would use.

[WarriorII]

but don't use it on your teeth afterwards.

:p

[GV2NIX]

Hahaha, no, I only use the toothbrush after I clean the algae off of water blocks! :p

[GV2NIX]

Ok, I cleaned my pump, pretty interesting inside the impeller assembly!

Anyways, I was wondering if I accidentally washed away any kind of lubricant in the assembly. I suppose the pump was designed to run without libricant, but I just want to make sure. I don't want to end up melting any of the plastic parts or having the pump sieze up on me!

[omaticrail]

Well I cannot speak specifically for the MCP600, but so far as I know the mag-drive style pumps all use a ceramic shaft that is lubricated by the water itself, and nothing more.

[GV2NIX]

Yeah the MCP600 uses a ceramic impeller shaft as well as a small ceramic washer to buffer the impeller against the impeller assembly cover. If water lubricates ceramic, then I guess I'm fine, just wanted to make sure, thanks! :)