First leak test

[Wall7486]

Well after I measured the tubing length on my G70 I performed a leak test externally. This was harder than I thought for the first time.

Current setup:
Thermochill PA120.3
Storm Rev. 2
Koosah Nvidia Block
D5
Swiftech Micro
7/16" tubing


To no srprise it leaked at first. The fittings on the micro leaked slightly because I didn't screw it in tight enough. I actually thought that you shouldn't screw it in so tight because it would be bad as well. After screwing in every fittings on all the blocks tightly no leaks at all. The Thermochill is giving me the most problem. As dangerden only gives out plastic barbs with it. Those barbs don't even come with O-Ring so it started leaking. I had to screw it in very tightly, and I mean tight for the leak to stop. I think i'm going to get some metal barbs as someone suggested, in fact I just ordered it from cooltechnica.

I am wondering is it normal for the O-Ring part to be slightly wet? To my knowledge I would think that is ok because its suppose to help stop water for spilling out so there has to be slight water in it? But, I need you guys to confirm that.


Overall, its been kind of fun for the past hour but it is also a little discouraging as well.

edit* There is still bubble in the loop. However, it is only on the route between the pump and the res. Should I wait? Or is something wrong?

[SiGfever]

Nice setup!

If you don't have the o-rings use some teflon tape. The exterior of the o-ring should be dry with no water covering it. Tightening of o-rings is a learned feel for what is "just right".

[Wall7486]

Thank you Sigfever. I actually ordered the metal barbs that you reccomended to someone else in another thread. I think those will be slightly better. About the bubbles I think I figured out why some are still there. I think it is taking a while because my res is not on the top. Since i'm leak testing externally, all my components are fairly close together in terms of height. I think if my res was higher the air will be out of the loop faster. Again, correct me if I'm wrong.

[SiGfever]

Give it time to process all the air out.

[Wall7486]

Damn after 1.5 hours my radiator continues to leak. Tiny drips from the fittings and I probably didn't push the tubing deep enough into the barbs and the tubing slipped out. I did use clamps but I was very cautious in not over tightning them. All other parts seem fine, but this thermochill is giving me a lot of problems. I hope those metal fittings will help me a bit. I notice the 7/16tubing is a bit tough to work with when you put it on barbs, but I guess this is where you gotta flex a little muscle. :rolleyes:

[davidk21770]

The hoses should be pushed all the way to the tightening surface. The clamps should have about 1/2 their width "below" them to seal properly.

The plastic barbs work fine. Switching to metal will not help unless you tighten them properly and didn't tighten the plastic ones. Teflon tape works, but I've also used silicone gasket -- especially when I'm threading into flexible plastic (like a reservoir).

[SiGfever]

Damn after 1.5 hours my radiator continues to leak. Tiny drips from the fittings and I probably didn't push the tubing deep enough into the barbs and the tubing slipped out. I did use clamps but I was very cautious in not over tightning them. All other parts seem fine, but this thermochill is giving me a lot of problems. I hope those metal fittings will help me a bit. I notice the 7/16tubing is a bit tough to work with when you put it on barbs, but I guess this is where you gotta flex a little muscle. :rolleyes:
Did you heat the ends of the tubing in VERY HOT water prior to putting them on the barbs? And what brand of tubing did you buy?

[Wall7486]

I bought Tygon. I will leak test it again over the week. I have a midterm in a few days, so I don't want to get too carried away yet. I did use hot water, but I don't think it was hot enough, during the summer my building has tendency to have "cooler" hot water. I'll boil the water next time and dip it in. I'm sure on the next shot it'll be much better, now I have an idea of how it goes.

[SiGfever]

I bought Tygon. I will leak test it again over the week. I have a midterm in a few days, so I don't want to get too carried away yet. I did use hot water, but I don't think it was hot enough, during the summer my building has tendency to have "cooler" hot water. I'll boil the water next time and dip it in. I'm sure on the next shot it'll be much better, now I have an idea of how it goes.
I boiled the water and then soaked the end for approx 20 seconds and that did the trick. Tygon is the way to go. IMO

[Wall7486]

I have one more question? So when am I suppose to close the cap on top of my resevoir? When all bubbles are out I assume right? But I was wondering if that's the case then air will always get in. I just need some clarification. Thanks.

[inkfx]

Nice setup you've got there, now lets see some pics!!!

[Wall7486]

I'll try to get some pics up when everything settles down =]
But in the meantime I still need clarification on when to seal off my resevoir, two posts above. Thanks.

[IYIENACE]

Top it off and close it! :beer:

[SiGfever]

I left my res open until all the bubbles had processed out. Why trap them in the res when you can leave it open and adjust the res level as the air is removed. JMO

[IYIENACE]

I left my res open until all the bubbles had processed out. Why trap them in the res when you can leave it open and adjust the res level as the air is removed. JMO

And by topping off and closing it until the air makes it's way to the res (maybe it will depending....) you can't do the exact same thing, once? I really don't see where it matters which was the point of my post. Just top it off and enjoy it if you only have a little stubborn air in it somewhere! If you assembled externally you should be able to get pretty much all the air out, maybe it will take an extra set of hands. Make sure your clamps are on and tight and you will be fine lol.

[Silmatharien]

I find the best way to avoid leaks is to take the metal O-rings and put them halfway over the plastic piece you have the tube on. Then just tighten them. The second time I leak tested it was flawless.