Custom loop with D5 Vario that may be airlocked
Custom loop with D5 Vario that may be airlocked
I have a custom loop being driven by a single D5 Vario pump. I was changing out the fluid and now it won't flow. There is a bubble I can't get out, but not sure if that's a symptom or the problem. When I turn the pump on, everything moves for just a second then stops. I worried that my pump was blown, but if I open the bleeder valve with the pump going it shoots fluid.
My setup is as follows:
Pump-->Bleeder Valve-->Flow Indicator-->Radiator -->CPU Block-->GPU Block-->Pump. The air bubble is trapped in the short hose between the CPU and the GPU. I've tried everything I can think of to get it out of there. I've twisted and turned and flipped the machine and the block but it won't go past the CPU block so I can get it back to the bleeder valve. Liquid flows freely through there so I know it's not clogged.
At first I worried that the D5 wasn't strong enough. I do have a good bit of hose (an XSPC 360 radiator is mounted outside of the case), but it's less than 6 feet of hose so everything I'm reading says it should be fine. Is it just this air bubble or do I have another issue? How can I get it cleared?
Thanks for all the help guys. Sorry to ask stupid questions. I've just been fighting with this for 5 or 6 weeks and I'm at my wits end.
Chris
Well, I'm not particularly into water cooling, but some reasoning suggests that if liquid exits the bleeder valve just past the pump, but not through the whole system, then it might mean the pump is too weak or something is blocking it.
I think about possibilities by elimination.
Pump → bleeder → flow → pump. It makes sense.
Also, are you using a reservoir? Again, not a water cooling enthusiast. Lol.
But logically speaking, the pump seems to function because it produces the feeder output. Or is it the pump with two tubes and a water container that actually pumps it out?
Let me continue from there. It appears the pump does work.
Moatt explained his situation to others, describing the issue with a custom loop controlled by a single D5 Vario pump. He mentioned changing the fluid but still experiencing flow problems. There is a bubble that cannot be removed, and when he turns on the pump it stops briefly before resuming. He suspects the pump might be damaged, but opening the bleeder valve while the pump runs allows fluid to escape. He detailed his setup and noted that the air bubble is stuck in a short hose between the CPU and GPU, though he has tried various adjustments without success. He expressed uncertainty about whether it's just the bubble or another problem and asked for advice on clearing it. He also requested pictures to better understand the issue.
It's difficult to see clearly. I relocated the computer into the living room for work, resulting in scattered hoses and a disorganized space. The pump is located inside an XSPC reservoir; it isn't visible in the photo. It doesn't hold much volume but it can manage what we need. I've considered removing blocks to test further, but I'm holding off until I have a better solution because it's very frustrating and creates a lot of mess. I'm really disappointed with the colored additive.
Shift the CPU block upward, allowing the air bubble to pass through it, into the radiator at the top. Once positioned there, it should resolve on its own and enter the reservoir. This doesn't solve the D5 pump problem, which only functions briefly. It seems the pump is making unusual sounds while operating, possibly indicating a risk of overheating or failure. Running it for extended periods without fluid circulation isn't advised; a replacement pump might be necessary.
Correct the reservoir. And no, it continues to operate. Observing the air bubble, when I activate it, the bubble moves closer to the block but eventually halts. Turning it off causes the bubble to retreat. This suggests it's sustaining pressure, though not enough to move anything. I thought about installing a second D5 radiator, but wasn't certain if it could fit without a reservoir or if that would be practical.
The pump I currently have is functioning, but it appears insufficient to drive the entire system effectively. Uncertain whether the issue lies with the pump itself or with the bubble, hose connections, etc.