Torch Cooling

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This article is written for users of liquid cooled plasma torches, BUT, it contains a lot of information that is equally applicable to torch coolers for TIG torches.Of particular intrest is the reference to the composition of manufacturer coolants, Deionised water and automotive antifreze,  witch demonstrates that manufacturers have for years been selling an overproced coolant to unsuspecting weldors.http://www.thefabricator.com/xp/Fabr...3/03web390.xmlAppreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Franz,         They did say in the article not to use automotive antifreeze as it had sealent in it that would plug small holes.  I have it in my TIG cooler, but would like to get your thoughts on [email protected]
Reply:I've had green automotive antifreeze in mine for over 30 years, and have yet to experience a problem.If I was doing one today, I'd use Dexcool rather than the green stuff cause Dexcool doesn't have sodium silicate, witch is the "plugging agent" in green antifreeze.The biggest problem in coolers is when people use tap water rather than demineralized or distilled water.  The amount of suspended solids in tap water is HUGE.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I bought my TIG from a guy that just ran tap water total loss down the driveway. Is there a way to clean out the cooling lines/torch head? It's a weldcraft wp-20 on a DialarcHF. I still need to get a decent water pump for it, you think a little giant parts washer pump would do the job?
Reply:The question that first needs to be answered is how crapped up do you think the head is?If you can blow air thru it in both directions using only lung pressure, the torch is probably pretty clean cause the total loss system didn't leave water in toe torch long enough to deposit crap.  If you have doubts, circulating vinegar thru the torch will probably remove it.A good indicator of how much crap is in a water supply is to look in the bottom of a tea kettle used in that area.As to the pump, a pump that will run at a 10 foot head does the job very well.  You also need to consider any resistance that will be in your cooling unit in the total flow resistance.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:thanks for the info, will have to look at it on Tuesday.
Reply:Any particular type of vinegar I should be using? Straight or diluted? How long should I circulate it thru the torch? Thanks for your help.
Reply:Just plain old cider vinegar, the same stuff we use for killin weeds, mix about 1 to 1 with water, and see what flushes out.I'd pump it thru till it elther looked completely crappy and I changed to new vinegar, or till it flushed clear.Then, I'd run a few gallons of water thru to rinse, and go from there.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-