tig cooler coolant turning rust color

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I built this cooler not long ago using a procon pump and 4 gallon stainless pan, I also added an aluminum cooler, not sure I needed it but added it anyway.  But now the water and I used distilled water is turning to a rust like brass bronze color.  I think you can get the picture,I have drained and refilled the water when I went a larger pan that was brand new!  the 1st pan wasnt brand new but the second one is and still doing the same thing.  I am not sure if it is the mix between the aluminum and copper in the gun, but I didnt think it would react this soon, ok you what say the rest of you, thanks for any thoughts and input.Ron
Reply:I'll admit I don't know TIG coolers much at all ...but...Did you use any antifreeze in this?  They contain corrosion inhibitors whereas distilled water has nothing.  In fact DI is pretty corrosive as water likes to have some dissolved minerals in it.  So if the water is pure like DI, it gets those minerals from the metal passages you have it circulating through...and thus corrodes them.  Same issue with condensate from boilers and such - it is DI and is corrosive as a result.Others who know more will chime in, but that is something that sticks out to me logically, at least.-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled
Reply:I did not use any other type of coolant as I did not think it was needed ans also thought that DI water is different than distilled water but coold be wrong.  Hope others will chime in about the water issue.Thanks
Reply:No cooler here just street water..Rust color you say?Hmmmm...Grinding dust getting in your water?Just a thought..But I am not thinking straight anyway right now so whatever.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I use a air cooled, but found this....hereSemper FiJesus may have been a Carpenter, but his dad was a Millwright" A grinder and a can of paint, will make a welder what he aint' "I've done so much, with so little, for so long, that now I can do anything with nothing!
Reply:It does have a lid and I dont think any metal dust is getting in there and I dont grind near it, I have used distilled as mentioned in the article, thait is what has me puzzled.  I made it so that there would be very few connections and the shortest route possible with high grade hoses.  How ever doing all this I am still experiencing this.  the only other thing I can think of is the aluminum radiator, but wouldnt think it would happen so soon, I have read here that others have built a similar set up and have gone years and not see anything odd with theirs.  any others have any indo and thanks to Zap and the others so far for chiming.
Reply:Originally Posted by Ron PadillaIt does have a lid and I dont think any metal dust is getting in there and I dont grind near it, I have used distilled as mentioned in the article, thait is what has me puzzled.  I made it so that there would be very few connections and the shortest route possible with high grade hoses.  How ever doing all this I am still experiencing this.  the only other thing I can think of is the aluminum radiator, but wouldnt think it would happen so soon, I have read here that others have built a similar set up and have gone years and not see anything odd with theirs.  any others have any indo and thanks to Zap and the others so far for chiming.
Reply:That is what I have gathered by reading other threads about coolers, this whole thing is just a little different.  I have called the people that I bought the pump from yet but need to, to find out what info they might have.Thanks
Reply:Our DIY cooler is about 3 years old now. It has a stainless tank, aluminum (transmission) cooling coil, plastic hoses, and brass fittings. The coolant is a 50/50 mix of distilled water and RV antifreeze. Other than the slight pink color from the antifreeze there is no color change and the coolant is still clear. Without the antifreeze as a lubricant there may be some wear in your pump. This is just a guess, as I have no idea what is causing it. Replacing the coolant with a 50/50 mix may be in order.CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:i am going to have to try that and see how it turns out.Thanks
Reply:brown algae ?Miller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:could be but from what and where it reappeared shortly after refilling with new water in a new tank.
Reply:from the pumpMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:as soon as I can I will drain and fill again this time with RV antifreeze and distilled and see what happens.
Reply:Could go with VW coolant for the 99 - 04 model years as it is a special formula made to not break down the type of aluminum heads that vw used.  Its a bit pricey but it is made to last the life of the vehicle so figure 250k miles easy.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.
Reply:Most automotive coolant has corrosion inhibitors to protect aluminum. You can also get coolant made for welding systems. I know Miller sells their own brand and Im sure others do too. Ask your welding supplier about it they may have it in stock.
Reply:I know that my lws has the coolant in stock I would have to compare the vw stuff for cost to see if there is a cost difference.  thanks guys
Reply:VW aluminum heads during the 99 - 04 model years had a different make up of aluminum and regular coolant caused corrosion to the heads that lead to engine failure so they came out with a different type of coolant that is missing something that all other coolants have.  Bapgeon carries it at a better price than the dealer.  Cost wise your looking at $30 for 1.5 gallons when you mix it with distilled water but like I said it's a true life time coolant so at most a quick run through a micron filter after ten years and it should be good to go again for another ten.Welding Supervisor Department of Corrections.