Need some input on my failing BigWater kit

[imported_segagenesis]

For reference I do not believe the same kit is being sold anymore, but the problem I am having is the pump is going bad. Every time I start the computer now I have to open my case and shake the pump to get it "started". A visual example I found would be this kit here. Looks similar to the pump that was in the even older TT Aquarius watercooling kits.

The dilema I face is how to go about finding a replacement pump that fits the tubing without replacing the the entire kit. Ok, I'll admit this area of computing is not my forte... I see the connectors are 1/4" tubing from reference but can I just use any other pump that has this type of connector?

I noticed this was offered at the same store, but the pump output (facing outward to the side?!) would run into the side wall of my case and be unusable. So my question is this... does anyone have an idea of what I can use? Should I just go back to using a big Zalman copper orb... :/

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Call up Thermaltake and find a replacement? Or buy on of the industrial pumps on DangerDen or Swiftech's websites and get two 1/2 ID to 1/4 ID converters? Or an Iwaki pump?

*sigh* It's sad that people spend money on cheaper kits like this

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=41495

 

[imported_segagenesis]

Well thanks... that helps me get started.

It's sad that people spend money on cheaper kits like this

But was that really necessary? Watercooling is not a full time hobby for some of us...

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: segagenesis
Well thanks... that helps me get started.

It's sad that people spend money on cheaper kits like this

But was that really necessary? Watercooling is not a full time hobby for some of us...

It's not about whether it's a hobby or not. It's about doing the research beforehand and protecting your investment. You're placing water next to your internal circuitry. I wouldn't go cheap on something like this. What if the pump fails while your computer is on and you're out of the house?

I'm ok with people spending less money on stuff like rads or waterblocks if their aim is not performance, but the pump is kind of the heart of the system, so to speak.

I guess I'm more angry at the manufacturor than anyone else for putting stuff like this out on the market.

 

[stockjock]

hey Fuzzybabybunny is very good help...he just helped me out....now, maybe I can help you out. I just replaced my Bigwater pump with a higher end pump. If you are interested I could sell you my bigwater pump...it works great and did not have a single problem with it...and I only used it for about 2 months. All the fittings you have will work just great with it because I had to use the same size tubing you had. Let me know if interested and then maybe we can come up with a price. Don't worry about me shafting you...I've got great heatware evals...I'm in the top 50 in pos. evals. Just check my sig.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

<3 stockjock and segagenesis

 

[imported_segagenesis]

It's not about whether it's a hobby or not. It's about doing the research beforehand and protecting your investment. You're placing water next to your internal circuitry. I wouldn't go cheap on something like this. What if the pump fails while your computer is on and you're out of the house?

Well thats kind of after the fact here, I have had this kit for nearly 2 years without an issue and quite simply the pump is going bad... just looking for ideas at whats better these days. I'm well aware of the "water and computers" don't mix idea and I'm not that stupid to assume that everything is foolproof. So by that ideology a $300 kit from Swiftec or something even more expensive would be guaranteed to never fail, leak, or cause cancer in such cases? I've seen the "expensive stuff" sometimes do just as poorly as the cheap stuff in my experience of computer hardware in general... I'm not trying to counter your claims but I am concerned the same about $100 hardware vs. $1000 hardware.

I guess I'm more angry at the manufacturor than anyone else for putting stuff like this out on the market.

Exactly. Please dont shoot the messenger. I'm just looking to make my computer quieter than it used to be and succeeded in that, and just need some insight at alternatives for when stuff breaks. I see something like this and that thing looks like it could run water through my cars radiator! As I've said, this is not my area of expertise and I would not be asking questions if I knew exactly what to do...

Back on topic... that Swiftec seems ideal if coupled with this resivor, but unfortunately finding 1/2" to 1/4" reduction fittings seems harder than I expected. Stupid question: Is it possible to get away with using 3/8" fittings clamped or 5/8" fittings that are unclamed for 1/4" tubing? Seems like I would be trying to push the square peg in the round hole there... Should I just replace my entire system? Not that it would be out of the question...

Am I completely off base here?

 

[stockjock]

Did you not read my solution for you...I have what you need so you don't have to replace all your tubing.

 

[imported_segagenesis]

hey Fuzzybabybunny is very good help...he just helped me out....now, maybe I can help you out. I just replaced my Bigwater pump with a higher end pump. If you are interested I could sell you my bigwater pump...it works great and did not have a single problem with it...and I only used it for about 2 months. All the fittings you have will work just great with it because I had to use the same size tubing you had. Let me know if interested and then maybe we can come up with a price. Don't worry about me shafting you...I've got great heatware evals...I'm in the top 50 in pos. evals. Just check my sig.

That would be a good alternative. I do realize now that the Thermaltake kits seem to be the odd man out because of thier use of smaller tubing, as most of the other kits I'm seeing through some quick research use larger size fittings. The last time I put research into water cooling was 2 years ago and there seems to have been great strides on the market since then... I was looking for something easy at the time. I'm somewhat paranoid of trying to get parts for an entire kit seperately only to find out something does not fit... particularly in my case would be the radiator. I have the TT Shark for reference.

As far as trust goes, I trust opinions here more than most other places, which is why I asked here. I don't visit the forums too often (mostly lurking on DailyTech... well not so much anymore) but there is alot of good knowledge going around the forums.

Thanks again for the input.

EDIT:

Did you not read my solution for you...I have what you need so you don't have to replace all your tubing.

I didn't see your post because I was typing my long winded reply above... sorry!

 

[stockjock]

I'm no expert...but I would not be mixing different tube sizes as it will affect flows and cooling. Trust me...if you decide to move on to a different higher end pump you are more than likely going to need to upgrade a lot more. ..I'm a perfect example of that ...lol I had the Thermaltake BigWater Kit and the only piece I have left that I'm using is the radiator

 

[imported_segagenesis]

Here is the machine in question for a visual reference. Excuse the crappy wiring job, I lack the time lately to try and do a better job.

 

[stockjock]

Take it back...mine is a little different...I think its bigger than yours but still has the same fittings... Pump Pics

 

[imported_segagenesis]

Hmm, yes... that looks like the older Aquarius II type pump because of the springs inside the tubing. Either way it's worth a shot and I appreciate the offer to help... by the way whats with the top nozzle there? I will have to get with you tomorrow about working out a deal for the used pump.

 

[stockjock]

Top nozzle...I think you are talking about the one that has the black cap on it?, not sure, I think its for a bleed line...but I never used it because I never had to...not sure it's older than yours though because the kit I got also came with a small fill reservoir...and the reservoir has the markings on it similar to your pump ( I think thats why I jumped to conclusion we had same pump). I never used the reservoir because this pump had plenty of fill space in it. one last thing...I took the photo real quick like and really didn't notice how dirty the pump was...It will definetely be cleaned up if you buy it. ..by the way, the springs are on the outside of the tubing not on the inside...
OK...one more thing...I think the pump is the same exact pump you have. It's definetely not the Aquarius II. After looking on the net...it is the same pump as yours...mine just doesn't have the markings on it and the top hole has been plugged...so, there are 4 total inlet/outlet holes...but like your setup I only used 2.

 

[aigomorla]

EDIT: Sorry didnt see his kit was the one that didnt have the aqua bay. But i'll leave this post incase someone wants tips on how to drain a bigwater kit that has a aquabay.


ummm... u can easily buy a replacement pump and just swap it out. There are a couple great solutions u can use to replace that pump.

1. DD MAG II is a pretty darn good pump. Head Pressure will be greater then your crappy TT pump. BTW that pump is 1st generation incase ur wondering. TT is now on there 3rd generation of pumps. That itself should tell u alot about there pumps.

2. Liang DCC - this is another great pump, kinda pricey compared to the DD MAG II.

Anyhow here is the problem your going to run into so take notes, the two pumps have heads of 3/8ths. Your TT pump is 1/4th. So your going to need to get a bit of tubing and purchase a head converter. Basically one end is 3/8ths and the other is 1/4th. This adaptor shouldnt cost u more then 3 dollars. If ur paying more then you must be desperate.


The hard part now is on how your going to drain your system. AquaBays are a PITA to drain because u cant really remove it. Also when you laid out your tubing im sure u didnt keep the thought of making draining easy. Here are some tips on how to drain the aquabay... *your probably wondering how the hell i know all this, i had to do the same job for a friend that didnt listen to me*... anyhow go to a pet store and pick up some fish air tubing. Now unplug your PSU from the MOBO and unplug your PSU from the wall. Your gonna have to put 1 end of the tube in the hole where u fill the bay, and another end on the floor in a bucket. Now use it as a syphon and try to suck all the water out.

*REMEMBER DO NOT AND I REPEAT DO NOT TASTE/DRINK THE COOLANT*

if u rush it (and i say DONT, take your time) and u eat some of the coolant imediate spit it out and gargle right away. This part is kind of dangerous but its the simplest way to drain, if u can i would get a pump that sucks, but that will probably cost u like 30 dollars. :\

Anyhow once u managed to drain your res, the rest is kind of easy, just cut the tube on the top of the res, and drain the rest of the coolant out

Remember take your TIME in draining the system. Even on my loop with a petcock drain, it still takes me about 15 min to drain my computer b4 i can start cutting tubes. For you i would invest close to an hour. Maybe more because its your first time.

FYI - it took me 50min to drain my system the first time, so dont freak out because ur going too slow.

PHEW~ i hope this helps. Next time ask for advice and read the forums on watercooling before you decide to jump into it. For the price of the Bigwater u paid back when it was sold, you could of gotten a micro swiftech, or a simple DD kit, and have it perform better and last longer problem free.


If you have any additional questions feel free to pm me