Welding Tips and Tricks

I am running a Miller Radiator-1 cooler with a 20 series torch. The guy that I bought the welder has been using automotive antifreeze since the machine was new back in the '80s... and I doubt it has ever been flushed or the coolant changed...

I would like to completely flush the system and refill using a better coolant. I'm not having any problems, but I'm kinda anal about taking care of my expensive equipment.

What is the correct procedure for cleaning out the system? I'm a little concerned about flushing it with an automotive type radiator flush... I have used a 50-50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar in my ATV, but I don't know if that is OK in a welding system, either.

Would simply draining the system and refilling be adequate, or do I need to do something more?

Thanks... -Bear

Bear,
If it were me I'd disconnect the return (blue on SuperFlex) hose and place the end of it in a bucket of tap water and get a LH hose end fitting from your local welding store and a short piece of hose and run it into an empty bucket. If you run the pump on the cooler until it runs clear water and a little extra for good measure you should be fine.

Blow the water out of your torch with a little pressure and refill with your coolant of choice and you're golden.

That's how I'd do it.

Len

Thanks, Len...

I guess that would be adequate as long as the replacement coolant is also an ethylene glycol based coolant... I know from experience that going from an ethylene glycol to a propylene glycol coolant requires a flush to remove all traces of the ethylene glycol... (which is why I flushed the system on my ATV with the vinegar mix).

Thanks again... -Bear