Water cooling pump not spinning, weird smell coming from it when on.

ToxicFyre · 04 Apr 2013

Hello, I've left my computer on for a week as I host a server for a few friends.
I could not restart it as I was away from home,and was monitoring my computer with TeamViewer.
However when I come home my computer smells weird, so I inspect it and find out that the water cooling pump for my cpu is not working and it is the source of the smell.

My computer is still able to work normally, and the smell seems to disappear when I turn off my watercooling system. However I don't want to do anything that I shouldn't and break my computer. I suspect that it is a burnt wire with the pump's power supply, but that's it. Please help.

linnemeyerhere · 04 Apr 2013

ToxicFyre,
Sorry to hear this and maybe complete spec's on the cooling system with some detail pictures would help. I would start with the fluid quality, reservoir and pump. It sounds like you need to change out the pump and retest the system for air and torture test it for cooling. With luck it's just the fluid smelling from over heating and not a burned up mobo. I would open the back up and look very closely for any odd discolorations and sniff the board as well then move to the front and remove the cards and with a bright light look for the same discolorations and odor from the board.

ToxicFyre · 05 Apr 2013

I suppose it's the pump next to the fluid reservoir (photo DSC00780.JPG) to have failed, as there is a weird smell coming from it whenever I turn the computer on. I can't see any leaks though.
Water doesn't seem to be flowing, and whenever I turn this pump on I can hear a faint clicking sound.

I took photos of the computer and pump, and posted them online in a zip file. https://dl.dropbox.com/u/62940370/Photos.zip
After a while of using the computer the cpu temp rises up to 50C.

The board itself doesn't seem to have any damage though, however the CPUTIN connection reached temperatures up to 130C according to my hardware monitor.

linnemeyerhere · 05 Apr 2013

Good, these pumps are impeller driven pumps and as such once they become a problem it's best to change out as they are basically magnetic poles driving a magnetic impeller.

essenbe · 05 Apr 2013

I agree with Linnemeyer, if the pump is not moving water, it will not cool the CPU and you could ruin the components. Heat is the biggest killer of computer components and they were not designed to withstand 130C temps. I would suggest you replace the pump and not turn the computer back on until you have replaced it and tested it to make sure it works correctly and there are no leaks.

ToxicFyre · 05 Apr 2013

Thanks you guys I really appreciate it, I will ask my manufacturer for a replacement pump.
Just on the note, do you have an idea on how to replace this pump? I can't find a guide on google, and it seems kind of tricky to do as it is connected to tubes filled with water.
Again, thank's for your help. :)

linnemeyerhere · 05 Apr 2013

Maybe this is where we need to ask you where and or whom built this for you and does the rig have any warranty on it left? The pump is picture DSC00780.....fyi!

ToxicFyre · 05 Apr 2013

linnemeyerhere said:

Maybe this is where we need to ask you where and or whom built this for you and does the rig have any warranty on it left? The pump is picture DSC00780.....fyi!

The manufacturers are Digital Storm, and I think warranty is expired I had 1 year warranty and this is little less than two years after. Does this mean that I can't get a replacement? I'm trying to talk to the support guy, but he takes ages to reply.

linnemeyerhere · 05 Apr 2013

Highly doubt full but ya never know? You look to be getting a crash course in water cooling and I will want to get you over to others as I have a very good idea but no practical hands on other than sealed loop systems. You may want to ask others if this pump doesn't look small and could stand an upgrade anyway !

essenbe · 05 Apr 2013

I can't see your pictures for some reason. Please post them here and I will try to help you. Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums I would like to think whoever installed the system provided some way to drain it. But, be certain you know what you are doing before you do anything. If you disconnect any hose, your entire system will be full of water.