Multiple Alphacool 2-way Ball Valves in a loop?

[Shoikan Grove]

Hey people,

Around Feb last year I brought 3 sets of the Koolance QD4 Quick Release fittings and after just 6 months of use I started to experience problems, corrosion and gunk build-up, and now they no longer properly function aka seal after releasing even after numerous recommended cleaning treatments. What a waste of money...

Now to the point. I'm looking for some cheaper replacement options.
I would like to use 2 or more Alphacool 2-way Ball Valves in my loop for easier removal and cleaning of my main radiator, CPU & GPU waterblocks but based on the images and the apparent diameter of the port im concerned what effect this might have on my flow rate.

Anyone using these in this way or have any other advice or options for me?

 

[WYP]

Do you know what caused your gunk buildup and other issues? It would be best to have that solved before you try again.

What coolant did your use and did it have any anti-microbial or anti-corrosive properties?

 

[Shoikan Grove]

I only use distilled water and Mayhems Biocide of which I use in moderation.
I did recently start using an anti-corrosive and this has helped somewhat.
I started using WC in 2003 and other than an EK water block with nickel plating issues, which was a known production problem, a few years ago I have never had any problems.

I appreciate that the issues with the Koolance fittings may seem concerning but with that aside my main question regarding the Alphacool 2-way Ball Valves still stands.

 

[Warchild]

Flow shouldnt be affected that much.

I have mine connected via a bitspower Qblock inbetween my lower rad and pump. There is no hinderance on flow.

 

[Shoikan Grove]

Flow shouldnt be affected that much.

I have mine connected via a bitspower Qblock inbetween my lower rad and pump. There is no hinderance on flow.

Are you using Bitspowers Ball Valves? I noticed the opening on those looks somewhat bigger than that of the AlphaCool variants. I would go for Bitspower but the price difference is quite substantial considering I plan to use at least 6 in my loop.

 

[Kaapstad]

Do you know what caused your gunk buildup and other issues? It would be best to have that solved before you try again.

What coolant did your use and did it have any anti-microbial or anti-corrosive properties?

This^

Sort out the gunk problem first.

I have dozens of QD3 connectors in my PCs and have not had any problems.

 

[Warchild]

Are you using Bitspowers Ball Valves? I noticed the opening on those looks somewhat bigger than that of the AlphaCool variants. I would go for Bitspower but the price difference is quite substantial considering I plan to use at least 6 in my loop.

Not sure why you would want so many. I find them quite ugly but a good thing to have. I only use two. One on the res for quick drainage and one at my lowest point. Technically I could remove the res one too but its handy to alternate between them and saves me rocking the case to get the fluid out.

diameter of the inner part doesnt matter. Same way that going for ID/OD 10/12mm tubing makes no difference to using 13/16mm tubing. And since they are all G1/4" connectors the alphacool ones should be fine. Again puzzled at the "intend to use at least 6" but its your loop afterall.

lastly. Your gunk build up should be priority number one. You could replace the fluid with premade ones from EK and Mayhem then no need of silvercoil or biocide. Been using mayhem pastel green for 8months now, and its still good as new.