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G5 Leak

R

rodrigoscotti

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Hello,
My Powermac G5 Dual 2.5 Ghz was operating on temperatures like 75 Celsius degrees, witch I think is high. So I decide to clean the dust off from the computer. When I open the processor decorative case I found a corrosions marks, it was a leak from the liquid cooling system (LCS) . I sent my mac to the assistence, they said I need to replace the processors and the liquid cooling system, that is very expensive - very. So I decide to fix the leak by myself (because my G5 is working and I do not have enough money to fix it on the correct way).The LCS´s tubes and metals are fine, I don´t have pictures of it right now (my computer still on the repair service), but you can have an idea from the LCS by this diagram (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=508). The leak is under the liquid pump (that´s made of plastic, looks like an aquarium pump). It´s a little leak(Maybe this is happining due to a failure on the rubber thats seals the pump on the metal) . Im thinking to use a high temperature rescistence sillicone to seal the leak, maybe an rubber ring too or epoxi. I know that the G5 LCS was not made to be opened, but I think I should complete the liquid (the liquid is Delphi 151 but I think any other liquid for LCS should work). I think that will be no big deal the fix the leak, but i´m worred about all the liquid that was gone (for what i saw this liquid is coming out from under the pump for almost a year). I don´t know for sure how this liquid cooling system works, so I don´t know if the liquid works with or without air, with air can enter the pump, or something like it. As I said I thinking to replace the current liquid to a new one ( I think that is can be made by simply opening the radiator cap). Sorry my english, im from Brazil. 😱
 
Apple usually replaces these out of warranty, they dont want legal issues over leaking components. I would talk to Apple Customer Relations.
 
rodrigoscotti said:
Hello,
My Powermac G5 Dual 2.5 Ghz was operating on temperatures like 75 Celsius degrees, witch I think is high. So I decide to clean the dust off from the computer. When I open the processor decorative case I found a corrosions marks, it was a leak from the liquid cooling system (LCS) . I sent my mac to the assistence, they said I need to replace the processors and the liquid cooling system, that is very expensive - very. So I decide to fix the leak by myself (because my G5 is working and I do not have enough money to fix it on the correct way).The LCS´s tubes and metals are fine, I don´t have pictures of it right now (my computer still on the repair service), but you can have an idea from the LCS by this diagram (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=508). The leak is under the liquid pump (that´s made of plastic, looks like an aquarium pump). It´s a little leak(Maybe this is happining due to a failure on the rubber thats seals the pump on the metal) . Im thinking to use a high temperature rescistence sillicone to seal the leak, maybe an rubber ring too or epoxi. I know that the G5 LCS was not made to be opened, but I think I should complete the liquid (the liquid is Delphi 151 but I think any other liquid for LCS should work). I think that will be no big deal the fix the leak, but i´m worred about all the liquid that was gone (for what i saw this liquid is coming out from under the pump for almost a year). I don´t know for sure how this liquid cooling system works, so I don´t know if the liquid works with or without air, with air can enter the pump, or something like it. As I said I thinking to replace the current liquid to a new one ( I think that is can be made by simply opening the radiator cap). Sorry my english, im from Brazil. 😱
Click to expand...

They're telling you to cover the repair yourself? I would call them up and very sternly tell them that liquid leaking from your computer is very dangerous as it could a) cause a short and burn down your house, b) be consumed by animals or children, which is very unhealthy, or c) corrode your flooring underneath the computer. These are all very risky results, which were not disclosed to you as possible when you purchased the computer. I've heard of apple replacing leaking G5's with upgraded models, so you should ask about that. And I don't think you should fix it yourself.

Is the machine still under warranty? i'm assuming not.
 
These guys are right. It is essential that you get as high up the chain of command as you can! The higher up you get the a) smarter the person would be and b) more likely to say "ok, go ahead and send the machine in and we will fix it, sorry for the inconvenience."
 
I´m sure they will replace if I was in USA, but I live in Brazil... Here they don´t care about they constumers but I´ll try to talk to Apple Brasil. I bought my G5 in USA via internet.
 
rodrigoscotti said:
I´m sure they will replace if I was in USA, but I live in Brazil... Here they don´t care about they constumers but I´ll try to talk to Apple Brasil. I bought my G5 in USA via internet.
Click to expand...

If you can get them to understand that you shouldn't be ignored (i.e. I have access to many popular forums and will not hesitate to explain what you're doing), they should help you like any other customer. Best of luck.
 
What I think people are trying to say....

We think this is a bad idea. That LCS is a very specialist bit of kit. In a way, you kinda did yourself a favour by buying the machine from the States. Try and make a trip there, and go to an Apple service centre - or something.

Perhaps you could call Apple USA and tell them since you bought the item, you've moved? Brazilians speak Portuguese dont they? Ask for someone who can speak Portuguese for you at the Apple customer centre.

I wouldn't dream of opening that system up, oh, and keep an eye on those temps, you really wouldnt wanna be going over 75-80C.

Keep us posted won't you?

F
 
I will contact Apple Brasil and Apple US after day 8, and try all these stuff. Right now I can´t go to US just to fix my computer...I´m tottaly out of money. Assuming that all contacts with Apple fail... I must have a plan B, even before buying a new processor I think a should try a repair first... or just repair the leak and no liquid replacement... but with the current amount of liquid my computer is operating on 75 C.... What´s is an normal temperature for G5 Dual 2,5 ?
 
normal temps

There was a HUGE 2000 odd post thread about the 2.5's. There'll be loads of people telling the thread the average temps. I'm pretty sure 75C is on the high side of things.

Do a search - il try too

F
 
I talk to Apple Brazil... I told them that my G5 is leaking a toxic liquid. First they told me that I don´t need to worry because that liquid is not toxic, and they say I must pay if I want it repaired. But then I said I found a chart inside Apple´s website telling that this liquid is toxic ( http://images.apple.com/environment/resources/pdf/M9749_green.pdf ). The guy on the other side of the line keep telling the same thing, like robot : "You are right sir, it´s toxic. I agree with you that it´s could be dangerous, so you must shut it down and take it to a rapair service, but you still have to pay for the service, sir ".
Later I call Apple USA, they told me I have to send my computer there if I want do do something, but the price to send my G5 overseas is the same or more to fix my computer here.
AHHHHH.... 😡
 
Well.... I try to contact Apple USA and Brazil in many ways.... They all said the same... I'll have to pay for the fix. So I decided to put my original plan in action. I disassemble all the machine, then I clean all the mass the liquid did on the metal ( this includes inside and outside the font ). Later, I open the radiator cap and remove all the rest of the original liquid – about 60-ml– for this I had to deal with a pain-in-the-ass valve. I put 100 ml of new liquid on it, it's is less than the factory setting ( that is 177-ml). After this I put High temperature resistance silicone on all suspicious spaces, and of course seal the bottom and the sides of the pump. Right now I'm waiting the silicone dry. I'm anxious to make a Test. 😛 :apple: 😛
 
Did you ask to speak to a superviser or a manager over the phone when your demands weren't met. I am pretty sure that this will work if you keep being stern!
 
Brave.....

....or stupid!

I really think you should have left Apple to look at it. But, now that you've done it, how has it gone? does it work?!

F
 
I really try to talk to Apple... I spend hours on telefone and writting letters. So... I put everything together today.... and it didn´t turn on...no response at all.... So I open it again and mount the processor on the mother board, again...this time it turn on and made the default inicial sound, but instants later the led went off and the monitor don´t show up any image.... I think I didn´t manage to connect the processor rightly on the mother board.... tomorrow I´ll buy a better Allen Key and I´ll try again... the computer is making more water noise than before, I think that is because some air were left on the system...
 
I try again today... When I turn it on it makes the inicial "music" but it´s interrupt and the LED doesn´t turn on..but all the fans is working...strange... what can I do to fix it ?
 
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