G5 leaking Coolant

[ReanimationLP]

Call up Apple. Immediately. A drop means there may be a small hole, and more could leak out, ruining the cooling effect, and cooking the processors to death.

DO NOT RUN IT. TURN IT OFF AND UNPLUG IT. If more leaks, and your CPUs fry because of it, your warranty may not be honored. x_X

 

[Little Endian]

I am still alive and well after more than 24 hours after having a taste of G5 Liquid coolant.

I know it sounds very stupid to have tasted an unkown liquid and after dealing with the Apple Care tech on the phone I feel very stupid. The guy on the phone over reacted when I said I had tasted the liquid which I only told him I did because he sounded skeptical that it really was liquid from the liquid cooling system. He actually put me on hold for 5 minutes and transferred me to his superior who advised me to seek medical attention immediately and started rambling on about what I should tell the doctor as far as the chemical composition of the liquid coolant. Only after I said that it was more than 24 hours after putting a minute amount to my tongue and that I feel perfectly fine and have no gastrointestinal disturbance or lightheadedness did the guy calm down. Gosh he was really scaring me though. So now that I feel really silly I think it only just to explain the circumstance that led me to taste the liquid coolant and I think it would make the situation a little more understandable.

First off the liquid (a couple of drops) appeared on my kitchen table where I had placed the G5 for cleaning and swapping Hard Drives. I tasted the liquid on impulse because I refused to believe that it may have been from the Computer because of course these machines are not supposed to leak right? I was suspecting (hoping) it was perhaps food stuff. After noticing the liquid I had inspected the case and could not see where it had leaked from so I assumed the liquid was not from the computer and that was when I dabbed finger on to drop and then dabbed to tougue occured and then rinsing of mouth upon realizing what it was. Foolish mistake but under the circumstances I think it was understandable.

In case anyone is interested despite anti-freeze supposedly tasting sweet this coolant was very bitter leaning toward the Alkaline pH of acidity.

As far as the computer goes it's sitting in a corner unplugged and it will stay that way until It gets repaired. I am now certain it is leaking as I had experimented with tilting the machine and have discovered liquid leaking from the bottom rear right hand corner of the machine I witnessed a few drop come out of the holes on the bottom where the Power Supply exhaust is. I am very concerned as this means there is liquid near the Power Supply. I am currently using my brother's imac and will be doing so until my machine gets fixed or possibly replaced.

The Apple Care Product specialist says he will get back to me on Tuesday because he must notify some product engineering department to seek approval for scheduling a repair as they may need to recapture the computer. Recapture? I was confused too so I asked what it meant and he said that my machine may get replaced with a new one as this liquid leaking thing is a very very rare phenomena and they may want the machine back for study as to determine where the leak originated and how.

Apparently liquid leaking from either Dual 2.5 or 2.7 G5 is rare as I have found only one person on the Apple Discussions website who claims to have suffered a leak in his case it was catastrophic leak as most of the coolant had leaked out and burnt out one Processor and leaked down onto the lower level to burn out the Power Supply as well.

I shall wait till tuesday for a call back from Apple. Right now I think I am liking the recapture idea instead of repair. The tech on the Phone said replaced with a NEW machine. By new does that mean a new Dual 2.7 to replace my dual 2.5 or better yet a new MP quad processor PowerMac? I doubt it probably means refurb replacement or exact same Dual 2.5 replacement if new ones even exist. Oh well at least I can cross my fingers and dream.

 

[Little Endian]

Photo of what liquid coolant from G5 looks like. I managed to get the drop out by tilting the computer back.

 

[Blue Velvet]

Photo of what liquid coolant from G5 looks like. I managed to get the drop out by tilting the computer back.

*Recoils in horror as realises that could burn through the ship right down to the outside hull*

Not good. Hence the word 'recapture'.

 

[topicolo]

I unfortunately am one of those people that does the smell test and taste test all to often. I did it a few times during Chem Lab and almost passed out.

Wow. Doing it PURPOSELY in a CHEM LAB? I'm sorry, but that's incredibly stupid. Pretty much half of the stuff you work with (especially if it's organic chemistry) bioaccumulate and/or cause cancer. That means that the stuff stays in your fat once you ingest it for years, screwing up your cells' DNA. If you had enough of anything to almost pass out, it was too much.

 

[Josh]

This thread got me thinking...

If a large PM G5 with so many fans required coolant in addition, how is it that the iMac G5's have enough ventilation/cooling going on?

It's soo much smaller, less fans, and no coolent.

 

[Little Endian]

This thread got me thinking...

If a large PM G5 with so many fans required coolant in addition, how is it that the iMac G5's have enough ventilation/cooling going on?

It's soo much smaller, less fans, and no coolent.

Power Macs with liquid Cooling are clocked higher than imacs not to mention they have Two processors in addition to a faster FSB. Only the Dual 2.5 and 2.7Ghz Power Mac G5s use liquid cooling. Those 2.5 and 2.7Ghz chips are also clocked to the high end of the PowerPC 970FX design limitations so they will run much hotter than slower clocked imac CPUs. As far as the additional Fans the PowerMacs have a Power Supply that probably has twice or more the output of the imacs to power PCI slots additional drives etc. PowerMacs can also handle high performance GPUs that can be easily twice as hot as the soldered on imac GPU chipsets.

 

[zap2]

The coolant is predominantly water (80% or more) with a mixture of corrosion inhibitors, antifreeze, and bacterial growth preventatives.

Anitfreeze, ya a lady for live 3 doors down from me killed her brother-in-law this a cocktail if antifreeze but i dont u ate enough to harm your self

 

[Josh]

Power Macs with liquid Cooling are clocked higher than imacs not to mention they have Two processors in addition to a faster FSB. Only the Dual 2.5 and 2.7Ghz Power Mac G5s use liquid cooling. Those 2.5 and 2.7Ghz chips are also clocked to the high end of the PowerPC 970FX design limitations so they will run much hotter than slower clocked imac CPUs. As far as the additional Fans the PowerMacs have a Power Supply that probably has twice or more the output of the imacs to power PCI slots additional drives etc. PowerMacs can also handle high performance GPUs that can be easily twice as hot as the soldered on imac GPU chipsets.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it

 

[benwa02]

Anitfreeze, ya a lady for live 3 doors down from me killed her brother-in-law this a cocktail if antifreeze but i dont u ate enough to harm your self

what?

 

[FFTT]

Your machine may not only end up being studied, but end up as evidence in legal matters.

The original cooling system manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy, because of this issue.

I PMed you with a few details of things to consider.

You wont be able to transfer any of your hardware upgrades to the newest dual core machine if they go PCI-e DDR2 RAM or SATAII.

Wishing you the best fortune in this situation.

IF you get a replacement 2.7......

You might want to slap on a MR.YUCK sticker.

 

[rainman::|:|]

i was always under the impression that the tubes were so small, it was only a couple of drops of fluid in the entire system. didn't realize there was enough to leak like that. I'm getting a new PM at work soon and after reading this, I'm going to be looking for wet spots every day...

 

[ReanimationLP]

I am still alive and well after more than 24 hours after having a taste of G5 Liquid coolant.

I know it sounds very stupid to have tasted an unkown liquid and after dealing with the Apple Care tech on the phone I feel very stupid. The guy on the phone over reacted when I said I had tasted the liquid which I only told him I did because he sounded skeptical that it really was liquid from the liquid cooling system. He actually put me on hold for 5 minutes and transferred me to his superior who advised me to seek medical attention immediately and started rambling on about what I should tell the doctor as far as the chemical composition of the liquid coolant. Only after I said that it was more than 24 hours after putting a minute amount to my tongue and that I feel perfectly fine and have no gastrointestinal disturbance or lightheadedness did the guy calm down. Gosh he was really scaring me though. So now that I feel really silly I think it only just to explain the circumstance that led me to taste the liquid coolant and I think it would make the situation a little more understandable.

First off the liquid (a couple of drops) appeared on my kitchen table where I had placed the G5 for cleaning and swapping Hard Drives. I tasted the liquid on impulse because I refused to believe that it may have been from the Computer because of course these machines are not supposed to leak right? I was suspecting (hoping) it was perhaps food stuff. After noticing the liquid I had inspected the case and could not see where it had leaked from so I assumed the liquid was not from the computer and that was when I dabbed finger on to drop and then dabbed to tougue occured and then rinsing of mouth upon realizing what it was. Foolish mistake but under the circumstances I think it was understandable.

In case anyone is interested despite anti-freeze supposedly tasting sweet this coolant was very bitter leaning toward the Alkaline pH of acidity.

As far as the computer goes it's sitting in a corner unplugged and it will stay that way until It gets repaired. I am now certain it is leaking as I had experimented with tilting the machine and have discovered liquid leaking from the bottom rear right hand corner of the machine I witnessed a few drop come out of the holes on the bottom where the Power Supply exhaust is. I am very concerned as this means there is liquid near the Power Supply. I am currently using my brother's imac and will be doing so until my machine gets fixed or possibly replaced.

The Apple Care Product specialist says he will get back to me on Tuesday because he must notify some product engineering department to seek approval for scheduling a repair as they may need to recapture the computer. Recapture? I was confused too so I asked what it meant and he said that my machine may get replaced with a new one as this liquid leaking thing is a very very rare phenomena and they may want the machine back for study as to determine where the leak originated and how.

Apparently liquid leaking from either Dual 2.5 or 2.7 G5 is rare as I have found only one person on the Apple Discussions website who claims to have suffered a leak in his case it was catastrophic leak as most of the coolant had leaked out and burnt out one Processor and leaked down onto the lower level to burn out the Power Supply as well.

I shall wait till tuesday for a call back from Apple. Right now I think I am liking the recapture idea instead of repair. The tech on the Phone said replaced with a NEW machine. By new does that mean a new Dual 2.7 to replace my dual 2.5 or better yet a new MP quad processor PowerMac? I doubt it probably means refurb replacement or exact same Dual 2.5 replacement if new ones even exist. Oh well at least I can cross my fingers and dream.

Heh. This is one of the nails in Delphi's coffin eh?

 

[mpw]

…He actually put me on hold for 5 minutes and transferred me to his superior who advised me to seek medical attention immediately and started rambling on about what I should tell the doctor as far as the chemical composition of the liquid coolant….

You should’ve started coughing and then just gone really quiet to wind them up!

As far as the taste of anti-freeze, it’s sweet isn’t it? I seem to recall it being used to sweeten wine years ago and once the scandal broke the remaining stock was used to de-ice an airport runway in Austria(searches recess of brain ?)

 

[Makosuke]

What an interesting thread, and it's comforting that Apple seems to be taking the correct response to the issue.

As far as the taste of anti-freeze, it’s sweet isn’t it? I seem to recall it being used to sweeten wine years ago and once the scandal broke the remaining stock was used to de-ice an airport runway in Austria(searches recess of brain ?)

Yes, it is; it's based on a sugar, but not one that does most living things any good. The sweet taste encourages animals to lick it up, but it then causes kidney failure a while later and kills them. There was actually a movement to force manufacturers to add a nasty-tasting additive to antifreeze to help prevent this (the same as nasty-smelling garlic oil is added to natural gas so you can smell a leak), though I forget if it succeeded.

The wine thing you're thinking of is methanol, a wood alchohol that is used as a de-icer for planes in places like Alaska; you can get drunk off of it but you'll probably go blind later. I think methanol may also be present in antifreeze, but the "standard" ingredient (and the one that causes kidney failure) is, I believe, ethylene glycol.

 

[Demon Hunter]

For all you know that could have been alien spawn juice or left over drippings from a blue rasberry popsicle.

Or Kool-aid. Actually from that picture it looks like that "Ecto-cooler" Ghostbusters drink. That stuff was GOOD, I miss it.

You are brave, I hope all goes well, can't wait to see what your new setup will be...

 

[mpw]

...Yes, it is; it's based on a sugar, but not one that does most living things any good...
...The wine thing you're thinking of is methanol...I think methanol may also be present in antifreeze, but the "standard" ingredient (and the one that causes kidney failure) is, I believe, ethylene glycol.

We're both a little right and a little wrong. I was thinking of the Austrian scandal of 1985 where Diethylene Glycol was added to wine. This was illegal under the labeling of wine in Europe not because it was toxic (it's actually safer than alcohol) the press at the time mis-reported it as Ethylene Glycol as deadly anti-freeze wine was a better story than dodgy labels. It was used to de-ice the runway.

 

[dornoforpyros]

mmm coolant....

 

[Little Endian]

Apple Care Tech finally got back to me and he said that they would not be recapturing my unit. The tech then instructed me to take my machine to my local Apple Retail Store for repair. The Computer is less than a year old and I have Apple Care Extended warranty as well.

Upon arriving at the Apple store with my 40 pound G5 I had to wait over 30 minutes for a genius and spent another 30 minutes at the Genius Bar. The tech seemed rather surprised that my machine was leaking. Upon Opening the Box there was coolant splattered all over the place I suppose it happened during transport to the Apple Store. The tech claims that it is fixable though he has never dealt with this Coolant leaking issue before and says he knows of know one who has.

The Apple Tech then creates a list of Parts that will need to be replaced. The Parts total Comes up to about $2500!!! of Course I have Apple Care so it's free but it surprises me that they would even bother to try to fix the thing given I only paid $2399 for the machine brand new with my developers discount in December of 04.

I asked why so much for the Parts list? He then shows me the list and it basically consisted of a new Computer. New Fan kits, Logic Board, Multiprocessor 2.5Ghz Card, Air Deflector kit, Air Deflector Sensor, Power Supply, Power Supply Cover, LCS module, Heatsink, Heat Sink Cover and even a new Enclosure. Apparently they want to replace the G5 case itself incase the Coolant has corroded or will corrode the Case.

I then told the tech that this is basically a new computer so why not just give me a replacement machine. He says he wishes it were that simple but they can fix it so they have to. I then ask how long will it take to fix? Tech then says "don't know"!! I say what! Then he says they will have to take the machine apart first to determine how bad the damage actually is and if more parts would be required. Most of the parts I need right now have to be ordered so he said to call back next week. The tech then reassured me that it was a relatively simple fix just and that I need many parts to be replaced. ??????? Nice explanation huh. very reassuring as well.

I left the machine there not wanting to lug it back to my car and left the store not very happy. However I decided to give them the chance to evaluate the machine. However, If they can't fix this thing in two weeks all hell will break out with Apple Care and the Apple Store Employees.

I am still reeling from the idea that they want to fix this, where is the logic in replacing virtually every part in a computer. I need input. What should I do.

 

[Blue Velvet]

I need input. What should I do.

Stop and carefully read the terms and conditions of your AppleCare contract before going much further, just so you know where you stand.

If it had happened to me, I certainly would have tried to clone or backup the main system drive before handing the machine over, regardless of how much further damage it would have done to the machine as they are going to replace virtually everything anyway.

What can you do except wait? Shame they can't give you a temporary replacement machine like many car repair services do...

 

[Little Endian]

Stop and carefully read the terms and conditions of your AppleCare contract before going much further, just so you know where you stand.

If it had happened to me, I certainly would have tried to clone or backup the main system drive before handing the machine over, regardless of how much further damage it would have done to the machine as they are going to replace virtually everything anyway.

What can you do except wait? Shame they can't give you a temporary replacement machine like many car repair services do...

Cloning my drive was the first thing I did upon plugging the machine back in after having first discovered the leak. My data is safe. Anyhow it seems that the only things they won't be replacing is the Hard Drive, Video Card, memory and Superdrive. It still boggles my mind though that they would rather waste their time as well as my time putting a new Computer around those few components that will not be replaced.

I am seriously contemplating another call to Apple Care and demanding a different solution. I don't care so much about the quality of the repairs because it would still be under warranty but what irks me the most is how long this might take. I am also very disenchanted with the Liquid Cooling concept. FFTT had sent me a private message saying that I should demand a non Liquid Cooled machine as a replacement and I am giving it some thought.

My incident is still very rare as I don't know of anyone else on Mac Rumor's forums who has had a coolant leak problem on their G5. Apple Support Discussion board also seems to have only one individual who has had this problem.

 

[Spock]

This thread got me thinking...

If a large PM G5 with so many fans required coolant in addition, how is it that the iMac G5's have enough ventilation/cooling going on?

It's soo much smaller, less fans, and no coolent.

Steves magic Powers, what do You think?

 

[nomad01]

As far as the taste of anti-freeze, it’s sweet isn’t it? I seem to recall it being used to sweeten wine years ago and once the scandal broke the remaining stock was used to de-ice an airport runway in Austria(searches recess of brain ?)

Yup I remember some instance of wine containing anti-freeze... although I didn't remember it being Austria.

A quick google search found this though:

Austria, living down its diethylene glycol (antifreeze) wine scandal of 20 years ago, has a new generation of young winemakers turning things around

Maybe they're buying up refurb G5s for their next batch?

 

[Sdashiki]

Yup I remember some instance of wine containing anti-freeze... although I didn't remember it being Austria.

Recall the ol Simpsons episode where Bart went to France as an exchange student.

His "family" was two crusty wine makers. They wanted to sell their fresh wine right away, so they added anti-freeze and made Bart test it. They tested to see if he was blind afterwards.

In the end, the French police didnt give crap about a beaten and dirty boy, but the fact that French wine had anti-freeze in it!

 

[andiwm2003]

Recall the ol Simpsons episode where Bart went to France as an exchange student.

His "family" was two crusty wine makers. They wanted to sell their fresh wine right away, so they added anti-freeze and made Bart test it. They tested to see if he was blind afterwards.

In the end, the French police didnt give crap about a beaten and dirty boy, but the fact that French wine had anti-freeze in it!

i remeber that one. good old simpsons.

the anti-freeze scandal was pretty bad at the time because a number of good wines were affected. and a number of famous wine tasters got embarrast by that because they rated the tainted wines the best.

i hope you get your G5 back soon. aeh no, i hope they run out of some critical part and give you an air cooled dual dual g5 instead since you can't be trusted with coolant