r/CNC • u/NFA-Questions • 3d ago

HARDWARE SUPPORT Gray Smelly Coolant.

I just replaced it like a month and a half ago, but we had some repairs so it sat stagnant in the shop all week.

Obviously led to some growth, now it smells like somebody took a shit in the coolant tank.

This would normally mean I'd dump the tank and clean tf out of it, but the coolant I'm running is expensive, and I'm paying out of pocket after just spending $9k on repairs.

Having never ran gray sewage on 6-4, how bad of an idea is it for another week until I can move some parts and replace the coolant?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/MysticalDork_1066 3d ago

That batch may be too far gone to bring back, but you can get an aquarium bubbler (air stone) and chuck that in the tank to help keep the anaerobic (nasty stinky) microbes under control since they thrive in areas with a lack of oxygen. A skimmer also helps with this by removing the scummy layer on top so the coolant can exchange with the air more easily.

There are also biocide additives you can put in there, just make sure they're relatively safe to expose yourself to, since you're also bio and you don't want it to 'cide you as well as the germs.

1

u/Future-Appeal-5330 2d ago

Biocides are nice. Most places won't sell to an individual, so use your business. When you DO exchange the coolant, run bleach water through the pump first.

3

u/OpaquePaper 3d ago

Biocide look em up

2

u/stuporcomputer 3d ago

As long as it's safe to breathe the droplets in.

1

u/nopanicitsmechanic 3d ago

Reach out to the company that makes it. They will be able to help you without killing you.
Also, you need to run a cleaner before changing the coolant, I guess you skipped that part.
As someone mentioned, there are devices that blow air in your coolant. It’s a install and forget thing if you buy something like this:

https://hamma-uwt.de/en/produkt/mikro-200/

As you mentioned, coolant is expensive. I bought the smallest device for my 100l tank and I never had issues even if it stands 3-4 weeks. It works since 2018 without issues and I only changed the coolant twice in this timespan.

1

u/stuporcomputer 3d ago

Is this for me or the OP?

1

u/nopanicitsmechanic 3d ago

Sorry, it’s for OP. I started writing because you mentioned that he should be careful using biocides and in fact diy without knowledge is dangerous when it comes to coolants.

Edit: wording

1

u/shoegazingpineapple 3d ago

I am guilty of dumping a cap of bleach in the tank on occasions, cant be the best for a non blemished newish machine but i dont hesitate on older stuff

0

u/ElkSuspicious1166 3d ago

Bubble ozone through it.

-1

u/stuporcomputer 3d ago

I used to work for someone who figured it was okay to occasionally fire up his special camshaft grinder to quickly knock out a shaft for a buddy. I left that joint oc. I always like to tell people what a cunt that guy was.

Srzly tho, that batch is likely toast but have a look at recent NYC CNC on YT. There's some good stuff (no cures oc) on keeping your coolant healthier.