My DIY Glycol Chiller has Rust

[jonathonhagerty]

Hi HBT,
My DIY glycol chiller, made from a window AC unit, has formed rust after two years. The AC unit was very old and used when I first built the chiller, and unfortunately I forgot to spray Rustoleum on it. Should I build a new one before my pump dies?
The reservoir is a 14 gallon cooler, which costs me about $200 in glycol (with a 60/40 mix). I’m reluctant to drop another $200 to have it rust again. Should I look into a Penguin chiller that doesn’t rust and costs much less in glycol for my 5 gal batches?

Thanks, Jon

 

[Jag75]

I just noticed I had a small spot on the bottom of mine as well . I'm thinking of wiping it with a cloth attached to a short pole .

 

[Mad Mann]

Hi HBT,
My DIY glycol chiller, made from a window AC unit, has formed rust after two years. The AC unit was very old and used when I first built the chiller, and unfortunately I forgot to spray Rustoleum on it. Should I build a new one before my pump dies?
The reservoir is a 14 gallon cooler, which costs me about $200 in glycol (with a 60/40 mix). I’m reluctant to drop another $200 to have it rust again. Should I look into a Penguin chiller that doesn’t rust and costs much less in glycol for my 5 gal batches?

Thanks, Jon

What I did with mine was get an in line filter form Home Depot to foster out the rust. I also pulled the AC unit and trimmed the sheet metal, but make sure you wear gloves/

 

[Dr_Jeff]

It sounds like you are looking for a solution to something that isn't a problem.

 

[jddevinn]

https://www.chemworld.com/Propylene-Glycol-Rust-Inhibitor-s/1988.htm
https://www.amazon.com/Glycol-Corrosion-Inhibitor-pink-Gallon/dp/B01FWN5UA4
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Grade-Glycol-Corrosion-Inhibitor/dp/B01FWN5UVI