A1200 leaky cap?

[steveski]

Hi, I have this fairly “new” A1200. I bought it from a seller on eBay in 2002 and it’s remained in storage ever since. I recently decided it was about time I got the thing out and finally enjoyed it and discovered posts around about the potential for leaking capacitors. So I’ve bought myself some polymer replacements and getting prepped to do the work. I’m curious to know your thought though. Is this just general grim or leaking caps? And if it is the caps how should i remove the ic in order the cleanup the pins?

Brushing lightly has cleared I still thought I’d check. Also is it necessary to change C407? Is that a leaky type?

 

[auranias]

Hi - C407 is a tantalum capacitor and doesn't leak. Take care of the elecrolytic ones, I think C235 in the first picture shows some leakage. Be prepared for "surprises" once you've removed the capacitors, some leaks are hidden underneath them...

 

[steveski]

Hi - C407 is a tantalum capacitor and doesn't leak. Take care of the elecrolytic ones, I think C235 in the first picture shows some leakage. Be prepared for "surprises" once you've removed the capacitors, some leaks are hidden underneath them...

So the 22uf replacements I got in the pack from AmigaKit are only 25v rated. Was commodore just using what they had which was overkill at 35v?

Also what’s the best way to neutralise the liquid from the capacitors? Chat Gippitty suggests 1:1 mix of vinegar to water dabbing onto affected areas then rinsing with IPA. But I don’t trust it blindly so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[auranias]

I'm not a real "expert" but I've done some research before I've recapped mine - as long as my information is correct, even 16V should be ok for all of them, so your 25V are good. I can't see the number on the board for the one on the right in your first pic (35V) - but if it's C459, it shouldn't even go above 5V .
For cleaning (luckily I didn't have any leakage) I've used distilled water and IPA afterwards. I'm not sure about vinegar though, it's mainly used for battery leakages (which are alkaline/basic). I think electrolytes are acidic, so maybe adding some baking soda to the water would neutralize it...

 

[Boing-ball]

Rule of thumb for the A1200, A600 and CD32. If not recapped, then recap it. Especially if they have SHOEI caps. Another tell tale sign of leaking caps is a Fish smell. But if it ain’t been done, then do it.

 

[steveski]

I’m not suggesting “not” doing it. I have the caps and getting prepped to do the change