Leaky Batteries (was: Lisa 2/5 Startup Problems)

From: David H Quackenbush <dhq_at_juno.com>
Date: Wed Sep 17 19:34:45 1997

On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 08:39:02 -0700 Marvin <marvin_at_rain.org> writes:
>David H Quackenbush wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>> You might also want to try a product like "CLR" (calcium, lime and
>rust
>> remover), it and products like it contain glycolic and phosphoric
>acids.
>> It works a little slower than Muiratic acid, but it's much safer.
>BTW:
>> Phosphoric acid finds its' way into many of our food products from
>cola
>> drinks to bread.
>
>I'm not familar with glycolic acid but something in the back of my
>mind says
>that phosphoric acid will attack either the copper or the solder. My
>primary concern is to remove the battery residue without doing any
>additional harm to the circuit board or components. Since you mention
>safety, I am *assuming* in this whole discussion that the user if
>familar
>with how to handle this stuff safely. The reasons I only use *drops*
>of the
>muriatic acid are 1) you don't need much more than a few drops to
>neutralize
>the residue, and 2) it is safer to use since if spilt, a small amount
>of
>water will dilute it to the point where it is not hazardous. Good
>point to
>mention though!
>
>
>
 I don't think that the concentration of phosphoric acid in these
cleaning products presents any danger to PC boards, they are also used to
de-lime drip and perc coffee makers. Usually white vinegar will suffice
or even a can of Coke or Pepsi, but then you have to wash the board with
water to get the sugar off of it. :)
Muriatic acid is a good choice when the other products don't work, it's
inexpensive and as you said; easy to dilute and won't gobble up the other
parts on the board.
        Regards, David Q. dhq_at_juno.com
    
 
Received on Wed Sep 17 1997 - 19:34:45 BST