Electrolytic cap "protection"

From: James Rice <jrice54_at_charter.net>
Date: Mon Feb 10 10:36:00 2003

The caps leaking electrolyte wasn't as much of an issue as the shorting
of the caps and causing other problems. At the best it was random
reboots, at the worse it was total destruction of the VR section of the
motherboard releasing much magic smoke and propelling pieces of the
regulators all over the case interior. Not to mention toasting the cpu
and memory simms.

We never attempt to repair them, just replace them. When a replacemnt
motherboard only costs $45-60, the tech time cost is higher than scrap
snd replace.

James

Bryan Pope wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> Awhile ago there was a thread about electrolytic capacitors popping and
> then destroying the motherboard they are on. One of the ideas was to
> replace them before they go.
>
> Now I was wondering about another idea... Would it be okay to encase
> the capacitor in silicone gel? Then when the capacitor pops, it wouldn't
> spread its electrolyte all over the motherboard.
>
> But would this cause other problems with heat or something? Would it
> further shorten the life of the capacitor?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Bryan
Received on Mon Feb 10 2003 - 10:36:00 GMT