darksun9210 wrote:
the cap near the RTC circuit has dull solder points. i have neither the skill nor the tools to repair. can i rock the cap untill it weakens the legs so it comes off before more damage occurs? :-? before sending off for fixing. (which will be a while as i have three birthdays, xmas, and new years to budget for :lol:)
I wouldn't try to wiggle it off! If you heat up one leg at a time, and very *gently* move the cap up a bit each side, it will eventually come off with no damage. Applying a little fresh solder to the corroded joints will really help. Just take your time, read Castellen's awesome guides (and posts from guys like da9000 who have done a lot of these), be extra cautious and you will do fine.

-edit- Actually, I think I am wrong on this. Gently moving the cap to the side of the pads (a small amount, one side at a time with one iron) is probably a better method (I believe this his how Castellen says to do it in his guide without hot air). Lifting a bit to get some fresh solder under the cap leg might be necessary for corroded/stubborn joints, but it seems lifting upwards, no matter how careful, carries a higher risk of lifted pads. :-o Especially on the little 10uf guys, and electrolyte damaged pads.