Leaky capacitors - can they cause mobo damage?

[TheBilgeRat]

I was in my A4000 case the other day and noticed some sticky residue around a group of capacitors on the motherboard.  I cleaned it off with some isopropyl and a cotton swab, but I got to thinking.  Can that goop cause motherboard damage?  Also, what does this cluster of caps do?  Am I worried for naught?  She runs just fine, and I thought maybe it was just from sitting around a bit before I put her into daily use.

Pic is not of  my mobo, but shows the caps in question.

[guest7146]

I don't see the leakage in that picture (perhaps you already cleaned it up?) but the short answer is yes, if a capacitor has leaked electrolyte onto the PCB then it can cause some damage.  The electrolyte is corrosive, so it can eat away at PCB tracks etc.

Electrolyte is also conductive, so if the failed capacitor itself isn't causing any fault symptoms then the leaked electrolyte can.

In any case, leaked electrolyte should be cleaned off thoroughly, and the offending components replaced.  Also look for bulging capacitors - these, if not leaking already, will eventually leak and so should be replaced as well.

Hope this helps.

AH

[TheBilgeRat]

I don't see the leakage in that picture (perhaps you already cleaned it up?) but the short answer is yes, if a capacitor has leaked electrolyte onto the PCB then it can cause some damage.  The electrolyte is corrosive, so it can eat away at PCB tracks etc.

Electrolyte is also conductive, so if the failed capacitor itself isn't causing any fault symptoms then the leaked electrolyte can.

In any case, leaked electrolyte should be cleaned off thoroughly, and the offending components replaced.  Also look for bulging capacitors - these, if not leaking already, will eventually leak and so should be replaced as well.

Hope this helps.

AH

I stated it wasn't my mobo :lol:  but yes I "cleaned" it with cotton and a 99% isopropyl alcohol solution.  Is that an adequate method?  Or should I douse the area with some baking soda to neutralize any acid?

This brings me to question #2:  Feasability of replacing all caps on the mobo of an A4000 by someone who has decent soldering skills?  I know there is a guy on Amibay who sells prepackaged replacement caps for all mobos.  If it isn't a job I can tackle with a standard weller iron and a solder brush and some good rosin core solder, the someone please let me know before I go and take the iron to my baby!

[guest7146]

I've always just cleaned the electrolyte off in the manner you described.  As long as you clean it thoroughly, and later inspection shows that no significant damage has been done, then you should be okay.

Regarding replacing the capacitors, if you have soldering skills then you'll be more than capable of replacing them yourself.  Use lead based solder with a flux core for best results.  Also use the thin stuff - don't try going at it with thick solder wire or your soldering will look awful.

Also, make sure you observe polarity markings on those caps.

AH