Question: SOLID CAPS LEAK? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 11:19:37 am
content: These are from a VRM multiphase module.All caps present some sort of OXIDE on surface** BUT NOT BELOW **Question is:- do these caps leak or this is just oxide deposit on the aluminum surface ?By the way.. some VIAS on this MOBO are presenting corrosion from inside...Opinions welcome on HOW TO CLEAN those VIAS (if all possible) insidebesides the ULTRA-SONIC bath...Paul

author: mvs
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 12:58:10 pm
content: Quote from: PKTKS on February 04, 2019, 11:19:37 amHybrid (solid polymer + wet electrolyte) type caps may leak.

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 01:04:50 pm
content: bad news..this is an ECS MOBO and they advertisetheir CAPS as ultra durable SOLID stuff.If the white oxide is coming from the inner case...will have to recap that stuff - fortunately just half dozenThanks for the helpPaul

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 02:59:02 pm
content: What's the white stuff in the first image? Looks like something small jizzed over it... Is that actually corrosion?Caps don't corrode from the outside, unless something corrosive has been on it. If that board was subjected to something like cat piss, forget about it, it's a total write-off.Tim

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 05:08:00 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 04, 2019, 02:59:02 pmNothing external.Board was in the case ... just some dustBut the air here is quite sea breezeThe white stuff looks like OXIDATIONit is all over the VRM caps in line or spot formats2 alternatives:- or it is oxidation on the proper cap case surface..- or that case is leaking that crap...other caps (regular not "SOLID") are fineboard is just w/dust.no cat no dog no coffee no kid access around the case.BTW - NO there is absolute no leakage sign underneath the caps..just all over the external (aluminum?) case...The CPU cooler VENTS A LOT these low areas around the VRM..i think that the CPU cooler sea breeze air caused that reactionother parts just present a slightly oxidation....Material reaction ?Paul

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2019, 06:21:00 pm
content: Yeah, ocean salt spray can do that, same idea as urine...High humidity too?The design option, is to apply conformal coating. That's probably not feasible on a finished product, unless you want to do it yourself by hand (which you could, probably at the cost of another motherboard or two, in terms of materials and time required). Otherwise... that's the price of living in a coastal area, stuff corrodes quickly.Tim

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2019, 11:47:06 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 04, 2019, 06:21:00 pmYesFactors of life.. : here we have- HIGH TEMPERATURES- HIGH HUMIDITY - aggressive corrosion with sea breeze- frequent windings blowing from sea shore.The cases in general DO NOT use air filterINTAKE HOT AIR combined with corrosive air...These CAPS look like Nichicon FPCAP series PLF- THT Polymer Hybrid Aluminum Electrolytic CapacitorsBut no idea if they are fake or not. Case is not brandedLooks more likely their cases are being corroded...Paul

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2019, 02:36:00 pm
content: Agree, looks like surface corrosion and pitting, and then maybe causing them to leak, which of course only makes things worse.Tim

author: PKTKS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2019, 01:52:12 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 05, 2019, 02:36:00 pmYes correct diagnostic..Took some better shots while cleaning prior to removing themBTW after extensive CODE searching .. these are TEAPO caps.They look like micro fractures just extruded the inner to outside... like foam...CRAPPY **** ALL CAPS on the VRM are presenting the very same problem...including the back and sides of the cans where the HOT AIR is not all that bad..Paul