Author: mike schoonover
Date: 04:55:19 11/02/02
the manufacturing trade journals have been talking about the rash of leakiy capacitors causing failures. these low esr electrolitic capacitors made in tawain are used extensivly by manufactorers.starting about 10-12 months ago the failure rate of these components took a large jump. when the electrolitic leaks out it could cause shorts. fluxuating voltages,resets,lock ups,etc. the part may overheat and explode.the leakage typicly will migrate(flow)damaging traces,via's,and shorting out other components. if you have gotten a new box lately contact your dealer or manufacturer to see if this may be a concern. the parts look basicly like little metal cans.they have a little pastic lable wrapped around them with polarity and size markings. 1 uf, 10 uf,100,200 500 1000 uf,etc. in my experience as a repair technician the larger the capacitance the more likly the potential for failure. to visualy inspect these components,look for charing or burn marks on them.this is the most obvious. absent that they may be puffed out.(tops domed,not flat) check around the base where the part meets the board. look for residue issuing from under it. it may look like dried cola or coffee,typicly dark colored. may look sandy or bubbly in texture,or may still be wet looking. the manufacturer of these devices was not named but the pictures of damaged boards showed the lables were dark blue or purple. electonic news was my source. http://www.e-insite.net/electronicnews/index.asp?layout=issueTOC&pubdate=10/21/2002 regards mike
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