I just do not understand peoples irrational fear of PRAM batteries - it's almost become an epidemic!
The reason PRAM batteries (and any other type of battery of that type) explode, leak, cause damage etc is because they're OLD! It's not because the batteries within themselves are inherently dangerous. Almost every piece of electronic equipment that uses these type of batteries all advise that if you do not intend using the device for any length of time to remove the batteries. That seems a pretty good piece of advice to me and it applies equally to old computers as it does to any other piece of electronic equipment. Yet so few people seem to bother follow this simple piece of advice - and are then surprised when damage occurs.
To solve your problem - replace the PRAM battery with one of a similar type. Most of the PRAM batteries used in Macintoshes are Lithium 1/2 AA 3.6v - these are easily obtained on places like eBay for a couple of bucks. Save yourself a lot of time, trouble and messing about and replace the PRAM battery and remove it if you don't intend using the machine for any length of time AND replace it once it's gone beyond its useful shelf life.
Simple!
The reason PRAM batteries (and any other type of battery of that type) explode, leak, cause damage etc is because they're OLD! It's not because the batteries within themselves are inherently dangerous. Almost every piece of electronic equipment that uses these type of batteries all advise that if you do not intend using the device for any length of time to remove the batteries. That seems a pretty good piece of advice to me and it applies equally to old computers as it does to any other piece of electronic equipment. Yet so few people seem to bother follow this simple piece of advice - and are then surprised when damage occurs.
To solve your problem - replace the PRAM battery with one of a similar type. Most of the PRAM batteries used in Macintoshes are Lithium 1/2 AA 3.6v - these are easily obtained on places like eBay for a couple of bucks. Save yourself a lot of time, trouble and messing about and replace the PRAM battery and remove it if you don't intend using the machine for any length of time AND replace it once it's gone beyond its useful shelf life.
Simple!