The machine used to work when I stored it and I do not leave batteries in any of my machines so its not a leaked battery. Could be some residual goo from the caps perhaps, but as mentioned before it was working when stored. As for the cap job, thanx a lot Uni lol. But I'm no where near a professional, I just do this for fun cuz I like to tinker and luv vintage electronics. Plus the way I look at it is I saved these macs from a trash pile as they all needed caps. That's why I am wondering what causes the chimes of death first thing... What do these macs check when doing the post test when first turned on. I know memory is checked after the Bong. Maybe I should put this one through a dish washer too...has any one ever done that before? If so what do I need to know? No drying I suppose and no detergent?