Thread
7100 recapping
I recently acquired a 7100 that used to crash a lot when starting. I didn't hear any cases of 7100 needing new caps, but anyway I checked them.
I then found that one silver SMD electrolytic cap has leaked (near the CPU). It was 6.3V 100uF, and I replaced it with a new tantalum.
Now the machine works like it should, but there still remain 25 more silver SMD caps on the board, however they look like brand new and show absolutely no signs of leaking, and they are all 16V 47uF. Should I replace them anyway?
I then found that one silver SMD electrolytic cap has leaked (near the CPU). It was 6.3V 100uF, and I replaced it with a new tantalum.
Now the machine works like it should, but there still remain 25 more silver SMD caps on the board, however they look like brand new and show absolutely no signs of leaking, and they are all 16V 47uF. Should I replace them anyway?
If it where me I would probably take a selection of the 47uf's off the board to check underneath them, and if there's any sign of leakage the I would replace them all.
Odds are if some are leaking, they all are or will shortly. Best to replace asap.
The 47µf @ 16V caps are notorious for leaking. If they have not yet, they soon will. Best to recap now while the machine still works. Clean the board as best you can and then the area of each cap removed with acetone and a q-tip (cotton swab on a stick).
The 7100 also commonly has overheating problems because the heat sink grease has turned to dust. If you have not already, remove the heat sink, clean it and the CPU and reapply a small dab of fresh heat sink compound. Do not overapply. If the stuff runs off onto the CPU pins it can kill the CPU. I killed a Power 120 board years ago with too much heat sink grease. Sigh.