PSU doesn't like me

[bbuubbbblleess]

What has happened is that I have a PSU.

 

And it decided the other day that it will kill itself off.

 

I've found what looks like to have been what has gone, and borrowed a soldering iron of a mate. The only thing was that whatever it is soldered on by, was too strong to be melted (if you get what I mean)

 

I'm just curious as to what it is that I need to be able to get the parts off with (I think there called Capaciters)

 

And I know that everybody always says 'Just buy a new one' but I have a few reasons why thats not a very suitable option for me....

 

They cost to much for starters (about 200 pound)

I dont have any money.

The computer is old anyway, so its worth a try

 

Anybody able to help?

[Tootech]

Hi,

 

Do you mean that the soldering iron won't melt the solder enough to remove the capacitor?

 

That being true, you would need a larger wattage iron to do the job.

 

The only other thing I can think of is that is was originally soldered with lead free solder which has a slightly higher melting temperature.

 

Also, have you come across a solder sucker, or desoldering braid? Both will remove molten solder.

 

Sometimes using desoldering equipment help remove most of the solder from components before you remove them.

[bbuubbbblleess]

Hi,

 

Do you mean that the soldering iron won't melt the solder enough to remove the capacitor?

 

That being true, you would need a larger wattage iron to do the job.

 

The only other thing I can think of is that is was originally soldered with lead free solder which has a slightly higher melting temperature.

 

Also, have you come across a solder sucker, or desoldering braid? Both will remove molten solder.

 

Sometimes using desoldering equipment help remove most of the solder from components before you remove them.

 

Ahh, that was exactly what i meant (about not melting the solder)

 

I'll have to do a little research into the cost of the solder sucker and desoldering braid first

 

Thank you for the help!

[KenB]

Hi,

 

If the tip of the iron is dirty you will have problems melting the solder. ( and re-soldering the capacitor)

The very tip of the iron only has a small surface area and is not as effective as using the side of the tip.

Try melting a piece of solder with the iron. The solder should melt almost instantly if the iron is hot enough.

Some irons can take a minute or two to get up to temperature.

[Tootech]

KenB's tip has just reminded me about something else.

 

I used to solder strain gauges and the like for a living, which demands really good soldering techniques. I used Fluxite, which is a flux paste used for general soldering. I use it on all my soldering work, and it is great for cleaning the end of the iron, and getting a good heat junction between a large solder joint and the iron. Just use a small dab on the joint your are working on.

 

Have a look in a hardware shop - it must be Fluxite paste, not plumbers active flux.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, I will recommend all Tooteck and KenB says.

However I must warn you that if the power supply failed in this manner by blowing these capacitors, it may also have then sent a high voltage into the motherboard and done damage there. Although you may be able to replace the capacitors, there is also the possibility that other damage may have been done to the power supply as well.

 

In normal circumstances we would recommend replacing the power supply, and then checking the motherboard and or replacing that too.

 

You may find that has to be done anyway, but I wish you the best of luck as sometimes the fault can be cured by just a simple replacement of parts such as those capacitors.

 

I say all that from experience as I have been building electronic bits and pieces when my eyesight was good enough, as a licensed radio ham.

The trouble with computer parts though is their sensitivity, the slightest fault in one area can have massive knock on effects damaging all sorts in the path.

Nev.