Does anyone have a tip how to remove old hardened thermal paste? I was able to remove it from the heat sink with alcohol and PCB cleaner, but somehow this doesn't really work on the transistors.
I'll try it in several goes with the alcohol. Don't want to use too aggressive chemicals. (can't find a meth lab in the neigbourhood 😉 )
Member
Joined 2003
99% isopropyl alcohol. PCB cleaner should just be denatured alcohol which will work fine as well. Use with cotton swabs or stiff horsehair brush (short cut), not synthetic brush because ESD. Regular "rubbing alcohol" is only like 60% and will leave a film behind so don't use that stuff.
Thanks for the tips. Have ordered 99% isopropyl alcohol (used 96% ketonatus alcohol) to see if it makes any difference.
Is Goobegone safe enough or will it dissolve the lettering on the transistors and plastic?
Got a bit further by using an old credit card to gently scrape it of. It's almost like there's a film over it.
I've been biting my nails for almost 60 years. 😱 Apparently, it started in grade 1. Had a very abusive teacher, and I guess she traumatized me. 🙂
jeff