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Solder mask or corrosion?

mattsoft

Well-known member
I've got this IIfx motherboard that has no battery leakage and all tantalums except for 2 SMDs near the back right of the board. The SMDs show very little sign of leakage. However, on the back of the board, every single via has a blue-green hue consistent with leaky cap corrosion. I cannot find any blue-green gunk anywhere else on the motherboard, just every single via on the back. Having no other IIfx motherboard around for comparison, I'm wonder if this is actually corrosion that needs to be cleaned or is it solder mask or something? I've tried scrubbing the board with vinegar, IPA, and baking soda with no luck at removing it. I can pick it off with a very small metal pick and the copper beneath is nice and shiny, so I'm leaning towards this being NOT corrosion. Anyone familiar with this?

Thanks!

IMG_4811.jpg

 

cruff

Well-known member
That's pretty uniform, so may be solder mask overflow or failed tented vias. If you didn't remove anything with the vinegar scrub, then you are probably good to go.

 

mattsoft

Well-known member
That's pretty uniform, so may be solder mask overflow or failed tented vias. If you didn't remove anything with the vinegar scrub, then you are probably good to go.
Yeah, it's very uniform. every via has it. Unfortunately the board does not power on tho. It's always something. :)

 
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