Original Battery in my Mac SE

[Tempest]

After opening up my Mac SE I noticed that it still has the original soldered in battery in it.  Amazingly the battery still appears to work as the time and date settings are stored properly.  Eventually I know I'll have to replace it, but if it's not leaking is it safe to leave it in until it stops working (I assume it won't leak until after it stops working)?  Also, is there an easy to install battery replacement for the soldered battery or should I just solder another one in?

 

[MacFox]

After opening up my Mac SE I noticed that it still has the original soldered in battery in it.  Amazingly the battery still appears to work as the time and date settings are stored properly.  Eventually I know I'll have to replace it, but if it's not leaking is it safe to leave it in until it stops working (I assume it won't leak until after it stops working)?  Also, is there an easy to install battery replacement for the soldered battery or should I just solder another one in?

I removed the battery in mine even though it wasn't leaking.  I just used a pair of side cutters to remove it along with the wire holding it in place.  I didn't replace the battery though, since it's not required to boot the SE.

 

[techknight]

Let me guess, soldered in black varta? if so you cant kill those things! I had one or two. 

 

[unity]

Yeah, those Vartas last a crazy long time. Its insane! I never had one explode and I have dozens of SE boards. But I would guess its possible. If its still holding voltage, I would lean towards it being okay to leave. Its when its no longer putting out voltage that I would worry and remove it. These were only on the very early SEs, so its amazing to think that battery still works after 30 years.

 

[Tempest]

Let me guess, soldered in black varta? if so you cant kill those things! I had one or two. 

I'm not sure actually.  It's a mid-range SE so it's not too early and it's before the Super Drive was added later on.  When I crack it open again I'll have to see.