I know this topic should probably go on the Tech Board, but from the searches I've done it seems like there's a greater chance of you all being able to help me out:

My girlfriend recently spilled water on her 2011 macbook pro. While I've been able to resurrect liquid-damaged motherboards/logic boards in the past (its actually how she got this computer) using 99% isopropyl and and q-tips, it seems like the damage this time might be more than just surface corrosion. I have been able to get it to post again, and after a SMC reset it will work fine. However, the battery charge time is abnormally slow and the SMC has to be reset each time the computer is either powered on or wakes up from sleep for it to function properly. Does anyone know of a place or person around here who either has an ultrasonic cleaner big enough for this to fit or does circuit board repair? I know there are places who advertise on Youtube who do this kind of work but I'd rather stay local if possible. Also, please don't tell me to take it to Apple or Best Buy, as all they will do is quote me a ridiculous amount of money to replace the board.

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 9/4/14 at 4:11 pm to Bassassin

One thing to consider is whether the extent of the damage will bring a specialists' labor charges to a point beyond replacement cost (which I understand would have to be a high labor charge given the boards with soldered CPUs will run $400-500). You'd make that person's job faster if you could identify the onboard component that's damaged. How closely did you examine the board, and to what extent did you take it apart to ensure no liquid was trapped between connectors, battery contacts, etc.? If something has shorted and fried, cleaning won't make a difference.

Baton Rouge is not really a tech-minded place, and the computer shops around here are your typical virus removal, laptop part replacement, iPhone repair, etc. -- the basic things that involve screwdrivers and OEM replacement parts. I am almost certain there is no local shop that would do anything beyond replacing the board, which from the sound of it you would already know how to do yourself. I remember 10 years ago a local place wanted $200+ to solder a power jack assembly back onto a motherboard when it shattered. I did it myself for the cost of a $30 soldering kit and a $5 replacement jack. Another instance where I broke the power jack on a motherboard, my laptop was still under warranty, so one of the certified Dell techs actually came to my house to "repair" it. His repair involved replacing the entire motherboard/CPU combo.

A shop will tell you it's not worth the cost to repair it simply because they don't have the means to do it, and if there is a shop that can do it, I would wager they are sending the laptop to an online service for the repair, paying that company, and charging you a pass-through.

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Posted by Bassassin

Baton Rouge

Member since Oct 2013

27 posts

Posted on 9/4/14 at 4:52 pm to ILikeLSUToo

Thanks for for the quick reply ILikeLSUToo...

quote:
How closely did you examine the board, and to what extent did you take it apart

I've taken the board out and cleaned it twice since the spill, and both times have removed everything but the CPU heatsink, only because I hate dealing with thermal paste (always seems like I either use too little or too much) and because I don't think it's related to the problem. After my first attempt I got it to post but still had a ton of issues, so I took the board out again and cleaned it even more thoroughly, bringing me to where I am now. I've read other posts advising to use a magnifying glass to ensure all corrosion is completely gone, which I'll probably end up doing sometime soon if I can't find an ultrasonic cleaner big enough to fit the board.

quote:
You'd make that person's job faster if you could identify the onboard component that's damaged.

I considered that myself, which is mainly why I'm asking if anybody local does board repairs. I'd gladly spend the time taking the board out and going over it with a multimeter to find the problem if there was someone local who was experienced and steady-handed enough to replace whatever was causing the issue. I know how to use a soldering iron, but I'm nowhere near good enough to tackle something this small.

This post was edited on 9/4/14 at 4:54 pm

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 9/4/14 at 5:04 pm to Bassassin

quote:
nowhere near good enough to tackle something this small.

May not be something that can be done by hand. Depending on the size of whatever is damaged, you might be looking for someone with a BGA rework station.

Stout used to have one that he used to resolder CPU sockets to refurbish and sell motherboards, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't have it anymore and never got a new one.

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