04 Nov 2007, 19:18
Do any of you have any experience cleaning up a module that has crud on it from an apparently leaking battery? I purchased a non-working watch that looked very nice. Perfect filter, gold (filled) case and bracelet in good condition, but allegedly needing a battery! I didn't expect much in the way of a module.
When I opened up the watch I discovered that there was a great deal of smegma on the pc board and decided that I had nothing to lose by trying to clean it. Using a microscope and some fine brushes and a cleaner, I scrubbed as much of the stuff off the traces and spaces as I could. Leaving it to dry overnight, I put in a pair of batteries and to my amazement it lit up. All the functions seem to work and it can be set as per instructions. You can imagine how thrilled I am to have an inexpensive working watch from this era.
My question is: What is the proper process for cleaning a watch like this? I don't know if what I have done will cause future damage and I don't know if I have all the corrossive materials removed from inaccessible areas. I am worried that the damage will continue.
Once again, thank you for taking time to respond.
Dale