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Combination meter capacitor

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Mebeksis, Aug 4, 2018.

  1. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Getting ready to replace the capacitor on my combination meter and was wondering (from those who have done this successfully) what solder you used? Thanks ahead of time.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i reported your post, and asked that it be moved to gen 2 forum where more experts might view it, all the best!(y)
     
  3. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Oops, thought I had posted it there.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Why ??

    Most any rosin core solder should be fine.
     
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  5. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Why am I replacing the capacitor?

    Combination meter failure. It's a gen 2 known fault. Remedy is replacing a 100uf capacitor with a 220uf.

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  6. Brian in Tucson

    Brian in Tucson Active Member

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    I think I would agree with that. Solder is solder.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i use electronic solder from radio shack, cause i have no idea what i'm doing. otherwise, i'd be using plumbing solder.
    the electronic solder is very fine, which is nice around small areas and wires.
     
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Yep. That's the critical point.
    Plumbing solder is ACID core and tends to EAT electronic components.
    :eek:
     
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  9. VFerdman

    VFerdman Senior Member

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    You still have access to Radio Shack? The last one has closed around here a while ago... Or maybe you use solder so infrequently that you still have some Radio Shack stuff from previous century? :)

    I think the OP is worried about PCB corrosion from the flux and/or lead content of the solder. I used Radio Shack stuff until I ran out a while ago and bought some online. You can still buy leaded solder which has a lower melting temperature and is preferred by many old school techs. I personally do not care. My iron handles either kind well.

    It would be nice for the OP to elaborate on his question. Otherwise I would go with "(electronic) solder is (electronic) solder" answer.
     
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  10. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I think you want something like this: Just regular tin-lead solder that melts as low as possible.


    Here is my iron
     
  11. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Ask for 60/40 rosin core solder. You want a small diameter solder to do your work.



    The 60 represents the tin in the solder and the 40 the lead.

    Never use acid core solder on electrical or electronic circuits, it is for plumbing.
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the few radio shacks shown on their store locator are 'authorized dealers' under another name.

    i just soldered a wire on my grandsons choo choo train yesterday but yeah, my stuff is all from the 80's.:p
     
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  13. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Ended up buying this as it was recommended for electrical and was the smallest diameter (.032").

    New question. Getting ready to solder, new capacitor has different length arms. I understand the longer one is positive, but should I clip it so the capacitor isn't leaning sideways? Or just go with it?

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  14. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Photos didnt add, here goes 1533489129936.jpeg 1533489286544.jpeg

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  15. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Plumbers might agree, but electronics engineers might have different opinions!
     
  16. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Except for looks the length isn't important but like you already know the polarity is important. I would clip it and make it look good if I was doing it.

    With a visual inspection did you see anything wrong with the old capacitor? Usually that kind of capacitor gets a slightly bulge in the top when they fail, the new one should be perfectly flat.
     
  17. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    I am into model RC aircraft and people don't like that lead free solder.


    Start watching at 4:20 for a demonstration.

     
  18. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    IF......the "lead free" solder is tin and silver, it certainly would not "suck".....except for the price, that is.

    And the polarity of the capacitor leads are marked on that plastic cover around it, down near the bottom where the leads are.
     
  19. Mebeksis

    Mebeksis Junior Member

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    Price of 96% tin and 4% silver was less than $5.

    Also, got new capacitor on, car started, left it running for a few minutes with no explosion, so I think I'm good. We will see. 20180805_145409.jpeg

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  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's where my flux and solder are from, building electric planes in the 80's. my, how times have changed.