Flux removal question

[patchell]

Paul Wilkinson wrote:

> Here's another flux removal question - How do you do it?  Do you just spray
> it on and let it dry, or do you have to get in there with a Q-Tip?  And do
> you need to do it soon after soldering?
>
> My flux remover came with a billion warnings all over the can AND another
> sheet of warnings attached with a rubber band - but no instructions!
>

    I have never used the stuff in the spray can.  When I used to use rosin
flux, I had me a big can of Tricloroethane (do not use tricloroethelyne).  I
would pour the stuff into a glass tray, put the board in, and scrub the board
with an acid brush.  Dump dirty solvent, replace with clean, and then repeat.  I
would then use compressed air to blow the solvent off of the board.  This was a
pretty messy proceedure, and one you would probably get arrested for now.  I
would wear big heavy rubber chemical gloves, a resperator, etc...besides doing
this outside.  If I was using the spray, I suppose you could spray it on, use an
acid brush to scrub the stuff off, and then spray again to clean off the crud.
I used to use a Q-Tip dipped in triclor to clean up the area where I replaced
components.

    The above is the reason I switched to Organic Flux about 15 years ago.

    -Jim

>
> - Paul
>
> ------Original Message------
> From: Harry Bissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net>
> To: Blandon Ray <arp2813 at home.com>
> Sent: June 18, 2000 3:54:03 AM GMT
> Subject: Re: Flux removal question
>
> You seem to be right on target. I would avoid flux cleaner on
> 1) Polystyrene caps
> 2) Pots and Switches (it will remove lubricants etc...)
> 3) Jacks  (could leave a residue...)
>
> I washed my PCB before installing these components.
>
> Flux leakage can be a problem around high impedance areas like the VCOs,
> S/H etc.  I usually try to scratch the flux away with an x-acto knife (gets
> brittle
> after about a day, flakes off easy) then clean with a swab.
>
> Your caps might be OK and they might be toast. Can't tell if they are
> damaged
> until you fire it up. I'd try first...they might be fine.
>
> H^) harry
>
> Blandon Ray wrote:
>
> > Actually a few questions, especially for those of you building the Mini
> Modular:
> >
> > After last night's round of soldering I sprayed the back of the board with
> some
> > flux remover. When it dried, some of the clear plastic polystyrene
> capacitors had
> > turned white on the outside. My questions are: first, is this likely to
> damage the
> > caps themselves? Second, what else shouldn't I spray with flux remover?
> Finally,
> > how important is it (generally speaking) to remove flux from analogue
> circuits?
> > I'm told it can cause problems related to current leaking around the
> board, but
> > that's about all I know.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > blandon
>
> ______________________________________________
> FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com
> Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

--
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Visit:http://www.silcom.com/~patchell/
-----------------------------------------------------------------