# Electrolytic Capacitors

Usually the first thing to fail on your electronics devices, after
the batteries, are the electrolytic capacitors. 

Over time they dry out and go out of specification, which can cause
damage in itself.  However, the tops can mushroom and even split,
resulting in acidic goop leaking all over your precious circuits. If
left, it can cause a lot of damage to the PCB and other components.

Most often when something has stopped working I will open it up and
visually inspect the capacitors. Usually I can find two or three
obvious candidates. Even if you can't identify the problem ones
visually, sometimes they give off a tell tale high pitched whine.

Electrolytic capacitors are very cheap and easily obtainable. I've
repaired a lot of devices just by replacing a few capacitors, costing
only a few pounds.

The reward is the satisfaction of reviving your device, or someone
else's, giving it a second life and keeping it out of landfill.

Today I revived my old Dell Optiplex GX620. I'd taken it apart and
bought the replacement capacitors months ago, but today I finally got
around to replacing them. 

The GX620 is now working again, cleaned and reassembled ready for a
new owner.