exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

Hi there,
I just bought an Atari 1024 Ste. After some usage, a lot of smoke appears near the psu.
I've opened it after some times and every capacitors have leaked.
Is there a reason for that ?

If you're referring to the yellow stuff beneath the caps: Thats no leakage, it's some sort of glue, that prevents the parts from oscillating.

Nevertheless, you should rework the power supply, you can find instructions here https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/last/psu/index.htm and parts in exxos shop.

That's not leakage around the electrolytic caps, but glue!

However, you must -- I repeat: you must -- replace that RIFA X capacitor. Those have next to 100% failure rate and they fail quite spectacularly with fireworks. Be sure to chose a replacement with the same voltage and safety class X.

EDIT: This user did not replace the RIFA cap, either. Looks exploded, like yours: https://abload.de/image.php?img=atari10 ... l4ck5h.jpg

Electrolytic capacitors seem to be ok, this is definitely not a leak, this is a glue, that holds them in place. Source of a smoke was this 0,1uF X2 film (MPF) capacitor on the primary side.

Thanks for all your replies
Ok, so it's not dead. I'll keep it in a safe place until I have some times and tools to repair it.

Just replace that burnt 0,1uF 275VAC X cap made by infamous RIFA (you may even remove it, it will work without it) and it shall be ok. If you decide to replace, remember to use an X (or better X2) class capacitor.

Indeed... and don't buy the RIFA ones as they'll die again, eventually.