Journey out of the valley of death

crwdns2853023:0crwdne2853023:0

Recently bought a used MacBook Pro 13" i5 2.5ghz for what I consider a steal off an online auction site. They stated the problem was "powered on once, after that no power". When I got it I found traces of a spill on the logic board, to my horror.

Needless to say I was a bit discouraged and disappointed about the "hidden" surprise. But then again you get what you pay for.

Off to iFix it for guides and tools. I've been working professionally repairing computers for the past 22 years but I only started with Macs a couple years ago so I needed info....quickly.

crwdns2853024:0crwdne2853024:0

The repair went quite well, faster than I thought to remove the logic board and all the other bits that needed a good cleaning. Luckily the spillage (coffee or coke) wasn't extensive, I could see a few tracks where the liquid traveled on the board, leaving behind some residue and a hint of oxidation in a couple spots. Went to Rite Aid, purchased a small toothbrush, distilled water and 91% alcohol (just to be on the ready). Back home I started brushing the whole logic board, making sure to spend more time on the areas that were most affected. A good 30/40 minutes of thorough hand washing and the board went into a box with a bottom and a top layer of desiccant drying packets. Left in for approximately 4 days. In the meantime I went ahead and ordered a MagSafe board (dim light on adapter) for cheap on eBay. Yesterday got the package, installed the DC board, put the MacBook back together and to my extreme joy (i had my hopes not to high) it went on like nothing ever happened to him, As of right now it stayed on for several hours last night, and all the functions seems to be in perfect working order. He got a fresh install of mountain lion and some stress test. Officially back from the dead.

crwdns2853025:0crwdne2853025:0

Yes follow iFixit, read posts, guides. Read them twice, go through the steps in your head before you start and everything will be alright.

Last piece of advice....with spill damaged MacBooks patience is the key.