On Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:15:57 -0700, DaveC wrote:

What is the best method for cleaning up leaked electrolyte?

The electrolyte is mostly a weak organic acid. Neutralizing it with
any manner of mild base will prevent further corrosion. I use
household cleaner, such as 409. You can tell that it's working if the
liquid foams slightly on contact.

This PCB has some
corrosion on IC leads and vias.

409 will also break up the copper sulfate. However, you'll have to
wash off the residue.

Is there a corrosion neutralizer that would be effective? Since the potential
for corrosion in places that aren't accessible (deep in the vias), a liquid
that can neutralize corrosion is called for.

The trick is not neutralizing the electrolyte. It's cleaning up the
mess afterwards. I smear the residue and "suds" around with a paint
brush, wash with water and/or alcohol, and then use compressed air to
blow as much of the liquid away (so it will dry quicker). Canned air
doesn't work well. An air compressor and nozzle work just fine.

Would something like DeOxit work in such an application?

No. It will leave an oily residue that will eventually turn into a
big mess when the dust lands on the oil. It's also kinda expensive
for washing boards.

This is on a Tek scope acquisition board.

Obviously, there's no need to supply a Tek model number. Many such
pieces of test equipment are very sensitive to leakage caused by board
contamination. For such boards, you may need to give it an alcohol
bath, possibly several times.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558