Josh: Added Recap-a-Mac capacitor location images

2026-02-09T17:02:55Z

Added Recap-a-Mac capacitor location images

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 9 February 2026
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	\| C17 \|\| 100 µF \|\| 6.3V \|\| SMD Electrolytic		\| C17 \|\| 100 µF \|\| 6.3V \|\| SMD Electrolytic
	\|}		\|}

			[[File:Mac LC II Recap Guide.jpg\|center\|thumb\|600px\|Macintosh LC II logic board capacitor locations. Source: [https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-lcii/ Recap-a-Mac]]]

	=== Power Supply Capacitors ===		=== Power Supply Capacitors ===

	The LC II uses the same power supply as the original LC. Refer to the [[Macintosh LC Power Supply Recap Guide]] for PSU-specific information.		The LC II uses the same power supply as the original LC. Refer to the [[Macintosh LC Power Supply Recap Guide]] for PSU-specific information.

			[[File:Mac LC PSU Recap Guide.jpg\|center\|thumb\|600px\|Macintosh LC power supply capacitor locations. Source: [https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-lc-power-supply/ Recap-a-Mac]]]

	== Capacitor Replacement Procedure ==		== Capacitor Replacement Procedure ==
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	== External Resources ==		== External Resources ==

	* [https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-~~lc-ii~~/ Recap-a-Mac: Macintosh LC II Capacitor Guide]		* [https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-lcii/ Recap-a-Mac: Macintosh LC II Capacitor Guide]

	[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]		[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
	[[Category: Capacitor Replacement Guides]]		[[Category: Capacitor Replacement Guides]]

Josh: Create Macintosh LC II capacitor guide

2026-02-09T16:45:25Z

Create Macintosh LC II capacitor guide

New page

Replacing the electrolytic capacitors (recapping) in the '''Macintosh LC II''' is essential for long-term reliability. The original capacitors used in these machines are now over 30 years old and commonly leak, causing corrosion and circuit damage.

== Symptoms of Capacitor Failure ==

* '''No audio''' — Most common early symptom
* '''Distorted or crackling audio'''
* '''Boot failures or instability'''
* '''Visible electrolyte leakage''' — Brown or black residue around capacitors
* '''Corrosion on PCB traces'''

== Capacitor List ==

=== Logic Board Capacitors ===

The Macintosh LC II logic board contains 17 surface-mount electrolytic capacitors, identical in specification to the original LC.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
|+ '''Macintosh LC II Logic Board Capacitors'''
|-
! Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type
|-
| C1 || 1 µF || 50V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C2 || 1 µF || 50V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C3 || 10 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C4 || 10 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C5 || 10 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C6 || 10 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C7 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C8 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C9 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C10 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C11 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C12 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C13 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C14 || 47 µF || 16V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C15 || 100 µF || 6.3V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C16 || 100 µF || 6.3V || SMD Electrolytic
|-
| C17 || 100 µF || 6.3V || SMD Electrolytic
|}

=== Power Supply Capacitors ===

The LC II uses the same power supply as the original LC. Refer to the [[Macintosh LC Power Supply Recap Guide]] for PSU-specific information.

== Capacitor Replacement Procedure ==

=== Tools Required ===

* Temperature-controlled soldering iron (recommended: 300-350°C)
* Fine tip for SMD work
* Desoldering braid or solder wick
* Flux (no-clean recommended)
* Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
* Soft brush (ESD-safe)
* Multimeter
* Replacement SMD electrolytic capacitors

=== Procedure ===

# '''Remove the logic board''' — Disconnect all cables, remove screws, and carefully lift the board.
# '''Document capacitor positions''' — Note polarity markings before removal.
# '''Clean the area''' — Remove any leaked electrolyte with isopropyl alcohol.
# '''Remove old capacitors''' — Heat one pad while gently lifting the capacitor. Alternate between pads. Use flux to help solder flow.
# '''Clean the pads''' — Remove old solder with desoldering braid. Clean with IPA.
# '''Inspect for damage''' — Check traces and vias for corrosion. Repair any damaged traces.
# '''Install new capacitors''' — Observe polarity. The stripe on the capacitor indicates negative. Tin one pad, position capacitor, solder second pad, reflow first pad.
# '''Clean residue''' — Remove flux with isopropyl alcohol.
# '''Test continuity''' — Verify no shorts between +5V, +12V, and ground.
# '''Reassemble and test''' — Listen for the startup chime, verify video, and check audio output.

== Important Notes ==

* '''Polarity matters''' — SMD electrolytics will fail if installed backwards.
* '''Use equivalent or better specs''' — Match capacitance; voltage rating can be equal or higher.
* '''Low-ESR capacitors''' — Modern low-ESR replacements are acceptable.
* '''No FPU socket''' — Note that the LC II does not have an FPU socket on the logic board, despite the 68030's FPU support.

== Related Pages ==

* [[Macintosh LC II]]
* [[Macintosh LC II General Maintenance]]
* [[Macintosh LC II Troubleshooting]]

== External Resources ==

* [https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-lc-ii/ Recap-a-Mac: Macintosh LC II Capacitor Guide]

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
[[Category: Capacitor Replacement Guides]]

Macintosh LC II Capacitor Replacement Guide - Revision history

Josh: Added Recap-a-Mac capacitor location images

Josh: Create Macintosh LC II capacitor guide