Found Battery Acid Spewed All Around The Inside Of PHILIPS Radio RL384/40
This radio belonged to one of my colleagues in the hospital, who was getting retired from service. It was her husband’s, and was lying unused after his death and she brought it to me with the hope that it can be revived as a fond memento.
I brought it home and took up the job on priority as only a few days were left for her leaving. When I opened the radio, I was shocked to my core to see that the battery acid had got spewed all around the inside and it had even entered the dial! How can such a thing happen? Did the battery explode? Well, even she did not know as it was lying unused for a long time and there were no batteries inside when she picked it up for bringing it to me. She vaguely remembered that it was not working and her husband had tried to get it repaired somewhere. The tuning spindle was stuck and it did not move at all and the knob was also missing!
I did a thorough cleaning of inside using IPA after dismantling the whole radio. I did not venture to clean up the dial side as it would in all probability erase the paint and writings on it. I tried to wipe off the acid gently using cotton, but did not succeed as it had got dried up.
Then lubricated the controls and set right the dial cord problem. It had got wound up on a track wheel, and I could see possibility of a thudding fall with the batteries inside while these were already leaking heavily. Anyhow, the radio worked very well when I applied power externally, after all these regular routines and the special cleaning done. I also purchase new set of flash-light batteries, which are very large and tried and it was working very well.
I put a new knob, adjusting its fitting as original replacement was not available. I did not charge anything as I treated it as a befitting parting gift to her! Mission accomplished with double satisfaction getting added to the bag!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 74 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Albert van Bemmelen
August 28, 2024 at 1:52 pm
The care you have for these kind of repairs is admirable and an example for any repair engineer!
Parasuraman S
August 28, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Many, many thanks for your expert and valuable comments!
Mark
August 28, 2024 at 2:27 pm
I had a similar experience with an old radio that the customer wanted restored. Batteries left in for a long time, not only go flat, but as your case, can create damage. At least you were able to get it up and running again.
Parasuraman S
August 28, 2024 at 5:06 pm
You are right there, Mark! Batteries can do a lot of damages! Replacing the springs with correct sizes is a challenge! Many thanks, dear Mark!
Yogesh Panchal
August 28, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Battery leakage problem because of environmental effect is normal if not used for long period,I always removes batteries if equipment is not frequently used.
Parasuraman S
August 28, 2024 at 9:03 pm
Yes, that is true! But seldom the customers take care of it!
Mark J
August 29, 2024 at 12:03 am
Parasuraman Subramanian It's nice to see someone who likes to work on old radios just as much as I do. Good job.
Parasuraman S
August 29, 2024 at 8:06 pm
Yes, dear! Working on Radios, keep up our basics from which we all grew to this level of servicing!
Waleed Rishmawi
August 30, 2024 at 3:04 pm
brought the device from a dead state to a living state and to that I could say Mission Accomplished. have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
August 31, 2024 at 8:48 am
Many thanks, dear friend!