3013 and leaking batteries.

[DaleS]

Do any of you have any experience cleaning up a module that has crud on it from an apparently leaking battery? I purchased a non-working watch that looked very nice. Perfect filter, gold (filled) case and bracelet in good condition, but allegedly needing a battery! I didn't expect much in the way of a module.
When I opened up the watch I discovered that there was a great deal of smegma on the pc board and decided that I had nothing to lose by trying to clean it. Using a microscope and some fine brushes and a cleaner, I scrubbed as much of the stuff off the traces and spaces as I could. Leaving it to dry overnight, I put in a pair of batteries and to my amazement it lit up. All the functions seem to work and it can be set as per instructions. You can imagine how thrilled I am to have an inexpensive working watch from this era.
My question is: What is the proper process for cleaning a watch like this? I don't know if what I have done will cause future damage and I don't know if I have all the corrossive materials removed from inaccessible areas. I am worried that the damage will continue.
Once again, thank you for taking time to respond.
Dale

[azimuth_pl]

hey Dale,
after so many years the green residue or powder is no longer harmful. that's just the outcome of a chemical process.
when cleaning a watch like this try the contacts first as the rest of the residue shouldn't have any effect - of course if it hadn't consumed the module in the first place years ago. today it just remains as a stain that looks bad.

[rewolf]

http://www.thedigitalwatch.com/Archives ... ip_001.htm
http://dwf.nu/viewtopic.php?p=14629

[retroleds]

after so many years the green residue or powder is no longer harmful. that's just the outcome of a chemical process..

I try to brush or neutrelize as much of the green stuff off as possible. I'm thinking the powder IS still very dangerous to a circuit. The residue is still very acidic generally(note the fizzing/bubbles when contacted with Lime Away) and probably only needs some additional moisure to continue the chemical process. I even dab around trimmer terminals and other points adjacent to the batteries that got crusty during a "forgotten battery" episode of days gone past. If a Q-tip(cotton swab will fit, I'm thinking one should neutralize all metal acid crystals.

Don't want to feed the green acid trolls !