Cleaning thermal adhesive

[zagood]

The heatsink popped off my soundcard, I'm wondering the best way to clean the thermal adhesive residue off there to prep it for re-adhesion.

Or should I just apply ASA and not worry about it?

Thanks!

 

[masteryoda34]

Isopropyl alcohol works for cleaning thermal paste, not sure if it works for thermal adhesive. You could give it a try.

 

[balloonshark]

Someone recommended Goo Gone to me and it worked great and fast. I had to remove the adhesive from a North Bridge and heatsink. It doesn't take very much either. Be sure to finish up with 90% or better isopropyl alcohol to clean any possible residue.

 

[zagood]

Originally posted by: balloonshark
Someone recommended Goo Gone to me and it worked great and fast. I had to remove the adhesive from a North Bridge and heatsink. It doesn't take very much either. Be sure to finish up with 90% or better isopropyl alcohol to clean any possible residue.

Right on, I'll give it a shot. Thanks.

 

[WoodButcher]

Originally posted by: balloonshark
Someone recommended Goo Gone to me and it worked great and fast. I had to remove the adhesive from a North Bridge and heatsink. It doesn't take very much either. Be sure to finish up with 90% or better isopropyl alcohol to clean any possible residue.

+1
Any paint thinner and a q-tip will do, just use very little, no slobs on the board and the alcohol to clean up after.

 

[g8wayrebel]

Acetone. No doubt , its fast and furious. Don't use much or get on anything you don't want eaten.
Be sure to wear gloves though , it permeates the skin and is in the blood nearly instantly.
No follow up needed either , it leaves no residue and evaporates really quickly.

 

[rarebear]

Paint Thinner = Mineral Sprits will not do to much..

You want Lacquer Thinner and make sure you do not drip it any where...

This will eat the glue and make it soft..
The PT may work the LT will work....

HD has either in small cans..

 

[WoodButcher]

I also use lacquer thinner and acetone, I buy both by the gallon but wouldn't recommend using either unless you know the risks. Dis you ever see a ring on someones fender because they set the can of brake fluid down? 😉

 

[zagood]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll let you know which way I went.

 

[chizow]

Use a razor blade or something sharp to remove as much of the material as you can first. Then use any of the above, I prefer Goo Gone chased by Isopropyl Alcohol for heavy residue like this, but lately I've actually been using "Electrical Grade Contact Cleaner", which from what I've read is the same as carburator cleaner. Again, chased by Isopropyl Alcohol. Its like $5 for a 11oz can at Home Depot.