Combo Drive For 1Ghz G4 iMac

[kaps]

G4 iMac Combo Drive Problems

The Combo Drive on a friend's G4 17" 1GHz iMac (OS X 10.4.5) doesn't recognize any CDs that are put in. So far I've: Zapped PRAM, ran Disk Utilities, ran TechTool Pro, and started up from an external hard drive. None of those helped. What else should I try before I take the drive out to test in an external enclosure that I have. (I hope to avoid opening up the computer, but can do so if need be.) If I do open the computer, the service manual mentions that I need to reapply the "thermal paste." What is this and where do I get it? If I do need to replace the drive, any recommendation?

Thanks!

[unclemac]

You might try a laser cleaner CD like this.

Outside of that, hello new CD/DVD player, at least as far as I know.

[rwm]

Any Luck? - Randy

[unclemac]

Forgot to add that I have cracked exactly *one* of these to replace a HD. A little bit tricky, but once you figure it out, not too bad. Did not fully disconnect the top from the base, as there was wiring I did not to mess with. Don't remember any spot that needed thermal paste; I remember a thermal pad (that needs nothing to disassemble/reassemble), but maybe I forgot - it was a couple years back - or maybe you have a different model.

As a matter of fact I have one at work that needs to be cracked for the same issue, but it may be weeks or more before I get to it, so no promises that I will have any more insight soon.

[kaps]

Thanks for the reply!

My first step will be to get the CD cleaner (though I'm not so opomistic).

Regarding the thermal paste, here is a direct quote from the service manual:

"Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:
1.You must clean the original thermal film from all thermal interface mating surfaces,
and reapply thermal paste to the mating surfaces on the thermal pipe.
2. You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of 17
in.-lbs. Use a torque driver (service tool 076-0899) to ensure that the thermal pipe is
firmly mated with the top base. If you do not have a torque driver, you must make
sure the screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY.
Failure to follow these steps could cause the computer to overheat and
damage internal components.
Refer to the topic ñThermal Paste Applicationî for detailed information."

Here is a link to the service manual: http://scclc.sancarlos.k12.ca.us/tea...-inch_1ghz.pdf

A friend of mine hasn't heard of "thermal paste" but knows of "Silcon heat sink grease." Are these two the same thing?

Also, do you have any recomendations for a replacement drive? Would any drive fit or due to the shape of the G4 iMacs you need a special drive.

Thanks!

[unclemac]

A standard internal drive as I recall. These guys confirm it, and have pretty good prices too.

I expect thermal grease would work fine, but there are other options too. Arctic Silver is one of the most common high performance brands.

[rwm]

I also have heard Arctic Silver is popular and works well. No first hand experience myself. - Randy