[weblacky]

Okay, I got parts today so I was able to replace the HDD bay fan header on my Fuel mainboard.  So originally the locking tab was hanging by a thread, then it broke when I was plugging/unplugging all the time. It would have been fine, but it wasn't solidly attached and COULD slip off with minor effort and without the tab you COULD install the connector backwards!  Not good.  So I just decided to chance an issue and replace it.

I could not find the EXACT header used, so I went off what was the plug attached to the HDD fan, I found the datasheet but didn't find the connector part number.  So I just went with the molex KK series locking headers as they are the most common 2.54mm vertical locking fan-header used. 

Header used was a Molex 0022232031.

I increased the temp on my desoldering gun to closer to 750F, expecting a huge fight with a board this thick.  But that didn't happen, it ended up going extremely fast to remove, I added a small amount of leaded solder to the fan header joints, heated them with the gun, wiggled, engauged suction, wiggled again, and remove gun while under suction...clean holes...all three times...zero issues on removal.  The header literally fell out with a slight push.

   

The only issue I had (slight issue) is that it's basically all metal, I cannot hold the part with my fingers and tack it and I didn't realize how much extra room the vias had in them.  

   

So while soldering went fine, I used some hemostats to hold it through the board which resulted in it being slightly crooked, I wish I could have done something about it, but you're working with the part held by the underside, you cannot ensure alignment very easily without also risking constantly handling the board or burning yourself trying to hold it in alignment.

   

So fan header is installed, but little out of alignment...oh well it's not a very visible part/issue and low touch and correct attachment is more important and it new and safe now.

   

So another thing done...however I'm not going to put it back together, I've decided I don't enjoy constantly disassembling this Fuel, so I'm going to tackle the bottom metal (kind of did today) by removing the rivets and going at the bottom and side panels.  I only get one shot, I don't want to keep fiddling, so if I ca make an improvement...fine..I just need this to end so I can move on to another SGI system...getting bored doing these constant, small, items.

Molex / 0022232031