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iMac G4 17" with loose neck

S

s¡juandelarocha

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 14, 2017
26
3
Hi!

So I just bought a pristine unit of the beautiful iMac G4 17" in very good shape. Speakers, keyboard and mouse altogether for 125€ (150$).

Point is that the neck is kind of loose. No prob moving around from right to left, but when placing the screen with a tilt of 45 degrees, it doesn't stay and goes down.

On the other hand, Power Unit must be broken 'cause it doesn't power up (although the seller sent me a video of one month ago proving that it used to work).

My questions are:

- How easy is to fix the neck problem? Is it something like opening up the neck and tighten some screws?
- Regarding the powering up, I have tried changing the internal battery and nothing. Also tried using the hairdryer to heat up the system (it seems to be a fix) and nothing too. What else could I try to make it work?

I've got one week to get my money back from the seller...

thANKS!
 
I don't personally know much about repairing an iMac G4, however, it seems to me that you paid a lot for a Mac with a bunch of issues from the beginning... If you end up getting it to power on, you should maybe tell the owner that it's got those issues and ask for a partial refund.

I hope you can get it to work though! Someone here probably has more knowledge about the internals of these than I do. I just know they're gorgeous. :D
 
I completely agree with Hrududu, get your money back asap. For that price the iMac should be near perfect.
It may be interesting to know where you are located, as in Europe I frequently see very serviceable G4 iMac's for 80euros or less. Also I'd recommend getting a USB2 version if possible.
I once found a 17" in a thrift store for 15euros, marked 'as-seen/probably u/s'. When I got it home I found the rear power supply was not pushed in fully. On ensuring a tight connection, it powered on immediately. After a thorough internal clean, re-paste and OS tweaks, I later donated it.
For what it's worth, this LINK helped me to understand a little better what's inside the neck. I've never had to tighten up the spring mechanism though. Perhaps someone else can advise on this.
 
as far as the arm goes go to an auto supply parts store and pick up a set of feeler gauges for a few dollars. find the thickness that works and cut yourself a thin slice. that will give you the correct resistance.
 
gooser said:
as far as the arm goes go to an auto supply parts store and pick up a set of feeler gauges for a few dollars. find the thickness that works and cut yourself a thin slice. that will give you the correct resistance.
Click to expand...
Firstly, I had to smile on your forum name 'Gooser' - answering a query about a loose neck. Very appropriate. ;)
Ok, more seriously I have read and re-read your post. Procuring a set of feeler gauges should be the easy part, but even after some head-scratching I don't understand precisely where and exactly how one would install any modified feeler shims.
I've just done a very extensive internet search for the problem, and failed to find anyone who has clearly documented such a rectification. These links may help:-
Link 1
@gooser: I see that you claim to have done this - Link HERE, although I note that when asked you didn't detail on how you succeeded. Could you please supply more detailed instructions, as I'm sure it could assist many, if not immediately - perhaps in the future as these delightful iMac's become more and more sought after (as they surely will.......)
These 2 links HERE and HERE are full of excellent, general information for those brave enough wishing to fully mod these iMacs into 2017. Hope it may inspire some bright G4 iMac owners. If so, please let us know!
 
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