Fixing a broken N64 game?

[lotusoftheleaf]

I recently bought Harvest Moon for SNES off of eBay. The seller threw in a copy of the N64 version for free. The SNES game plays fine, but the N64 one seems broken.

I tried cleaning it with rubbing alcohol and Q-tips but it didn't make a difference. I noticed while cleaning it that those sliver bits near were the contacts are at are all rusted and some black stuff fell out of the cart. It looks like dirt or sand or something. I can't get the cart open to clean inside because the screws on the back are also badly rusted and malformed.

Is there any way at all to salvage this game? If not, I guess I'm not losing out on anything since it was free.

[AO007]

That's the price of free, I suppose.

FWIW I bought a Mario Party 2 cartridge, and it had slightly rusted contacts. After cleaning it could work for... oh I'd say an hour before it fails(Or it might be my console since it "resets", but eh)

[Mick Dundee]

if you have to break the back of the cartridge to open it.... you can always get a donor back if you salvage the front and innards.
 I did this with my Paladins Quest the other day. (though i didnt need to break it)

[sadikyo]

I take these kinds of games as "challenges."  I would love to try to get it to work, haha.  If you give up on it and are basically gonna trash it, I'll pay for shipping plus a little for you to send it to me so I can try to work some magic on it and get it to work - it may be for not but I just hate to see a game die haha.

[wiggy]

Drill the heads of the screws, then pop the cart open.  This way you'll save the cart from destruction, if you're careful, and you'll still gain access to the guts.  You should be able to twist what remains of the screws out with a small pliers or vice grip, then reassemble with similarly sized screws.

As far as cleaning the contacts, as I've said in other threads, I use steel wool.  000 for light cleaning, 00 for really nasty buildup (which sounds like your issue).

Personally, I'd throw that cart away.  I don't even what to know what kind of bacteria/mold/whatever are growing inside something that barfs out black crusty bits and whatnot 

[Super GDubs Fighter II Turbo: Championship Edition III]

I have a cruisin' usa game that starts up, but then pretty much freezes after trying to continue without saving. I have no idea what's wrong with it.

[wiggy]

Do you have the ability to open it up? I mean, anyone can open it with a drill or hammer, but do have a gamebit?

There may be a really obvious problem like the capacitor being blown or some sort of debris causing a short.

[AO007]

Don't you need a Tri-Wing Screwdiver, since Nintendo uses those special screws.

[wiggy]

The tri-wing is only used in some of the portables and the Wii.  Otherwise you need what they call a "gamebit" driver.  They come in 3.8mm (for actual games) and 4.5mm sizes (for the consoles).  They're essentially an inverted Torx

[ShoothimNow]

Here is the solution to ALL of your problems!!

[Arseen]

 

I should take picture of my car.

Front light, blinker, parking light, bumper and spoiler held on with black duct tape.

And it looks good.

[AppleQueso]

I'll take a picture of my car too.

...

...oh wait i don't have one

[Arseen]

I'll take a picture of my car too.

...

...oh wait i don't have one

I don't have 1 either, I have 3.

[wiggy]

Having one car in 3 pieces doesn't count

[Arseen]

Having one car in 3 pieces doesn't count

- One that I drive
- One that's "on hold", meaning not registered or insured at the moment. Fully working though.
- One wrecked. I got free from a friend after he wrecked it, it's for parts.