I Bought a "Broken" EcoFlow River 3 for $50 - Can I Fix It?

Video Description

In this video, I take a gamble on a "For Parts" EcoFlow River 3 that I picked up on eBay for only $50. The listing said it was broken, and for once, I actually have something to fix! While the unit turns on and charges via AC, the 12V DC (cigarette lighter) port is completely dead reading 0 volts. I perform a complete teardown of the unit to see how EcoFlow puts these together, including their unique waterproofing "potting" on the boards and the modular battery connection. Join me as I troubleshoot the issue, attempt (and fail) to find a replacement part that fits inside the tight case, and eventually come up with a permanent soldering fix to get this unit back to 100% functionality. My Amazon Affiliate Page (helps the channel at no extra cost to you! ): KAIWEETS HT206D Digital Clamp Meter: https://amzn.to/4mJ3zIV Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguishing Gel: https://amzn.to/47GIQR9 Viltrox K90 Tube LED: https://amzn.to/4pMWEQN Flexispot EN1 (Standing Desk): https://amzn.to/48jmgyC Pinecil - Smart Portable Soldering iron: https://amzn.to/47F0EfT Larger Tip for bigger projects: https://amzn.to/3IMZ15R Soldering Tip cleaning kit: https://amzn.to/4gqIyjV Nice-Power DC Power Supply: https://amzn.to/3K5rTq7 Automatic wire strippers: https://amzn.to/4mo0MnN 1000v Insulated Screwdriver Set: https://amzn.to/4h2lqc0 DC Load tester: https://amzn.to/46TlTZf Fnirsi HRM-10 Internal Resistance Tester: https://amzn.to/3WzYFT7 Large Wire Strippers: https://amzn.to/3M0qYbk Battery Terminal Fuse: https://amzn.to/43wShQN Battery Terminal to xt60: https://amzn.to/4qSe7Ii 00:00 - Intro: The problem with buying "broken" gear 01:14 - The $50 eBay Find: EcoFlow River 3 02:23 - The Defect: Testing the dead 12V DC port 03:48 - Exterior overview and specs 06:36 - Waterproofing? Explaining the sealed battery pack 07:09 - Teardown begins: Removing feet and screws 08:42 - Opening the case 10:16 - Internal inspection: Potting compound and fuses 13:08 - The Brains: ESP32 WiFi module 15:54 - Removing the battery (Modular design) 17:54 - Troubleshooting the fuses 20:54 - Finding the root cause: It's the jack! 21:56 - Why it failed: Melted plastic and loose rivets 23:01 - Attempting to replace the port (It doesn't fit) 24:48 - The Fix: Soldering the original port 28:44 - Soldering the negative terminal 29:52 - Reassembly and Final Load Test 31:50 - Conclusion: A fully working unit for $50