Power loss

[mihit]

Simple test. Remove the IC and tape up the inlet and outlet ports. Submerge it in a basin full of water and if it has a leak you will see the bubbles. WHEN (not IF) you see the bubbles - replace it with an after market IC. As I said - simple.

Maybe silly question (I don't deal with anything younger than the age of consent... or with "little" engines...)

But can the thing not be braze/weld repaired??