[PS2] Dead RS2004FS?

I came across a non functioning V12 PS2. I've soldered an IDE HDD to it but I'm still thinking about repairing DVD drive functionality.

This PS2 has melted laser lens and it keeps moving laser pick up with a closed lid all the time. I think the reason for this is a bad modchip install which caused a short in the system. Resetting time, blue orbs not spinning - all point to some mechacon and/or eeprom problem.

The question is, could replacing a RS2004FS driver and laser restore disk reading functionality? I kind of don't want to mess this up, even though a have another fully functioning V12 unit with a HDD mod. Will a PS2 work with RS2004FS completely removed? Is it even worth the trouble replacing it?

 

Ok, I had some time to play with this console again. I figured out that time resseting problem was a simple case of dead 3v battery. So this one is fixed.

I also replaced a laser - it stoped moving like crazy, but it didn't read any media. Then I came across this thread about testing LA/BA chips http://psx-scene.com/forums/f110/testing-la-ba-chip-dud-focus-coils-driver-45328/

Well, I used the same logic for testing RS2004FS. I looked at the service manuals for v9 and v12 machines and figured out that Sony aded a bunch of diods on V12 which weren't present on older units. Well, crap. To add insult to injury the real motherboard is a little different from the one shown in the service manual. What it means in this particular case is that depending on where you put a black and red probe you would either get a ~0.6v or open circuit on multimeter.

I desoldered a Rs chip next. I'm waiting for a replacement right now, I think it should arrive next week. I mean, blown ps11 fuse, melted laser, disk not spinning with a replacement laser and fuse all point to RS chip problem, right?

So, what do you think guys? Am I on the right track?