Are the generic flyback transformers reputable? I've got a RCA F36674ET chassis CTC197CA here with a bad one. RCA number 237506. I recall seeing a lot of flybacks going bad on the tuner on board and newer sets and have used a lot of generics is the past with good success. Wondering which one to go with. Both are cheap depending on the market.

000

Good reasons to go OEM. I feel stupid for thinking only of reliability and not tolerances. Funky deflection drives me nuts. Been a few years now since I fixed TVs for my day job. I did check ebay and I think I'll go that for now on because there seems to be a surplus of oem units out there since everyone's going to panels.

Go with an original RCA or HR Diemen, if possible. I have used many generic transformers with different results. Sometimes, the original is either NLA or very expensive, in which case I'll go with a generic. I remember the cheap "no name" generic that I stuck in a CTC179 that blew up in my face after about two hours of operation. I installed the transformer, played the set for about two hours, turned it off for the night, turned it on the next morning, and the transformer blew apart as soon as I hit the power button. Another problem I've had with generics is getting the terminals to line up correctly with the PC board.

000

Got my cake and ate it too. I procured this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180416284136&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT).

Smart to go OEM. I have had too many generics not work properly. Hate to say it, but I'll junk the set now before I go generic if the original is not available..
This is especially true for Sharp's and Zenith's.

Ahh! The Sharp. Never forget the generic I put in one of those. Had a split in the anode lead right out of it. Guess how I discovered that?

OEM or Diemen.

Generic flybacks were horrible. Tend to be low HV or too soft due to too high resistance in HV winding.

Cheers, Wizard