Variac or not?

[Phil Nelson]

I will chime in with Chimes and say you should replace the electrolytics FIRST, then bring it up on a variac.

You know that you should replace them anyway. Why not do it now?

I have had very poor luck reforming old electrolytics. Even if they seem to function, I would not bet my power transformer on them.

Others may have had different experiences. For me, all it took was burning up one power transformer.

Even if the TV kind-of sort-of works after bringing it up with the original electrolytics, what does that really tell you? You still have a TV full of rotten old caps that need replacement, so you may as well get started.

Just my $0.02,

Phil Nelson