630TS capacitor reforming ramble

[Penthode]

I too have been curious about the constant running of a set through its life and the effect on capacitor life.

When I got the set in 1969 and powered it up, I obviously then did not think of electrolytic capacitor age as a problem. The paper capacitors have over the years almost all have been replaced. But the electrolytics remain okay. (Funny, in 1969, a 21 year old 10" set looked really old: it is hard to recocile that a further 44 years has intervened).

My 1949 16" set with a KCS29 chassis, I got two years ago. The children of the original owner said it was retired to the basement in the early sixties and was not used. In fact it was only on the death of the parent and clearing out of the house that the set was uncovered. They said it must have sat unused for at least 45 years. Yet, apart from one section which opened up, the electrolytics recoved the capacitance and do not leak excessively (all electrolytics leak current).

One thing I have noticed for sure is if there is any sign of electrolyte leakage around a terminal or the capacitor seal, the capacitor must be replaced.