Bakelite Crosley Multiband Restore

[Phil Nelson]

Did you test the radio at any stage while recapping? When a radio works (even if poorly), I briefly try it out after replacing every cap or two, to make sure I didn't space out and miswire something. I also check off each cap on the schematic and parts list as I go.

If the radio worked OK before you replaced the last two electrolytics, they are obvious culprits. It's easy to connect one backwards. Also, when you have more than one component disconnected at a time, it's easy to forget where the chinbone connected to the neckbone.

If you didn't test the radio or keep notes, I would carefully doublecheck the wiring of every capacitor that you replaced, using the schematic as your guide. Is it the right value? Are both ends connected to the places where the schematic says they should go? Note that schematics sometimes show parts located close together which are far away in the physical radio, and vice versa. Using an ohmmeter to check connections may help sort things out.

Finally, is it possible that you mixed up the tubes and accidentally swapped two of them when putting them back in the sockets? Sounds obscure, but many people have done that in a moment of inattention with tubes scattered around the workbench.

I would not give up and send it to someone else at this stage. A printout of the schematic and an ohmmeter can help you confirm that all of your capacitor replacements are correct.

This article has general advice about recapping: http://antiqueradio.org/recap.htm .

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html