[Boatanchors] 5+ megohms primary?

[StephenTetorka at cs.com]

Hi all:

I am presently restoring a AM/CW 6 foot rack rig; 2X1625 in the final.
Homebrew in 1948 by W2PLY now moving to Senior Residence.

I'm starting my checkout with the 95 pound power supply.

With no power supplied, when using a VTVM from either primary lead to ground of the main power transformer, I get a reading of 15 megohms with the SPST in the primary in the OFF position.
I get 5 meghoms in the ON position - which completes one primary leg circuit allowing the 115 VAC to primary.

Naturally, I'd expect infinity on this open circuit.

Not much there: terminal screws on the back chassis; hvy AWG to the switch, a lamp indicator in parallel on the primary amd the xmfr bolted to the chassis.

I would guess that some insulation somewhere has 'gone old'.

Your generous comments and suggestions most welcomed.

Regards,
Steve
WA2TAK