[Boatanchors] Should dummy load oil ever need to be changed?

[Rob Atkinson]

I disagree.  PCB oil is only a problem if it leaks out and you come
into contact with it.  The fear about PCB is similar to the fear about
lead paint and asbestos.  All only bad if you rub yourself with it or
ingest it.  There are still PCB caps in use in industry--they just put
warning stickers on the fronts of the cabinets saying that oil caps
inside have PCBs, and drive on.  Besides, it is not certain the oil
has PCBs.  If the oil in the cantenna is clear and clean you may as
well use it and add some mineral oil to it if the resistor is not
submerged.  Then you don't have the hassle of disposal.  As a
precaution against the can leaking, go to a supermarket and get a
cheap disposable aluminum turkey pan and set the Cantenna in it.

Now, having written all that, let me also add that for AM the Cantenna
is inadequate in my opinion, except for brief test transmissions.
That sucker will get hot if you dump a carrier into it for more than a
minute or two, especially over 300 watts.  Use it, but keep looking
for something better.

73

Rob
K5UJ

On Sat, Aug 25, 2012 at 4:25 AM,  <oldradio at comcast.net> wrote:
> Ed,
>
> The oil is probably transformer oil and has PCB's in it.  If so, leave it alone and dispose of it (the cantenna) at your local recycle center.  Do not get any on your skin or breathe any fumes.
>
> 73, John Dilks, K2TQN
>
>
> -.-
>
> ----- Original Message -----

>
> I have a cantenna that is 35+ years old. It hasn't been used lately. It seems to be a little less full than it was when bought new. I purchased the oil from the Heathkit store as well. I assume the oil is simple mineral oil as it was clear and approximately 10 to 20 weight viscosity. I used it moderately for 1kw+ tune up for 20 years before I put it in storage. Now I plan to use it for 150 to 1kw AM and cw tune up and testing. Should I change the oil?
> Ed-kv5i