[Boatanchors] 2013 myth

[KA4INM]

   On 07/07/13 12:48, Bill Cromwell wrote:

> To be more clear...
>
> I have no doubt that old paper caps are bad news. I DO replace them all
> if I replace one while have the radio apart. The real question is
> whether black beauties are particularly worse than any other paper caps.
> The caps (and all other parts) in our toys are getting very old now. I
> have some idea of how they feel (evil grin).

   In my experiences and understanding, the BB capacitors were paper 
capacitors that were encased in Bakelite which was thought to be a good 
moisture proofing.
That turned out to be incorrect.  Nothing special was done to seal the 
wire entrances, (like the wire going through a rubber plug) so almost if 
not all have incurred moisture damage.
   As it turns out the cheap capacitors that were encased in wax 
frequently out last capacitors that were encased in Bakelite by a large 
margin.  Many "bathtub" (soldered into metal cans) capacitors have also 
enjoyed long lives.
   In this world the obvious is frequently NOT the case.
The currently used epoxy dipped capacitors seem to be well sealed.

   A friend of mine working on (and in between) military bases in desert 
countries, of the far east, servicing communications equipment built in 
the early 1960's with large quantities of BB had a record of none had 
gone bad.
-- 
   Ron  KA4INM - Youvan's corollary:
                 Every action results in unwanted side effects.