[Elecraft] K2 low power out on 20 meters

[Wiley Kling]

  I am building my 3rd Elecraft K series kit, this time a K2, my second.
All has gone well.  I am on page 80 of the manual, right column, 3rd step,
"adjust C21 and C23 for maximum power output".  Adjusting C21 does
absolutely nothing.  Regardless of a very slow 360 degree rotation, power
out does not change, does not peak.  C23 works normally and peaked as it
should.  I continued with all of the other steps, peaking the power on all
of the other bands.  Here are some facts:

 

1.	Into a 50 ohm dummy load with a power meter, K2 power setting of 12
watts,  power out reads as follows: 80M = 12W; 40M = 12W; 30M = 10W; 20M =
2W; 17M = 11W; 15M = 11W; 12M = 11W; 10M = 8W.  All appears fine to me
except 20 meters.
2.	I have checked for cold solder joints, etc. especially around C21,
C23, C19, C20, L8.
3.	The receiver "hears" very well on 20 meters.
4.	Everything else about the radio seems just fine.

 

     I conclude that C21 is defective.  Before I ask for a part replacement
is there anything else I should do or check?  I thank you in advance for
your suggestions and help.

 

Wiley, KG4UPO