[Elecraft] Electrolytic Capacitor failure

[John Kosko]

Two to five year life span sounds a little short to me.  I’ve been earning my primary income in electronics for over 60 years and my experience shows that most electrolytic capacitors last between ten and twenty years.  But, usually they will show leakage around seals before they fail.  I guess it was just your turn to have an odd situation.  Expert help on electrolytic capacitors is available on YouTube.  Search on “mr carlsons lab” (without the quote marks).  He restores a lot of antique equipment and videos the whole thing.  No, I don’t have any monetary connection with Mr. Carlson or his lab.  He’s a worthy Elmer in regard to maintaining older equipment.

Regards,
John Kosko K8TCT
(K3S 11718 powered by a 35 year old Sorenson HPD 15-20 switcher set for 13.6VDC with the DC power cable running through 5 turns around a toroid core)

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