[Milsurplus] re bc348 rebuild

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

That's the same method that I use (very large iron).  I've not done any of 
the bathtubs from the BC-348 but no one has mentioned what to do about the 
transformer oil so presume they are not filled with it.  The rectangular triple 
capacitors in the BC-312 family are so filled.  It will spit and sputter as you 
apply heat to the top cap (which fits over, not into, the main can).  I do the 
work under an overhead fan to keep the fumes dispersed.  Once I have the cap 
off I fold up a sheet of paper towel, put it over the opening, and invert the 
radio over a large (large enough to put the radio inside) shallow pan and let 
it drip for a minute and then do the next one.  Once all are open I put the 
radio back in the pan and let it drip for an hour or so and then wipe the tops of 
the cans before proceeding to remove the can contents.

It is important (usually) to mark the caps so that you reinstall them on the 
same can and in the same orientation.  Sometimes they are interchangable but 
not always.

In a message dated 11/4/2006 9:01:10 AM Central Standard Time, 
rickbras at airmail.net writes: 
> If you want an alternative to the torch, I use a very heavy soldering 
> iron used in stain glass work that does the job in quick time.  You can 
> control the heat much better and don't have to be concerned with the 
> open flame.  The iron must have a large, heavy tip that does not lose 
> it's heat when applied to the capacitor.  I've rebuilt all types of 
> metal caps using this method and it works great.

Robert Downs - Houston
<http://www.wa5cab.com> (Web Store)
MVPA 9480
<wa5cab at cs.com> (Primary email)
<wa5cab at houston.rr.com> (Backup email)