[R-390] When good resistors go bad

[Barry]

All the talk a few weeks ago about certain resistors going high over the
years prompted me to start looking at some of the resistors in one of my IF
decks.  I think the discussion revolved around some 22k plate resistors
going high (but I might not be remembering that correctly).

My plate resistors have weathered well (at the high end of the tolerance or
maybe a percent or two above, but not enough to warrant replacement IMHO),
but I discovered that a couple of the 27k screen grid resistors (2nd and 3rd
IF amp) have gone to 39k (definitely too high).

I'm wondering what affect this is currently having on the system.  I assume
the lower screen grid voltage results in lowered gain at that tube, right?
I haven't done a voltage measurement on the screens to see how far off they
are, but I assume they are low.

While looking around at the innards of the deck, I did notice one particular
resistor (I don't remember exactly which one) that is literally buried at
the first IF amp.  It is a 2.2k (I think) but they installed about a
3-watter down there.  Good thing because it is spot on specification.  It
appears this was the first resistor installed in that area, it would require
major surgery to replace it, and they must have known it would need to be
hefty to avoid needing replacing.

Anyway, still having fun with the radios, but am wondering about the
affect(s) of the high-value screen resistors.

Barry - N4BUQ