[Test-Equipment] Exploding capacitors ? (wavetek 114s)

[J. Forster]

Cmos wrote:

> John,
>
> I don't know how long it has been sitting, as I got it as-is a few weeks ago. But,
> this dose seem to be the most likely cause, as other things(voltage, load, ect.)
> seem to be ok. It was an axial cap. made up of a plastic tube with the ends sealed
> with a very hard epoxy type stuff.

Was the epoxy red by any chance? They are notorious.

> Also, there was fluid that blow all over the boards when it exploded, so it was not
> dry.

You should wash the remains off everything, quickly. The solution is corrosive. Wash,
rinse, and let thoroughly dry (maybe with a small fan)

> It was also quite hot, as well as another one for the other polarity(was a +/-
> 12volt supply).
> So, steam pressure sounds like the cause.

Yep

> I think I am going to replace both these caps and two other ones about the same size
> in another part of the power supply.

Good move. In future, reform before applying power or replace, the latter if this is
not an antique where authenticity matters.-John

> Jim Martz,