Capacitor rules

I tap electronic tubes to see if they are good, but you say he tapped capacitors? Electrolytics I guess, might show issues when tapped, like poor internal connections.

Interesting hadn't really thought of that as a test for caps...

John :-#)#

I used to press the tops of old electrolytic capacitors. When they were bad they would pop up like the safety lid on food jars after you open them. Maybe they get soft on the sides on too.

Electrolytics that have outgassed internally can have a fair bit of pressure internally and take on rakish angles as the base expands. They smell horrible if they go pop when hot.

Knocking can be done with an isolated object, like a screw diver handle. The intention is to initiate any kind of intermittent behavior, quickly.

'pressing' implies burned - zapped teckies.

Be smart. Be safe.

RL