Quote:
Originally Posted by jr_tech
How about the transformer itself? While I agree that in general, power transformers can tolerate overload conditions and in-rush surges, pre-war transformers *may* be a special case. These may just be "old wives tales", but several old-time collectors that I know treat these transformers very gently, arguing that the paper insulation in these transformers contains sulfides (from bleaching) which may attack the copper wire if the insulation is comprimised, leading to unintended internal "fuses" in the transformer. These weak spots can be perhaps blown out by high in-rush currents. They usually are careful to use close to the same value input filter cap (not too much higher) to limit peak currents that might strain the (perhaps) compromised transformer.
jr
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I have the same chassis, an 8A02 in my chairside. It has a potted transformer, instead of the kind, we're used to seeing. I also see a late issue 6X5GT tube. I didn't repair or restore it, I bought it that way.
I also have a Zenith table radio from the same era, that also has a potted transformer. It probably was an improvement.