Ok found some issues with the RCA 8-PT-7034. In addition to the new C171 5uf lytic popping during initial power up after recapping, I found a dead primary on the VOT. Now also found a dead focus control pot. All very much on the same circuit.
Below is a link to the schematic. PDF pages 31-32 or printed pages 23-24. 2nd page of schematic (printed page no. 24 at bottom). Find focus control to left of damper tube (6AX4). Trace it back towards damper tube. Then straight up to VOT (top right of page, T152). Just under the VOT is C171. That's the lytic that popped. So focus control toast, primary of VOT toast, and C171 blew.
Anyone have any ideas about where I should go from here? Would hate to install new VOT, focus control and lytic and have them damaged by an issue I do not know how to diagnose which affects this circuit. Thanks for any advice anyone can provide.
http://www.earlytelevision.org/pdf/rca_8PT7010_SVC.pdf