Capacitor replacement question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2023, 11:55:52 pm
content: I need to replace a 3 section AC 3.6uf, 3.6uf & 7.1uf 125 VAC and not sure what to use. There is plenty of room for 3 new caps once the 3 section can cap is removed?Drew

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2023, 11:59:38 pm
content: Application?

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 12:01:27 am
content: I'm not sure I'm parsing the question correctly. If there is plenty of room for the 3 newer technology capacitors .. then just install them. As for placement, how can we advise you without knowing what the space looks like and the the general dimensions of the replacements. Pictures might help including one showing us your best guess at placing them.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 12:06:10 am
content: Quote from: Crambone on October 03, 2023, 11:55:52 pmI take it this is for a PSC fan motor or similar? Is that capacitor a metal can or an epoxy cylinder? Is the capacitor for motor run or speed control? How many wires--4? Or more?

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 01:25:59 pm
content: Capacitor is a metal can type. It’s for a Heathkit TT-1 Tube Tester

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 03:14:28 pm
content: Seems the OP is a little too lazy to take some pictures or provide a decent description and expects us to do all the heavy lifting.Anyway, here is a picture of the ballast capacitor in situ and another showing how it's wired in. I know what I would do, but I think I've done enough of his work for him at this point. If anyone wants to help him further, go for it.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 04:52:20 pm
content: That bathtub cap replaced with three film caps in the video at 38:44

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 05:05:07 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on October 04, 2023, 04:52:20 pmNice find.Yup, that's what I'd do too.

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 09:37:30 pm
content: Billy O group says BEGINNER, maybe it’s bellow your god like knowledge and you should stick to being snide on a more knowledgeable chat.Bless Your Heart

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 09:45:22 pm
content: At the time of that design, it was common to use paper or oil-filled paper capacitors in the HV filter after the rectifier.The good ones were hermetically sealed (sometimes called "bathtub"), since paper is hygroscopic.WWII military equipment often required this construction (paper sealed inside metal), and Heath used a lot of military surplus components in their early equipment.I would replace that sealed multiple capacitor unit with three modern polypropylene film units, that should fit in roughly the same space, with appropriate terminals.

author: BillyO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2023, 09:50:35 pm
content: Quote from: Crambone on October 04, 2023, 09:37:30 pmWell, there is more effort than you've put forth so far. Hope for you yet?"BEGINNER" does not usually translate to "Lazy sot". Someone willing to help you asked for some pictures, but you couldn't put forth the minimal effort to point your cell phone at the job and post a few pictures to make the matter clearer than "How do I replace a capacitor". Instead you expect them to make the effort and take the time out their life to find out all that stuff for you. Nice.I did, and I posted it for you. And instead of saying thanks you are the one that gets snide.