Why Capacitors go bad
The problem with "modern tests" is that they do NOT CHECK for high voltage leakage which is a huge problem with old condensers/ capacitors and sometimes with low quality "modern" replacements. The only "simple" (but not cheap) way I know of is to obtain an "old school" cap checker which HAS a LEAKAGE test. This type of test actually applies high voltage to the cap and checks leakage under those conditions. I toss most outboard caps not because of the value (capacitance) --which is MEANINGLESS if they have leakage---but rather because they are in fact "leaky"
I have a pair of old Eico testers which I'm hoping to "refurbish" as well as an older model Heathkit. The Heathkits especially, and especially the newer models--have gone absolutely nutcase on egag for price
My Heathkit is an older model like this photo I "stole" of the internet
The Eico's are very similar in construction and operation to the Heath
The problem with "modern tests" is that they do NOT CHECK for high voltage leakage which is a huge problem with old condensers/ capacitors and sometimes with low quality "modern" replacements. The only "simple" (but not cheap) way I know of is to obtain an "old school" cap checker which HAS a LEAKAGE test. This type of test actually applies high voltage to the cap and checks leakage under those conditions. I toss most outboard caps not because of the value (capacitance) --which is MEANINGLESS if they have leakage---but rather because they are in fact "leaky"
I have a pair of old Eico testers which I'm hoping to "refurbish" as well as an older model Heathkit. The Heathkits especially, and especially the newer models--have gone absolutely nutcase on egag for price
My Heathkit is an older model like this photo I "stole" of the internet
The Eico's are very similar in construction and operation to the Heath
