I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.

I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.

Brad.

:I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
:
:I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
:
:Brad.

I meant 275 AC instead of DC

Hi Brad

Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.

Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.

Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).

C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.

Norm

::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
::
::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
::
::Brad.
:
:I meant 275 AC instead of DC

First, thanks for the previous help. I ordered a new 6x5g and the first problem is now solved. The radio currently has very very weak output. I am working my way through the radio replacing/testing the paper capacitors.

While checking voltages on tubes, I found that when I touch pin 6 (control grid I think) of the 1232 tube I get an substantial instant increase in volume output. I also find that when I touch pin 2 on the 1232 (plate ?) I get a minor increase in output. I don't have a tube tester. Would you suspect the 1232 might be bad?

Thanks.

:Hi Brad
:
: Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.
:
: Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.
:
: Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).
:
: C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.
:
:Norm
:
:::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
:::
:::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
:::
:::Brad.
::
::I meant 275 AC instead of DC

Hi Brad

Seems like your 1232 (7G7) is ok. This radio requires a "shielded wave magnet" plugged in at the back. If this is missing you won't have much sound.

Norm

:First, thanks for the previous help. I ordered a new 6x5g and the first problem is now solved. The radio currently has very very weak output. I am working my way through the radio replacing/testing the paper capacitors.
:
:While checking voltages on tubes, I found that when I touch pin 6 (control grid I think) of the 1232 tube I get an substantial instant increase in volume output. I also find that when I touch pin 2 on the 1232 (plate ?) I get a minor increase in output. I don't have a tube tester. Would you suspect the 1232 might be bad?
:
:Thanks.
:
::Hi Brad
::
:: Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.
::
:: Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.
::
:: Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).
::
:: C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.
::
::Norm
::
::::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
::::
::::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
::::
::::Brad.
:::
:::I meant 275 AC instead of DC

Thanks Norm - I have the boxed antenna with the local / distance switch plugged in to the chasis. Is this the "shielded wave magnet" you are referring to? If not, I guess I am professing my ignorance (again). What is a shielded wave magnet?

Brad.

:Hi Brad
:
: Seems like your 1232 (7G7) is ok. This radio requires a "shielded wave magnet" plugged in at the back. If this is missing you won't have much sound.
:
:Norm
:
::First, thanks for the previous help. I ordered a new 6x5g and the first problem is now solved. The radio currently has very very weak output. I am working my way through the radio replacing/testing the paper capacitors.
::
::While checking voltages on tubes, I found that when I touch pin 6 (control grid I think) of the 1232 tube I get an substantial instant increase in volume output. I also find that when I touch pin 2 on the 1232 (plate ?) I get a minor increase in output. I don't have a tube tester. Would you suspect the 1232 might be bad?
::
::Thanks.
::
:::Hi Brad
:::
::: Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.
:::
::: Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.
:::
::: Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).
:::
::: C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.
:::
:::Norm
:::
:::::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
:::::
:::::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
:::::
:::::Brad.
::::
::::I meant 275 AC instead of DC

Hi Brad

You have it.. That's the name Zenith gave to the boxed antenna. Any chance the plug isn't in correctly or wire broken? This antenna gives your 1232 a signal. Check in this area. Could be adjustment of a trimmer cap?

Norm

:Thanks Norm - I have the boxed antenna with the local / distance switch plugged in to the chasis. Is this the "shielded wave magnet" you are referring to? If not, I guess I am professing my ignorance (again). What is a shielded wave magnet?
:
:Brad.
:
::Hi Brad
::
:: Seems like your 1232 (7G7) is ok. This radio requires a "shielded wave magnet" plugged in at the back. If this is missing you won't have much sound.
::
::Norm
::
:::First, thanks for the previous help. I ordered a new 6x5g and the first problem is now solved. The radio currently has very very weak output. I am working my way through the radio replacing/testing the paper capacitors.
:::
:::While checking voltages on tubes, I found that when I touch pin 6 (control grid I think) of the 1232 tube I get an substantial instant increase in volume output. I also find that when I touch pin 2 on the 1232 (plate ?) I get a minor increase in output. I don't have a tube tester. Would you suspect the 1232 might be bad?
:::
:::Thanks.
:::
::::Hi Brad
::::
:::: Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.
::::
:::: Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.
::::
:::: Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).
::::
:::: C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.
::::
::::Norm
::::
::::::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
::::::
::::::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
::::::
::::::Brad.
:::::
:::::I meant 275 AC instead of DC

Norm - Thank you. We now have another vacuum tube radio brought back from the dead. I traced the wire from the antenna to an oscillator coil where the mice that previously lived in this radio had been eating.

Thanks again.

Brad

:Hi Brad
:
: You have it.. That's the name Zenith gave to the boxed antenna. Any chance the plug isn't in correctly or wire broken? This antenna gives your 1232 a signal. Check in this area. Could be adjustment of a trimmer cap?
:
:Norm
:
::Thanks Norm - I have the boxed antenna with the local / distance switch plugged in to the chasis. Is this the "shielded wave magnet" you are referring to? If not, I guess I am professing my ignorance (again). What is a shielded wave magnet?
::
::Brad.
::
:::Hi Brad
:::
::: Seems like your 1232 (7G7) is ok. This radio requires a "shielded wave magnet" plugged in at the back. If this is missing you won't have much sound.
:::
:::Norm
:::
::::First, thanks for the previous help. I ordered a new 6x5g and the first problem is now solved. The radio currently has very very weak output. I am working my way through the radio replacing/testing the paper capacitors.
::::
::::While checking voltages on tubes, I found that when I touch pin 6 (control grid I think) of the 1232 tube I get an substantial instant increase in volume output. I also find that when I touch pin 2 on the 1232 (plate ?) I get a minor increase in output. I don't have a tube tester. Would you suspect the 1232 might be bad?
::::
::::Thanks.
::::
:::::Hi Brad
:::::
::::: Remove the 6X5G from the radio and try again. If the transformer doesn't overheat with your 6X5 removed it will be ok. If it still overheats the transformer will need to be replaced.
:::::
::::: Test the 6X5, especially for shorts. These tubes short out easily which will damage the transformer.
:::::
::::: Colored leads should have been positive. Be sure electrolytics have a high enough voltage rating. 450 volt would be best. Pin #8 of your 6X5 is the most positive point in a radio. One positive lead goes there (C23).
:::::
::::: C22, C23 & C24 are the electrolytics that have to be the right polarity. Positive of C23 & C24 toward each side of the speaker field. C22 positive toward resistor R19.
:::::
:::::Norm
:::::
:::::::I found an old in rough shape zenith that I have started working on. After cleaning it up, I began working on testing the capacitors. The dry electrolytic capacitor label C22 (6 MFD) and C23 (16MFD) on the schematic (zenith part 22-933C) tested as virtually open (0.1 MFD). I replaced them with two electrolytics that I thought was appropriate. Upon turning on the radio, the power transformer immediately (less the 30 sec) got very hot (started to bubble @ which point I immediately turned off the set - hope its not too late for the xfmr). The voltage on the 3rd pin of the 6x5g was about 275 DC. Is it possible that I got the positive/negative leads on the electrolytic backward? The old cap has a black, a red, and a yellow lead. I assumed the black was negative and red was positive (16mfd) and yellow positive for the 6mfd.
:::::::
:::::::I am still rather new at this. Any suggestions on where to go next would be greatly appreciated.
:::::::
:::::::Brad.
::::::
::::::I meant 275 AC instead of DC