When I push the outside fin inward on the variable condensor on my little 53/53 Fleetwood it works on the lower frequencoes ie 600 - 1000 Khz. What connection is this making inside the condensor?? I just push the outside fin lightly with a screwdriver inward and the connection is made thus the stations come in. I have not much experience trouble shooting condensors yet anyone know what could be wrong? 1000 - 1700 KHZ work with out me having to do this... I guess uses the other side..

Hi Brian

A variable condenser is made up of metal plates that are close together but not touching. Plate on your tuner are touching near the low end of the dial. You will have to slightly bend these plates to have clearance.

Norm
:When I push the outside fin inward on the variable condensor on my little 53/53 Fleetwood it works on the lower frequencoes ie 600 - 1000 Khz. What connection is this making inside the condensor?? I just push the outside fin lightly with a screwdriver inward and the connection is made thus the stations come in. I have not much experience trouble shooting condensors yet anyone know what could be wrong? 1000 - 1700 KHZ work with out me having to do this... I guess uses the other side..

Right on Norm! Brian also another trick of the trade is to observe the entire assembly with the room light turned down. As you tune the stack through its range look for arching (sparks!). If you see it you have plates touching. Static on the speaker is another indication of the area with the problem although it does not show the actual plate with the problem as the aforementioned does.

Al

:Hi Brian
:
: A variable condenser is made up of metal plates that are close together but not touching. Plate on your tuner are touching near the low end of the dial. You will have to slightly bend these plates to have clearance.
:
:Norm
::When I push the outside fin inward on the variable condensor on my little 53/53 Fleetwood it works on the lower frequencoes ie 600 - 1000 Khz. What connection is this making inside the condensor?? I just push the outside fin lightly with a screwdriver inward and the connection is made thus the stations come in. I have not much experience trouble shooting condensors yet anyone know what could be wrong? 1000 - 1700 KHZ work with out me having to do this... I guess uses the other side..