Hi:

Newbie question, staring a restoration of a 46 1203, working on the turntable. No sound from the record cartridge, will be replacing the cap. a .03 mfd. But how and what else can I check to find the problem. Details on diagnosing the problem are greatly appreciated. Also any thoughts on what to do and what not do in recaping the radio. Thanks a bunch.

God Bless,

Dave B.

Dave,
If the radio has a functioning audio output stage, then you should be able to turn whatever switch there is to the "Phono" position, and with the volume up a ways, hear a good hum when you touch a finger to the wires going into the cartridge. If not, then it's a bad or dirty switch, or a bad cartridge. Not unheard of to have broken wires inside their insulation as well.
I find it easier to re-cap the radio section first, make sure that is going well, then tackle the phono section. Just replace all paper caps and electrolytics (skip the mica caps...the flat ones with the dots); lift one leg of each resisitor, measure it, and replace if out of spec by 20% or more.
Jim

...and I should have mentioned associated phono input components: C27, C26, and maybe even R1..before you condemn the cartridge.
Jim

Thanks Jim started the recap the other day. Question, the wires going to the phono cartridge, there is a red, black and a ground wire. The ground wire is not attached to anything, Where should I solder it to? Thanks

God Bless,

Dave B/

:...and I should have mentioned associated phono input components: C27, C26, and maybe even R1..before you condemn the cartridge.
:Jim