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How to Replace Filter Capacitors

Filtering capacitors are capacitors which are used to filter electrically powered components in a variety of applications. They basically smooth out the uneven, wavy DC signal. Capacitors are selected and used to give the filter circuit a time constant. This time constant measures how quickly the circuit reacts to changes in the varying voltage level. The right time constant removes the ripple as the voltage passes through and leaves the filter. When the filter capacitors malfunction, the AC and DC stay together resulting in a noisier signal than is acceptable. This unacceptable noise generates electronic blips and other problems resulting in the need to replace the capacitors.

Things You'll Need

  • Capacitor replacement kit
  • Instruction manual with diagrams
  • Eye wear
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Soldering gun
  • Solder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the instructions and lay out the diagrams for easy access. Unplug the amplifier and remove any input and output cables. Place the amplifier on a book or other pad face up. Remove the bottom feet with the Phillips screwdriver. Lift the case off the amplifier.

    • 2
      Screwdriver assortments are indespensible for this job.

      Take out the top, rear nut and bolt that hold the right side panel in position and the sheet metal screws which hold this panel to the chassis. Unscrew the single screw in the right side of the front panel, and lay it aside as well.

    • 3

      Lay the amplifier gently on its left side. Heat and unsolder the old filter capacitor's wires holding it in place. You will remove three wires: the black rectifier board wire, the blue rectifier board wire, and the two-colored, red and yellow HV transformer wire.

    • 4
      Keep track of your nuts and washers!

      Unscrew the nuts and washers retaining the capacitor bank bracket, and lift the bracket up about a half inch. Lift out the eight capacitors and their spacers. It is okay to do so, and the job is made easier, by cutting the necessary wires between the capacitors, since they are not needed.

    • 5

      Insert the new capacitor bank into the space you just pulled the old one out of. Make sure the solder lugs are situated toward the front panel. Push the block all the way to the rear of the space; then move it slightly forward.

    • 6
      Solder all joints solidly.

      Press down gently but firmly on the new block and reinsert the nuts and washers. If the bracket tolerances are tight, it is permissible to leave the washers off, but tighten the nuts well. Solder the wires, and put the panels back on.

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