Okay I want to replace the electrolytics in my 1936 Silvertone 1970 console. It has the kind that look like tall, narrow cans (one of them has a cardboard sleeve over it) that sit on top of the chassis, and fasten on from underneath with a big nut. There is a smaller nut that threads on to a stud on the center bottom of each capacitor, holding a solder lug in place. What is the positive and what is the negative on this kind of capacitor?

Hi

Smaller nut in center is positive. Large nut negative. You might have wet electrolytics? Once removed shake them, you may hear liquid inside.

Some folks stuff the wet electrolytic. Others, remove the positive connection and install a tie strip to mount a modern electrolytic. Thus keeping the chassis looking the same and not exposing a large hole...

Be aware that sometimes the negative body of the electrolytic can be insulated with fiber washers and will not be at the same potential as the chassis. A replacement capacitor must be connected the same way.

Chas

Those are the kind that often have cardboard sleeves on them! Investigate closely...

--Bob

Well, there is enough room under the chassis that I plan to simply disconnect the old caps and install a pair of 10uF, 450 volters under the chassis, leaving the old cans in place for appearance.

If the old ones are still wet, they will eventually leak and corrode everything. Best take them apart and stuff them. Don't know if there is a safe way to drain 'em and leave in place for appearance.

I thought the electrolyte was pretty innocuous in those caps.

Dave Wise