Old unused capacitors - to use or not to use...

[LarryLarry]

Over the years I've scored lots of junk (who hasn't). I have a bunch of old but unused capacitors (Sprague, Cornell Dubilier, Philco etc), most of them test within the spec. What is the general consensus on using them?

[Jana]

Those are all hazardous junk--you should send them to me so I can dispose of them properly.

Seriously, that is some serious tone you have there. Those brownies and black beauties (?) are some valuable caps. They don't age the same way an electrolytic cap does. If you don't use them, you can probably make some cash on ebay with them.

[Structo]

Yep film caps can last a long time.

[M Fowler]

I haven't been lucky enough to find caps many caps. Those will make some nice projects.

[diagrammatiks]

all of those radial ones should be good.

I'd just double check the axial ones for leakage.

[katopan]

Wow, pics many of us would be jealous over. Shouldn't be any problem using them.

[rp]

Them greenies and blacks are the shizz... If they don't leak and are on spec you should dedicate a build(s) to them, use the whole lot rather than one here or there and you'll get that vintage sound.

From experience chances are the majority will test bad - you must at least test them for capacitance. I found that if they are on spec that way they probably don't leak. Without a fancy tester you'll have to test them for leaks in circuit, but if it sounds good and your voltages are all on target and no scratchy pots you can forgo that. Love them molded greenies, the gum drop brown, green, or blue ones are nothing to get excited about, I'd rather a new 6PS or 150.

Do a tweed build then report back how sweet your new build is.

[LarryLarry]

I opted to put them up on eBay, hope someone good gets them...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/270982894186?ss ... 1555.l2649