HP 6106A neet recappng as part of repair

[krefior]

I have quite a few of these old HP/Harrison power supplies of various models from back in the day, They just seem seriously over built tanks.  I've even bought several "Untested / Parts only" ones that still work well   

Last year I picked up an HP6106A 0-100V for parts, and it does not have any output, I've got the operators / service manual and will begin troubleshooting when I get a little free time, but want to see what the hive mind thinks about the need for complete recapping is.   My first instinct is just to repair it, but my other project that in queue for is to bring my Tek 2445A back into spec, and that really is a recapping project, got me to wondering if I should just order caps for both projects at the same time...

[tkamiya]

My basic philosophy on repair is, "do no harm".  If I see a bulging, leaky, or otherwise damaged capacitor, I'll go ahead and replace it.  I might replace a few more in the same circuit and near by.  But I do not replace every capacitor just because.  I know what manufacturer says about diminishing capacitance, but keep in mind, most caps are +100% and -20% tolerance.  In other words, they are over-spec'd. 

[GerryBags]

I know what manufacturer says about diminishing capacitance, but keep in mind, most caps are +100% and -20% tolerance.  In other words, they are over-spec'd.

I thought that figure refers to the criticality of the capacitance value to the use in the circuit, i.e.: what value can be used as replacement, rather than anything related to the part itself. 

[krefior]

tkamiya - That's in line with how I usually do repairs - the more you replace, the more you risk stumbling onto something that is critical...  And of course even if the unit has double it's spec'd ripple or 1-2% less regulation, it'll still be fine for what I'm doing!

[tkamiya]

Gerry,

That figure comes from a spec sheet I read long time ago.  It refers to the difference between actual value and spec value of electrytic capacitors.  I may have changed but that's what I recall.  Being 80s and I was in Japan at that time, it was probably either Nichicon or Panasonic.