PCBs are one of the most dangerous substances ever created. Oil-filled
capacitors containing PCB were made as early as the 1930s. The AR88 was a
wartime set, more likely than consumer radios to contain oil-filled
capacitors.

There is no "safe level" of exposure to PCBs, and they do not break down in
the environment. I would not risk cleaning out the old cans and putting new
capacitors into them. Why not contact your local hazardous waste agency and
find out how you can safely (and legally) dispose of the capacitors?

This web article -- I'm sure you can find many others -- gives some history
about PCBs and their health effects.

http://www.foxriverwatch.com/monsanto2a_pcb_pcbs.html

Just my $0.02.

Phil Nelson

"Bri" wrote in message
...
I noticed some concern as to the possibility (let's not put it any stronger
than that) of PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls) being used in the oil
filled capacitors of RCA AR88's. I have 2 such sets, one of which is
weeping like a baby. I intend to replace the old capacitors with modern
equivalents inside the old cans. Is it really likely to be PCB fluid? If
so, how to safely drain, dispose and clean up the dripped fluid without
wiping out much of Western Europe (or at least myself).

Bri