Hi Phil.

Thanks for that, you highlight my dilemma well. I don't think many people
realise that PCB's have been around for as long as they have. I only became
aware of the possibility when I came across a query by P Bertini. The
simple tests suggested by AndyB above look promising in this regard.

B



"Phil Nelson" wrote in message
...
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

"Bri" wrote in message
...
Hi Phil.

Thanks for that, you highlight my dilemma well. I don't think many people
realise that PCB's have been around for as long as they have. I only
became
aware of the possibility when I came across a query by P Bertini. The
simple tests suggested by AndyB above look promising in this regard.

B


Bri

Check this website by EA5 amateur:

http://www.jvgavila.com/ar88_2.htm

He claimed the capacitors had PCB dielectric, something I've never
been able to confirm. A few other restorers have claimed that the
original metal capacitors were leaky enough to cause AGC and
other sensitivity problems on their AR-88x receivers. I haven't
worked on or restored mine as of yet, so I am neutral on the whole
issue.

Pete