For three days I have stared at a 42-380 chassis trying to find a problem. I recapped and replaced electrolytics, cut out crumbling rubber wire, cleaned pots etc. I could only get one station, and that so faintly I could barely hear it. I traced and retraced my steps, checked everything I could think of....this afternoon I thought Why not change the tubes? Well, I already did that 4 months ago when I bought the radio, but what the hey? And wouldn't you know it, the very first tube I changed (the 6X5 rectifier) the radio came to life and picks up stations better than any radio I have. Glowing doesn't necessarily mean working! I've only been restoring radios for about 7 months so I have a lot to learn, but this lesson goes in my book- It doesn't matter if you DID just buy that tube, put it on the tester!
Been there many times, my friend. There's always that "nah, that can't be it that would be too easy" way of thinking, but sometimes it pays to check the "easy" stuff like the tubes again. Then, like what you experienced, you breathe a sigh of relief knowing it was something THAT simple causing that much grief!
Be careful around that 6X5. I'd rather have a radio that doesn't work than a radio that doesn't work and has a busted transformer. Especially a nice Philco 42-380.
I cannot say how many occasions an old timer has said....Take off all tubes, test them, brush the dirt off the chassis, take the glass out of the cabinet.....
Paul
6X5's have always been a bug-a-boo to restorers. If you stay with the 6X5, try and find the "X" plate configuration. They're more dependable than the flat plate variety. If you're not happy with that idea, according to Riders Receiving Tube Substitution Guide, there are 14 subs for this tube....some straight replacements, others that are configured for a different base and some yet that still can just be rewired.
You can always substitute a pair of 10 cent diodes and put in a fuse and/or fusister for the 6X5 and spare the transformer the rectifier filament draw. Some 6X5GT's have been working for many decades, and when not stressed are about as good as 6X4's etc... Up to you.