08-28-2018, 11:00 AM
Test the viability of the power transformer by removing both 6X5's. Turn on and immediately listen for sizzle noises in the power transformer. Continue to wait for another 10 minutes or so, if all is well no sizzles, smoke bad smell or over-heating, then the transformer is O.K. A seriously shorted transformer would trip the circuit breaker, an open primary (bad power cord, switch), no pilot lights.
Melted transformer potting is not always a sign of a bad transformer but of an overload such as leaking filter caps.
The test assumes that all tubes have no shorted filaments, pilot lights are not shorted and underside wiring has not been tampered with.
Such a test allows for more negotiating room if the transformer is ruined, or a chance to walk away
YMMV
Chas
Melted transformer potting is not always a sign of a bad transformer but of an overload such as leaking filter caps.
The test assumes that all tubes have no shorted filaments, pilot lights are not shorted and underside wiring has not been tampered with.
Such a test allows for more negotiating room if the transformer is ruined, or a chance to walk away
YMMV
Chas
Pliny the younger
“nihil novum nihil varium nihil quod non semel spectasse sufficiat”