[Brad Winder]

Hi Rich,
From my experience, unfortunately it is not uncommon to find the power transformer in the 39-116 to be overheated and possibly shorted. I have seen many examples that have either had their transformer replaced or are found with a damaged transformer. My thoughts on these are:
-For the physical size of the transformer and the demand this large chassis is putting on the transformer, they build up a lot of heat.
-The rubber wiring that was used by Philco and other manufacturers at that time deteriorated and shorted. The rubber coating turned rock hard, and the excessive heat accelerated the problem.

I am currently working on a 39-3116X which is the Canadian version of the 39-116X. Philco in Canada didn't use rubber covered wiring (Yay!!!) but on the 39-3116 chassis, they did source a number of specialized parts from the U.S. parent company, two of them being the power transformer and the selector lamp wiring harness. When I found this particular set, it had a replacement transformer haphazardly "installed" and I could tell from the burn marks under the chassis that a catastrophic end had come to the original transformer.

I was able to source a much beefier transformer to put in it...its from a late 40's Philco television! It has all the correct voltage windings, and it will juuuuuust fit into the chassis.