06-17-2013, 08:23 PM
Chances are the vibrator will not be working if the radio has been sitting for many years. What usually happens is that an oxide coating builds up on the contacts which prevents operation. By carefully opening up the bottom where it is crimped to the phenolic pin wafer, you can gain access and remove the mechanism. Then clean the contacts with a thin flat file or folded 220 grit wet or dry sandpaper. This will usually restore proper operation unless the contacts are completely worn out, in which case you will need to find a replacement.
Even a NOS unused vibrator will need contact cleaning as even these are at least 60 years old and the contacts will almost certainly oxidize.
Make sure to replace the buffer capacitor across the secondary of the power transformer with the exact capacitance value high voltage capacitor. This cap acts as a snubber across the transformer and creates a tuned resonant circuit which minimizes arcing and wear at the vibrator contacts.
Even a NOS unused vibrator will need contact cleaning as even these are at least 60 years old and the contacts will almost certainly oxidize.
Make sure to replace the buffer capacitor across the secondary of the power transformer with the exact capacitance value high voltage capacitor. This cap acts as a snubber across the transformer and creates a tuned resonant circuit which minimizes arcing and wear at the vibrator contacts.
