SILVER MICA DISEASE

In general, I do not repair radios/tuners manufactured after 1950 due to the potential of them having Silver Mica Disease.

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Radios manufactured after 1950 have inferior IF (Intermediate Frequency) transformers (compared with IF transformers used in earlier radios). These transformers contain capacitors made of silver film on a mica substrate.

The silver is exposed to the elements, causing corrosion, and results in Silver Mica Disease. When Silver Mica Disease is present, a cracking sound like lightning noise is transmitted through the radio.

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Here is a link showing what a radio with Silver Mica Disease sounds like: Silver Mica Disease

I do not rebuild these types of IF transformers (replacing silver substrate capacitor with a mica capacitor), therefore I generally do not repair these radios. Repair will be considered on a case by case basis.

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If Silver Mica Disease is not present during a repair, the radio/tuner will not come with a guarantee. If Silver Mica Disease is present during service, there will be no repair charge.