Old caps

[Demonkleaner]

What could be lurking in those old electrolytic caps.......

 

[rayma]

Looks like hazardous waste.

 

[gideon1990]

yeah... maybe don't do that

 

[6A3sUMMER]

Is that potting compound at the bottom?
Just a way to hold the capacitor in place?

 

[Demonkleaner]

Possibly. It looks like it may have liquified at one time and let the actual cap shift.

Could have overheated. They’re all like that.

Look good from the outside. Lost about all

of their ability to hold a charge.

 

[50AE]

Some old caps have potting, probably tar or polyurethane. I suspect it's a key for their sound signature, because they damp and hold the capacitor main body.