electrolytic caps… how to test if they are still good?

[NewBanana]

I started building pedals in 2008… plenty came out well and I collected a decent stock of components. But I developed an allergy to rosin. Needless to say the smoke from soldering put an end to my building. But long story short, enough time has passed that my allergy is gone and i’ve picked up the iron again.

So I have a stack of components but I’m wondering about the electrolytic caps. There is a chance they have dried up and so to prevent future frustration I’d like to test them… but I’m not sure how.

My DMM doesn’t have the functionality. Is there something I can rig up to test if they are working?

Thanks in advance
- chris

 

[BuddytheReow]

Charge up your capacitor and try lighting a led. Here's a thread I wrote while learning some basic theory

Buddy's Breadboard to Learn Some Theory - Semi-Guitar Related

Breadboarding has opened up a whole new world for me in terms of circuit analysis and design. The purposes of this thread is for me to share some of the knowledge I have learned about circuits. I am currently going through "Electronics for Dummies" and it is proving to be extremely helpful to...

forum.pedalpcb.com

 

[NewBanana]

Charge up your capacitor and try lighting a led. Here's a thread I wrote while learning some basic theory

Buddy's Breadboard to Learn Some Theory - Semi-Guitar Related

Breadboarding has opened up a whole new world for me in terms of circuit analysis and design. The purposes of this thread is for me to share some of the knowledge I have learned about circuits. I am currently going through "Electronics for Dummies" and it is proving to be extremely helpful to...

forum.pedalpcb.com

awesome. thanks! it’s amazing how much i forgot in 13 years…

 

[BuddytheReow]

awesome. thanks! it’s amazing how much i forgot in 13 years…

It will all come back to you rather quickly from what I've heard...

 

[Stickman393]

Assuming the electrolyte hasn't leaked out...

Reforming the plates may be possible. Something about applying the rated voltage for some period of time...or like, a fraction of the rated voltage, then slowly increasing.

Never did it myself.

 

[PBWilson1970]

How long should say a Xicon 16volt electrolytic last in a parts bin, not subjected to any temperature or humidity extremes? I know that electrolytics crap out in amplifiers after decades through watching repair videos on youtube, but hadn't given a thought to my own parts stash.

 

[NewBanana]

How long should say a Xicon 16volt electrolytic last in a parts bin, not subjected to any temperature or humidity extremes? I know that electrolytics crap out in amplifiers after decades through watching repair videos on youtube, but hadn't given a thought to my own parts stash.

I believe the rated shelf life on average is 10 years. but there are clearly thousands of pedals and amps in the world that do just fine for decades. so i think the reality is a combination of build quality and randomness thrown in.

but even if a 10 year old cap is fine when you put it in, how long does it stay fine? anyone’s guess i suppose.