How long are caps good for ?

[JasonG]

Hey guys I got hold of this sweet euro stario from the late 60 early 70s this thing is loaded with caps, resistors and diods. Most of the caps are the same kind that are in my Vox V846 thoes are metal film right ? I was just wandering how long thoes last ? are they worth getting off the pcb's or should I just go for the tranneys? Thanks
                                                          Jason

[Paul Marossy]

How long they last is largely determined to what kind of conditions they have been subjected to, and for how long. A lot of those caps may very well be still within tolerances, but the only way to really know is to check them with a capacitor tester. With something that old, I personally would probably not bother with it.

[Joep]

Electrolytics are known for drying out, depending on the quality they will last 10-20 years. I wouldn't use them any more.

The other stuff might be fine.

Personally I'm not very keen on using "old" components again.

Bye,

Joep