Peculiar FM Tuner fault

[Bonky]

Hi,

I have a Pioneer F-656 FM tuner. All seems well (now I've fixed the aerial) except for one fault. I get a full signal for say 10-15 mins and then it drops with all the associated white noise etc. However, opening the lid and blowing/cooling the 2 output trannies (on heat sinks) temporarily alleviates the problem. I wonder if it's worth fixing as I have internet radio...but I still like the idea of my old tuner.

All the caps seem OK (in that there are no bulges) but three do have a load of white gunge at their bases (see pics if I can upload them OK).

2060220603

Any ideas?
Thanks,
Richard

[Arkless Electronics]

They're probably voltage regulators.... or having spotted the Zener there, series pass transistors for a discrete but crude voltage regulator. It's just a question of whether or not it's worth fixing to you... I charge a pretty reasonable £30 an hour labour, which is also my minimum fee, and including P+P etc it would likely cost £50 ish to repair.

[Bonky]

Thanks Jez, just the feedback I needed. I'll bear it in mind.

Needless to say I wiggled the components, checked for dry joints etc. Thought the 4 caps near the heatsinks were a major suspect - but I can't always reproduce the fault/remedy!

Thanks again,
Richard.