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Hi everyone.

I built my beloved 18-watter in Nov. 2008. It's been rock solid until today.

While I was playing the power cut out.

I checked the fuse -- it doesn't look blown -- and the tubes all look okay.

Any ideas?

Voltages? I'm assuming you checked those? My initial thought would be a blown tube.

I haven't opened it up yet. I replaced all the preamp and power tubes one by one. No dice.

I don't have a spare EZ81 to try.

I gues the next step is opening it up and testing voltages.

Voltages will confirm your rectifier. Be careful!

"Power cut out" as in the ac power to the amp or the amp lost output? Is the pilot light out? Check the fuse with a meter, not by eye. Is the amp plugged into an outlet strip? Check that breaker as well or try the amp in another outlet. If it's still a no-go move forward from there.
It's typically the simple things

Joe G

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There's no output from the amp. The pilot light's out.
Power strip's fine -- my backup amp and pedal board work off it.
Would I use a simple continuity tester on the fuse?

Yes sir, test the fuse with a continuity tester/ohm meter. The pilot light on the 18 is a neon I believe (not 6.3V off the filament power), so this is good that the problem is most likely before the power transformer. There are only a power switch, a fuse holder, the ac power connector and the power cord before the indicator. I would suspect wiring first, the power cord and possibly your soldering. If you verify that the fuse is good, try a different power cord and then lastly, check your power wiring. Work your way from the wall in...

Joe G

_________________
Some assembly required,
Brain sold separately...

Thanks for the advice guys. Can't wait to get home tonight to work on it.

Eliminated the fuse and power cord.

Time to open it up.

I think it's the transformer. Soldering's good on the power switch, fuse holder and AC power connector.

I've got AC at the power connector but no DC on any of the tubes.

*sigh*

My amp tech's John Fletcher (The Arts in Newmarket uses him).

Guess I'll have to go see him.

Even if the transformer were out the pilot light shouldn't be unless it's run off of the filament power for some reason. If it's a neon it should be hard wired to the AC after the fuse and switch. If the fuse is good check the switch next and so forth upstream.

Joe G

_________________
Some assembly required,
Brain sold separately...

We have power.

I used my continuity tester and found a loose joint at the pilot light. It was on the bottom of the tab and I didn't see it with a visual check.

Lesson learned -- don't trust your eyes.

Thanks for all the help guys. Although I'm sure my wife is silently cursing you.

Rock On!

_________________
Stephen
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