OT: gorilla amp issues

[lightningfingers]

i have here a 30 watt Gorilla Amp (solidstate) that ive been using for a few years (its very old, the warranty expired in 1989).
now this little amp used to sound great, but lately its just got muddier and muddier and is now unuseable.
i dont have a schematic, the company wont give me one
ive checked every last thing i could think of inside the amp but everything seems ok
any suggestions?

i dont really know much about amps but i cant afford to have it repaired professionally :?

[AL]

Well, from what I remember that sounds about right for a Gorilla amp.  They were notorious for blowing up all the time back in the late '80's (oops I think I just showed my age) I wish I could help you but I don't know much about amps but that was a very common problem with Gorilla's - so someone should be able to give you an assist. Have you tried over at ampage?

AL

[javacody]

I bet that the electrolytic caps in that sucker need replacing.

[petemoore]

Pots jacks switch [anything inthe signal path that 'moves'] might be due for cleaning.
 I know there are recommendable 'tuner cleaners'...
 just cleaning can make quite a difference.
 I don't know...maybe try changing the power chips and caps?
 recommend a replacement amplifier...finding another similar one might be more cost and time effective.

[lightningfingers]

mm,kay thanks guys.
ill clean it and replace every last cap :?
now for the stupid question. is there an easier way to drain it than shorting the caps to ground?
i lost most of my alligator clips

[Ansil]

medium sized light bulb

[AL]

Ansil ?? Light bulb ?? What?? Please explain it sounds interesting.

AL

[javacody]

Use a screwdriver to short the caps to the chassis.

[Ansil]

well depending on the voltage of the amplfer
u can take a light bulb of fairly medium to high voltage. also its a dc system so we need a dc bulb..  and tie one end to ground.. and with some means of  connnecting it to the power supply caps. it will try to light the light . u should use a resisor in series with this too..  there is enough energy in there to light a light bulb.. and a light bulb loves eneergy so why not put it to good use..


so u get a safe harmless way of disipating the energy

[AL]

Ansil thanks for the explanation.  Great idea.  I would be very careful with that screwdriver method - and wear safety glasses.  It's definitely not the recommended method but it will work in a pinch.

AL