6080 tube

[audiophileboss]

My 6080 tube wont go in the socket all the way. The back left corner isnt going all the way down. Will this effect the sound? Any suggestions?

[Paul Birkeland]

I would look for obstructions in the socket, like pieces of component leads or even solder that has snuck down there.

It is also possible that one of the fork tines is bent and needs to be bent back into place, just peek around where the tube pins should go and look for issues.

-PB

[audiophileboss]

I found it! It is a solder blob in terminal B6. I have no clue how to get it out. Any help? Should I just get a new part, or can I fix it?

[4krow]

  Try some solder wick first. That may just suck it back out. Much easier than replacement.

[audiophileboss]

Ok, but how could I heat up the solder?

[2wo]

If you heat the bottom of the terminal, the solder may flow down by itself. Maybe use a toothpick of something to persuade it...John   

[audiophileboss]

Thanks, I will try that

[Paul Birkeland]

You'll need 50+ watts of heat, then remove the connection to pin 6, flip the chassis plate over, then heat the joint with the socket pins facing down.

Gravity will be your friend.

-PB

[audiophileboss]

I will try that in the morning

[audiophileboss]

I have spent 3 hours and actually went to buy a new soldering iron. Tried all your suggestions. I actually dont even think this is solder. Any other help?

[galyons]

Replace the socket!  Sounds like you have spent way too much time trying to rescue this one.  Give the Queen a call and get a new octal socket.

Cheers,
Geary

[Doc B.]

If you can't get the obstruction to melt and flow, you might find a drill bit that would fit in the pin hole and try to ream it out. If that doesn't work we can send you another socket. BTW to answer your first question, as long as the pins all make electrical contact it won't affect the sound.

[4krow]

  Just think, you can buy one of them fancy gold plated types and be th talk of th town.

[audiophileboss]

Thanks Doc, glad it wont effect the sound. Queen said she will send me a new one. But that gold plaated one is really making me think. I may do that another day

[Grainger49]

  Just think, you can buy one of them fancy gold plated types and be th talk of th town.

This man is leading your astray.  Don't go drinking with him in Alabama, in a bar where they padlock the door on the inside.

Believe it or not, this is advice I gave a 31 year old Navy diver when he worked for me.  He didn't take it all to heart.