Replacing a missing valve base pin

[Gabe001]

Just after some advice

Whilst investigating why my Raymond f17 was too "crackly" (it was one of my first sets, so I hadn't realised at the time) it appears that the pin/solder tag associated with V2 valve socket was missing, and the wiring had been bodged to the valve pin directly using some kind of "sleeving" around the valve pin. The valve in question is an EF39 (octal base) and the missing pin is #3 ie the anode of the valve, of all things.

See picture

I can steal an unused pin from the rectifier socket but I can neither pull not push it out. Can someone explain how this is done? Do I need to bend it straight first?

Thanks
Gabriel

[crackle]

Can you remove both sockets and swap them?

Mike

[Gabe001]

It's possible, with difficulty, so very last resort. I'm sure I could find a valve base on eBay etc if it comes to that, but I've read a number of threads where people swapped pins from one base to another so it's not something terribly unusual for this to happen and swapping pins seems a relatively easy fix

Alternatively I have a thin brass sheet I use for brights, which I could make a new pin from, but this is plan B.

[vidjoman]

It looks like the bends are added after fitting through the hole. You will need to straighten the bends then it should push out.

[Gabe001]

Thank you. I'll give that a go

[Sideband]

Originally Posted by Gabe001

I've read a number of threads where people swapped pins from one base to another

Yes but was this for Octal valveholders or other types? It can be very easy with certain B7G, B8A and B9A holders for instance but other types of holder can be difficult/impossible simply by the way they are made.

[Gabe001]

I don't know what the technical name for the base in the photo is, but I'll update this thread over the weekend as to whether the pin switch is successful or not

[Station X]

Valve holder pins often click into place when inserted. In such cases the sprung part can be pushed back using something like a jeweller's screwdriver.

[Gabe001]

Just to update that the pin transplant was very straightforward. As per Vidjoman I straightened the bend at the bottom and popped it out from the top.

[DonaldStott]

Well done Gabe - yet another success story to add to your portfolio!

Some before and after pictures always welcome...

[Gabe001]

I would have Donald, but it's just the same valve base with the +1 pin, nothing very exciting!
Incidentally the pops and cracked were due to a dry joint elsewhere, and I took the opportunity to reglue the speaker spider which was coming detached.

Here are some pictures of the radio. I had actually worked on this radio about a year ago. "Before" picture showing the smashed case courtesy of parcelforce

The knobs aren't original obviously and the original f17 had a cream speaker grille, but I prefer it in a single colour.

Gabriel