Hello Gordon
Thanks for your interest. Never tried tubes out approach. The transformer was so hot after only 5 minutes operarting, and so much tar oozing out of its base, I knew it was shot. So I pulled it and opened it up, only to discover that all the insulation on the windings was blackened and it stunk something terrible. While I think there was indeed a short involved, I was unsure where it was located. While unwinding the thing, I discovered it was most likely in the primary, which indeed proved to be correct.
As to the rewinding process, I have everything I need to work with on this rewinding project and one day soon I will go ahead with it, and complete the job, for good or for evil.
Regards
Ralph
