Carver TFM-35X testing advice

[n1ims]

I've recently replaced several blown/open/shorted components in the right channel of a Carver TFM-35X that I received, dead. I'm looking for recommendations on how to best test this. Unfortunately, the mechanical design doesn't lend itself to easily getting to both sides of the board, so it pretty much has to go completely back together, so I even if I didn't mind blowing through parts with repeated tests, it would take forever.

Is it possible/safe/wise to use a dim bulb tester or variac on this design of amplifier? I've found conflicting info on whether this is a plain jane class a/b amp or one of their more outside of the box designs.

I'm also puzzled by the use of a rubber gasket between the power transistors and heat sink with no grease. Should I add the traditional compound when reassembling it?

If anyone is curious, I can provide the details on what I found for dead components in the right channel and what I replaced. I'll attach a link to the schematic for reference.

thanks,
Dave
http://carvermanuals.com/manuals/Amplifiers/TFM-35x Service.pdf

 

[Old-School]

And no, it is not plain jane amp design.

 

[n1ims]

Ok thanks.
Yes, it was a lot of work to remove the heat sinks and get the board free enough to replace the components. I also ended up making a jig to get the spacing and height proper on the transistors so that the heat sink mounting holes would line back up.

I did check out xraytonyb's video. I did not see him do any sort of slow startup/variac/dim bulb, it seems like he just went for it. Unfortunately there was no root cause for the smoke. I watched one of his other carver videos where he did go step by step through a repair. At least in that one it had a proper bottom panel so he could get to both sides reasonably well.

thanks,
Dave

 

[n1ims]

So no recommendations on whether it’s safe to Variac this one?

Thanks,
Dave