Originally Posted by
manicmike
On a higher AC voltage power supply (all of Europe, UK, Australia, New Zealand etc. actually most of the world) the capacitors prevent sparking from the motor brushes and suppressed AM radio interference. They're not required: I always remove them and throw them away.
The one time I didn't (because they seemed okay) they failed a day after I handed the machine back (it was a service). Taught me a good lesson.
I'd go with the surgeons here: If in doubt, cut it out.
Joe, is Elaine's machine still 220-240V? I'd remove that capacitor, but up to you. When it fails it'll just short circuit and the motor will go to full speed all the time
Mike,
Elaine's 319 is a US model running standard 110-120 volt current. I thought about taking it out, but it's never malfunctioned so I left it. I might regret that, but if so I'll fix it.
Joe