Radio died but then came back

[Jim3inVirginia]

Went for a joyride today, no sound coming from the radio. Worked fine last time I drove it about a week ago. It's a standard original Electronic Search Cassette (ESC) Radio Chassis, one of a couple spares I got from a generous individual on TSTSNBN several years ago. Been enjoying this particular chassis for a couple years now.

Display lights up like it should, but no sound from FM1, FM2, AM. SEEK works but never stops as it never finds anything, either on FM or AM. Antenna on the fender is tight. Eventually I heard what almost sounds like occasional static, not radio static but an occasional faint crackle. Got home and tried a cassette tape-- mechanism works but still no sound. Came back after about an hour to try it again and now everything works.

Does it sound like it's on it's last legs and just a question of time before it goes silent for good? I've got another spare I can swap it out with. Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Grog6]

If you look at the board, you will find a bunch of bad solder joints, with tiny rings in the solder. resoldering them all, with fresh solder will fix it. I use Kester 44 in .031 size, and you must use a grounded soldering iron. You should wear a ground strap, like you're working on a computer.
I used to do that for a living,30 years ago.

 

[Jim3inVirginia]

Thanks for the advice, sounds like a fix.