Tolerance on aluminium electrolytic capacitors is typically -20% +100%.

Which is why, in a vintage TV, you can replace a leaking 80μF / 200μF can with a modern 50μF + 50μF can. Not recommending the practice, but when that's what you have, you try it!

No hum at all! That's probably down to some over-provisioning in the original design.

The principal objective, unless there is a known issue, is to get the thing refurbished as close as is possible, to be compliant with the original manufacturers circuit. One then finds that it will work and well for a long time. As usual there may be a few niggles when it first starts.

The older electrolytic caps were allowed to draw 10mA before being considered duds. Good modern ones do not draw that amount. Electrolytic caps too far above the rectifier tubes specs can damage it. Hum, rattles & growling can be generated by an overloaded transformer.

The quietest receiver I have ever laid my hands on, was an AWA "Golden handshake" special. It was based loosely on a R301. Full volume no signal that's what you got: Not a murmur. Output: Transformer coupled 6A6.

Turntables with old grease soaps, should have it removed in toto before replacing it with a light grease like an Inox MX3 which can be bought in a tube like toothpaste.

Thanks Marcc, GTC, Ian and Fred,

I get it now; and great to know that I was on the right track.

I reached out to Carl. He only lives about 40 minutes down the Highway in Canberra so I dropped over to say G'day, pick up the right sized capacitors and make a contact in the new world of restoring radios. We had a great chat and it is great to know someone local that I can reach out to in times of need.

The great thing about asking this question is that I have been exposed to different aspects of the problem I had. I now understand much better the theory, the options available and the practical aspects of making shit work. Thank you all for the advice and support.

Cheers

Hey Jolls don't forget the Canberra HRSA meet on the 7th of September. You might find your collection growing lol. For anyone else here that wants to visit its the scout hall in Hovea Street O'Connor. Starts at 10 but I'm normally there around 9 ish .

All over it like white on rice Carl. Will see you there.