> The problem with your 22mF/35V capacitor is that it's failed, not that
it's
> 35 volts. My guess is that the heat in the engine bay took it out.
> Use the highest temperature spec available. There is a special
"automotive"
> spec, with reason.
>
>   ************************************************************
>     Johan Nyberg, Sweden N 59o E 17o 25"
>     '86 Caravelle C
>   ************************************************************

I agree.  Capacitors have limits as to the amount of voltage it can handle
across its plates. Thus, the rating givin' specifies the MAX dc voltage
that it can withstand before failure. As a rule of thumb, you should always
use a higher rating when designing circuits.

I suspect that the electrolytic (tantalum) capacitor was breaking down.
Heat has a definite reaction to capacitors. This depends on the temperature
coefficients. An example would be 100 ppm/C for a 1 micro farad capacitor
calculates to 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, the capacitor will
decrease by 100 Pico farads. Yes, temperature vs capacitance is inversely
proportional.

Bill
'85 GL
[*Magic*Bus*]
Big Sky Country
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