Valveking troubles

[trojanhearse]

I have a Peavey VK112. I went to replace the 6l6's and now when i go to put in the new tube one of the inputs (i guess this is the right term. What im trying to describe is the slot that the tube goes in) wont hold the tube. The other input will hold the tube in place no problem. It's just the one input that won't hold the tube even with the little metal brace you screw on. It seems like it just won't go in right. Help!

[Jazz P Bass]

The 6L6 tubes have a "keying plug" between pins 1 & 8.
The tube can only be inserted one way (unless forced).
I have seen tubes where the keying plug has broken off & stayed in the socket.
Look at the tubes & see if the key is in place on all of them (new & old).

[trojanhearse]

I think the problem is that the actual input for the tubes in loose because it wont stay still and when i push the tube in the input goes into the cavity of the amp

[Enzo]

Did you remove any small screws when taking the amp apart?

[trojanhearse]

Did you remove any small screws when taking the amp apart?

yes

[Enzo]

Then perhaps the reason the tube socket is allowing itself to be pushed inside is that some of the screws that should hold it firmly in place are now no longer there?

[riz]

Be careful here, don't plug this amp in or turn it on. This is not ultimately a big problem but make sure you stay safe while figuring it out. You didn't break anything, if Enzo's hunch is correct (and they usually are!). There are contacts on the "tube socket" that could short out if you try to power it up in this condition. Put those screws back in--you may need to remove the chassis to do this and make sure the filter caps are drained or you could get shocked. It doesn't sound like you're very familiar with this stuff so forgive my warnings if they are uncalled for.

[stevesamps]

These amps are killers they hold a big charge for WEEKS

[jrfrond]

These amps are killers they hold a big charge for WEEKS

I noticed that on one I was working on the other day. Fortunately, it discharged as soon as I plugged the shorted OT back in. (yes, with the power off!).

For the record, I had trouble just removing the tubes in this one! I don't know about you guys here, but I am finding that the current crop of leaf-type retainers that that have a flat bent into them are just a friggin' BITCH to release to get the tubes out!

[CharlieP]

You should not be plugging the tubes back in without putting the retainer screws back in! The circuit board flexes without the support. You can damage the board or crack solder. If you have the bear trap retainers off, the screws are needed for support!