SVT CL repair - process and safety

[davens]

Background - just bought an SVT CL that had the power transformer come loose during shipping. It needs a re-tube (obviously) and some of the leads on the transformer repaired, otherwise looks good.

I've tested the transformer using 6VAC on the primary instead of mains and the voltages I'm seeing on the secondary side look like they are in the right range (proportionally). I found the schematics and assembly drawings on this forum and I'm going to go ahead and fix up the transformer and put everything back together and I have a couple of questions:

1) Does the phase (polarity?) of the HV leads matter? (Red/Red, Yellow/Yellow on the power transformer). It's indistinguishable without using an oscilloscope, and looking at the schematics is immediately rectified anyways.

2) Is it safe / wise to power up the amp without the power tubes (or possibly even the preamp tubes as well) and check the DC voltages at some of the test points in the schematic? Following safe practices of course.

3) I have a few old 6L6's lying around. Can I run the amp with 6L6's at low volume for a short duration as a sanity check before putting in brand new 6550's or KT88's?

Thanks

Edit: 4) Are there any other checks you recommend before powering up for the first time?

[Gtr_tech]

6L's are a no go in that circuit.....plate voltage is too high. You can run it with just one pair of 6550 installed for testing, just remember that the bias point will change with all 6 output tubes installed. With no output tubes installed plate supply may exceed the rating of the first filter cap, so proceed with caution if you plan to do that. Watch the voltage come up on a meter and kill it if it gets over the cap's voltage rating.

[g1]

As far as the polarity of the AC windings, it won't matter. Generally, if it were an issue they would add a marking to one of the wires, such as a stripe or something.

[davens]

Thanks for the tips. Everything's up and running.