does size really matter?

[gerg]

When replacing capacitors is the actual physical size of the capacitor somehow affect how it will work? Is there a higher failure rate with the smaller size or will they not work at all even to test if it's worth recapping? The reason I am asking is I have quite a few that are just not the same physical size and have been hesitant to even use them because everyone says it should be the same size.

[steve2]

Re: does size really matter?

the same size is because lots of the places for them is crowded and a larger size won't fit. As long as they have the same uf and voltage (or higher voltage), they are fine to use for troubleshooting. If it fits and works, leave it in. If it's in a low esr requirement, then use it to test. Keep the temperature the same or bump the 85c to 105c. They are all smaller now compared to the older caps with the same values. New technology, but seems more failures.