Asteroids high voltage diode and bottlecap secret

[rzgrip]

Howdy! I am rebuilding an Asteroids monitor. It is a 19V200. I have done quite a few raster monitors but this is my first Vector. I bought a cap kit with transistors from Bob Roberts. After replacing all caps, I then went to replace the frame mounted transistors. I cannot figure out how they come apart! I removed the two screws but I am unsure of which wires I need to unsolder. I am afraid of melting what seems to be some rubber spacers. There is also some sort of metal clip that is somehow involved with the whole mess. I know that this is simple once you know the secret. Also, I noticed that the high voltage diode that is between the flyback and suction cup has some sticky, black, tar like substance on it. Is this normal? Should I just wipe it off or is it some sort of sealant? It just slides out of the plastic hose on each side. It does not look burnt. Should I replace it since I have it apart? I know that these are simple questions for anyone who has done it before but I am a newbie on this one. Thanks in advance!

[rzgrip]

Howdy! I got impatient and took another look. I last worked on it last night when I was sooooo tired! I got the frame mounted bottlecap transistors off. It was of course, simple. They are supposed to slide right off the bracket/spacer, no soldering needed. However, someone decided to add a drop of solder to the one that I was looking at. I guess to insure proper contact. The other three did not have this and came right off. Is the solder necessary? I still need to know about the sticky stuff on the diode. It is also on the suction cup covering the anode. By the way, I bought the machine not working for $40. After rebuilding the power supply, regulator board, and tightening the pcb edge connector, it now plays blind. I can't wait to see an image!