TV keeps flickering

[oboeguy]

Yes, I know that sounds weird. When it's on, apparently the screen frequently blinks off and back on in an instant. The effect is like an instantaneous flash of white. There's a small clicking sound too.

I unplugged it from everything and guess what? The clicking sound continues! Any ideas what's wrong with it? (FYI, standard, old-fashioned CRT)

 

[RobsTV]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Yes, I know that sounds weird. When it's on, apparently the screen frequently blinks off and back on in an instant. The effect is like an instantaneous flash of white. There's a small clicking sound too.

I unplugged it from everything and guess what? The clicking sound continues! Any ideas what's wrong with it? (FYI, standard, old-fashioned CRT)

Zenith? RCA/GE/Proscan? (If so, stop now, and just toss it in the trash).
Is it more like snapping sound?
Sounds like it is arcing inside. The CRT holds it's charge of about 1000v per inch (27" about 27,000v), even when unlpugged. Eventually it will disapate. If TV has some moisture inside, or dust/dirt inside on the CRT, then some of this stored voltage may be leaking out to the surrounding ground shield. It could also be leaking out of the transformer or focus block that connects to the CRT. Best case is a good cleaning by a pro (don't try this yourself because the stored voltage can lead to accidental death). Worst case is bad CRT or Flyback transformer.

 

[qbert3]

poltergeist