Hello to anyone who is reading this.

I have an SPI Metal Halide Lamp that only works part-time. And most of
the time it won't light up right, it just flickers away without much
output.

I don't know much about this kind of lamp. My theory is that if the
lamp will light properly, if even for brief moments, then the bulb
itself is probably okay.

Becasue of the trouble it has getting the bulb to light properly, I
have a theory that the ballast is the likely culprit. Am I close to
the truth, or close to being a dufus? Maybe I'm way off.

The ballast consists of a fairly hefty transformer from "Advance" rated
for 400w and 300v. The capacitor is a metal can rated for 24uf @400VAC
with an internal resistanced of 1.0 Megohm.

How doe one troubleshoot this combination? I have another theory that
would like to believe that it is the capacitor at fault. Perhaps it is
wishful thinking. How does one test whether the cap is working
properly?

I have a good Beckman multimeter and desoldering/soldering tools, a
good assortment of hand tools, large and small, and some skills. Just
not with ballasts and lighting. Any help, procedure, advice is much
appreciated.

Thanks,
Phil Simpson.