can an old pedal have a bad switch that causes intermittent volume drops?

[Wrong-Note Rod]

I've got an old DOD Milkbox compressor, original issue. The footswitch went bad several years ago and after apparently way too many gigs, I'm wondering if the switch is going south again - or some other problem with it - and if its time for something else.

I've noticed that when this pedal is plugged in, the volume to the output device, PA or amp, will mysteriously drop for awhile and then return to normal after varying amounts of time - sometimes several seconds, sometimes a few minutes. This behavior doesnt seem to happen without the Milkbox in the signal chain.

So, is it possible that a pedal could cause this? I've tried various cables but right now I'm using two Mogamis, one guitar direct to the pedal, one direct to the board or amp, and it happens with the milkbox - but the other pedals are OK.

If my reasoning seems correct, and the likely culprit here is my old Milkbox - a sad day - what is a good relatively inexpensive (under 100$) OPTICAL style compressor? Anybody using one? I dont like the Ross style. Ego etc, most compressors seem to use the Ross and I prefer the optical.

Thanks in advance for any replies that read this all the way thru and dont immediately suggest an Empress or a Keeley or anything else thats out of the budget stated or a Ross style.

 

[cousinpaul]

On the Milkbox, it sounds like a leaky electrolytic capacitor. They are the one component that typically goes bad over time. Can you post a picture of it's innards?

 

[Wrong-Note Rod]

I'll try to do that, but the repair shops that I have used are closed down and thats something I couldnt fix myself. However, thanks, I'll try to post a pic later or tomorrow.