Hi,
I have an I Mac G3 CRT model with a slot loading drive. The computer has a weird problem. When I use it, it will randomly shut down. The screen sometimes warps before losing power. The power light is not on and the computer is not making any sounds at all after these random shutdowns. The mac sometimes refuses to turn back on for about 10 minutes after a random shutdown (power button wont work). The problem has been getting worse. First about 20 minutes, then 10, then 5. Now it won't run for more than 3 minutes and sometimes wont even power on. Could this be a power supply issue or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
But it sounds like it could be:
1) Overheating
2) A Dying PRAM battery
3) Other hardware failure
You might try searching the forum if you haven't. Your problem sounds vaguely familiar to me, as if I'd seen it discussed before.
Sounds like the all too familiar PAV board problem that so many CRT iMacs eventually succumb to. The CRT iMac design is unfortunately overly susceptible to overheating. Read an earlier thread here:
http://www.applefritter.com/node/5552