Something inside my 800 w/s flash strobe exploded. But it is still working! What happened?

Question

I plugged it in and heard a slight popping sound. The flash power output was set at 400 w/s. I pushed the 'Test' button to fire the flash and something inside the flash unit exploded. Sounded just like one of those small red fire crackers.
The unit still fires flashes.
I'm assuming that there are several capacitors in parallel in the circuit and that one of them exploded.
Is it possible for capacitors to explode & if so, what causes them to explode?

The unit was a White Lighting, UltraZAP UZ800 Flash Unit.

Answer 1

yes they explode, at least the electrolytic type. they generate internal heat if too much current passes through them, the heat causes the chemicals to expand explosively. you really need to get the unit examined and cleaned. the chemicals from the capacitor are acids that can corrode other components they contact if not neutralized and cleaned out. the technician can spot the defective part visually.