OK, faced with the fact that not being able to open it was going to cost me about $40 anyway for a new power supply I decided to get a bit brutal with it. Hammer a flat blade screwdriver 'gently' into one end and virtually break the unit open. I dont think there is another way really. I will have to reglue/tape-up the casing though.
So yes, the repair worked exactly as described. Nothing apparent wrong with the capacitor but replacing it fixed the problem.
FWIW I used a 63V capacitor from Jaycar in australia that cost 95cents.
Thankyou new forum buddies!