I have setup MAX232CPE with 1uF capacitors.When I switch off power & repower it won't work.When I remove the max232 & replace it to the same IC base its working.
I have found that the MAX232 is fairly flexible AFA cap value is concerned, did you do a voltage check on the pins when it fails, or compare the two conditions?
Max.
Do you have a capacitor across the supply rails, you need one.
Have you used good quality capacitors.
And are they still ok, a leaky cap can mess things up.