I have a Gaffers Sattler gas wall oven - it won't light. The pilot light is on, but seems weak. I tried turning it up, and nothing happened. Somebody suggested that the Thermocouple is broken, so I'm trying to get a new one. The next problem is get the old thermocouple off. Do I have to pull the oven out of the wall? Looks like I've got to disassemble the oven liner, but I don't know. HELP!!!!!!! Linda
Hello: Linda
First things first. Before you attempt to remove the thermocouple consider this:
Your oven may have one of the other two types of elements that are not thermocouples.
If the oven pilot remains on but the burner fails to turn on, it is most likely not the thermocouple that is the problem. If the pilot remains on, have you attempted to push any red reset button? If there isn't a reset button, then the oven does not have a thermocouple.
The pilot flame may be on but not hot enough to activate the thermocouple. If the pilot flame is yellowed and is touching the thermocouple, the pilot flame will need to be cleared of the lint it has collected in the air opening.
If the oven has one of the other safety elements, I would need to know which type so I can further help you.
Regards
Forum Moderator
Tom_Bartco
Energy Conservation Consultant Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Hi there! Well, you just saved me $40.00 - so far!! That's what the appliance store quoted me for the Thermocouple that I won't need now! There's no reset button, red or otherwise, that I could see. It's got a long wire with a large end that's held in the flame of the pilot light, the other goes through the side ends in a couple of clamps on the top of the oven. It has a long copper colored end, about 3 times the diameter of the connecting wire, that's suspended in the clamps. The flame burns blue, with a little yellow at the tip. Nothing happens when I turn it on, the flame doesn't move at all. Is it a switch then? Where do I go from here? Thanking you in advance, Linda
Hi: Linda
What I believe your now discribing is two different parts.
The part that is suspended inside the baking compartment of the oven is the capillary tube. This part is not heated by the pilot flame. It is attached with two clips on the top of the oven. It's purpose is to sense the temperature inside the oven and the other end of this tube element goes to the thermostat. No need to be concerned with it for the problem condition your having with the oven.
If there is no red reset button, then your oven either has a fluid safety element or a flame switch. Below is determine which one it is.
The fluid safety element attaches by a male threaded nut on the tubes shaft. The nut end is opposite the side that is in the pilot flame. It's screwed into the body of the gas valve.
The flame switch safety elements opposite end has a shiny round end that attaches to the wall of the oven. It has two ear ends with screws used to secure it to the metal of the back wall. Both the flame switch and the fluid safety elements are also heated by the pilot flame and are inside the broiler compartment below the burner.
The flame switch uses house electrical current to activate the safety. Therefore, there must be electric to the appliance and the power MUST BE TURNED OFF prior to attempting any repairs.
Both these safety elements can be tested at the local appliance parts store. However, installing a replacement fluid safety is very tricky. It can be overtightened during installation which would or could render it useless without your knowledge. Be careful!
Final suggestion is to visit the appliance retail store for more information on which element type your oven has exactly and on these parts.
Also be aware that neither of them may be the real cause of the problem. Could be any of several other parts behind the glass control panel and much to involved to fully explain in text only format like this.
Hi! Once again I thank you for your help. Looks like this may be more than I can handle on my own, better bite the bullet get a repairman out! Sometimes the hardest part of doing it yourself is knowing when not to! But it certainly helps to narrow down the field. Again, thanks.
Linda
Tags: wall, oven, light, thermocouple, pilot flame, flame switch, fluid safety, reset button, safety elements, thermocouple pilot, thermocouple pilot flame, button then
