1950s GE range needs help.

[volvoguy87]

I've got a friend in Savannah, GA who has a later 1940s or 1950s? GE range and it's sick. The oven won't get any hotter than about 250-300 degrees. She checked the model number and it's J244WIN2. Would this be a thermostat issue?

What do you think?
Dave

 

[jamman_98]

If he wants to fix it...

There is a place in GA that repairs appliances. He might get help there.

Joe
jamman_98

http://www.antiqueappliances.com/process.htm

 

[circlew]

Hey Dave, It's possible the thermostat has slipped out of calibration. It may be able to be adjusted to work better, but doubt it will adjust enough to be normal. Is this a model with separate function (Off, Bake, Broil) and temp switchs? If so, GE may still stock a thermostat that will work with this range.
If the range is a old as you say, it may have coil oven elements instead of Calrod - not sure when they switched over. Are all of the elements heating as they should when it's on? If they do, and they just shut off too soon, then it most likely is a problem with the thermostat. If some of the elements don't heat at all, they may be burned out or a wire may have come loose, or the contacts in the control may have gone bad. I would have to see a wiring diagram for this particular model to know how the elements are connected and switched. Hope they can get it working without too much trouble.

 

[appliguy]

According to my research...

The stove in question is a 1954 GE Spacemaker Range. I have a feeling Dave is right....there might be something wrong with the thermostat, but I also wonder could the Calrod element in the oven be going bad???....PAT COFFEY

 

[volvoguy87]

I'll ask what the selector says tomorrow.

Yup, it's a Spacemaker. I haven't seen the range since 2007, but the owner's pretty good. I hope she'll keep it.

Dave

 

[appliguy]

It has Calrods in the oven..

according to my 1954 dealer brochure...PAT COFFEY

 

[circlew]

Another possibility is that the Calrod element may not be making good contact where it plugs in to the socket,if this one is not wired in direct. If direct wired there could be a loose connection at the terminals.

 

[volvoguy87]

I heard back from the owner.

She double checked the elements and the lower one has snapped in 2. Is this a generic part or is it a GE part? Anyone know a part number?

Thanks for your help,
Dave

(She really wants this one to remain as her one and only range)

 

[volvoguy87]

Bumpity

Bump bump,
Dave

 

[rp2813]

I don't think you need a part number. Just bring the old element in to the parts store. Even today, I could go to most any independent appliance parts store and order a replacement oven element for my mom's (now "oldhouseman" Greg's) '49 Westinghouse. In fact, last time I did it just a few years ago, I walked in with the old element and the guy saw me and exclaimed "Westinghouse!" before I even got to the counter.

If it's a Calrod element that has broken, this should be a cinch to get replaced, presuming the element pulls right out as on the Westy.

If it's a coiled type, there is likely a Calrod retrofit. The Westy got switched over to Calrod from coiled probably back in the late 60's or early 70's, and there was no problem getting new Calrod elements for it after that. They are usually made to order, but not very expensive.

Good luck!

Ralph