1960 GE Double Wall Oven Parts Needed

[lisalouise]

I am in need of a thermostat for my 1960 GE Double Oven. The model number is J780T1GR. The part number is YP 603848. The catalog number is 276C485P16. It is for the bottom oven, so the tube wire needs to be about 4 feet long. The oven will turn on, but it never turns off.

I am also looking for someone that will rebuild the clock. All of the parts work except for the timer. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I would appreciate any help. I am willing to buy another oven for parts, find someone to rebuild the parts, or purchase the parts themselves. I built my entire kitchen around this beautiful oven and feel silly that I can't get it to work!

 

[robinsondm]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to automaticwasher.org! That is indeed a beautiful oven!

Are you able to get to the back of the timer to remove it from the oven? You will need to disconnect power first, of course (e.g., by disconnecting the appropriate circuit breaker or fuse in your electrical panel). You may also want to label the wires and/or take a picture before you disconnect the wires from the timer, to ensure you can re-install the timer correctly.

Once you have the timer out, you may be able to fix it yourself if you're somewhat handy. That's especially true if the timer uses a Telechron rotor, which it probably does. They often just need some oil added. Let me know if you want to try repairing it yourself, and I can give more information.

Otherwise, once you have the timer removed, you can send it to one of a number of companies that advertise timer repair services. Here are some:

http://www.appliancetimers.com/
http://www.generaltimerepairs.com/
http://stoveclockrepair.com/
http://www.turnerstimerrepair.com/

I've never used any of these companies, though I have repaired timers myself. If you want to try using a repair company, I suggest you call around to compare prices and turn-around times, etc.

Let us know if you have any questions, and good luck!

Dean R.

 

[robinsondm]

Thermostat part #

Hi again,

I was able to find the part number for the thermostat you need. The original part number was WB21X117, which was replaced by WB21X5209. Both parts are officially NLA (no longer available) but WB21X5209 does turn up occasionally. eBay has two WB21X5209 thermostats listed for sale. Unfortunately, both are used and somewhat ratty-looking, and one of them appears to have a wire/tube that's too short(?).

Anyway, you could try buying the eBay thermostat with the longer tube, as long as it's returnable in case it doesn't work. Or, you could keep scouring the internet (and/or set up an eBay search) to look for another WB21X5209. Again, good luck!

Dean

 

[lisalouise]

Our attempts

Thank you, Dean for this help! We did purchase a WB21X5209 part but it was not at all the same as the original part nor does it mechanically work the same way. I will upload a picture of the two side by side. Unfortunaley it took me more than 30 days to talk my husband into pulling out the oven to replace it which is the length of the warranty.

 

[robinsondm]

Hi Lisa,

If you already have a WB21X5209 thermostat, that's great! It won't look exactly like the original thermostat, because it's a newer part. But, based on my research -- and apparently, based on your own research, since you bought the part -- I'm pretty sure you have the right thermostat.

I think you may just need an adapter to get the WB21X5209 thermostat to fit. I will not swear to it, but I think you need mounting kit number WB2X6957, which is readily available. Take a look at pictures of this mounting kit online, and you should be able to tell if it's what you need.

I think you're on the right track, so keep going! Best wishes,

Dean

 

[lisalouise]

Reply 5

It looks like with enough work the newer controller might be able to convert to work. There are holes in the front of it that appear to match the oven mounting. The knobs do not work, and the electrical connectors are not compatible, so will have to modify wiring, but can probably make it work. The problem now is that the tube is two feet too short so have to find a longer one. Any experience in just using a newer digital controller and mounting near by the oven? Thanks Tim

 

[robinsondm]

Should be a 62" capillary tube!

Hi Tim,

The capillary tube on the WB21X5209 should be 62" long. (You can verify this on numerous web sites.) I can't believe you need two more feet of length than that! If your thermostat's capillary tube is shorter than 62", then it sounds like you somehow got the wrong part.

If you paid for a WB21X5209, but didn't get one, then I think you should get a refund or exchange -- even if it is (as your wife said) beyond the normal 30-day return period.

As you probably know, the 5209 thermostat has a D-shaped shaft cross section. If your old knob won't fit, I'm not sure how to remedy that, but maybe someone else here knows of an adapter or other technique to make the old knob fit.

As for using a modern electronic control, I really wouldn't recommend doing that, even if I knew enough to give you detailed instructions on how to make that conversion. I think it would pretty much ruin the aesthetics and charm of having an old oven.

There is a true GE oven expert on this board -- John (combo52). I believe he's a former GE service person. If we can get his attention, I'm sure he can solve all your problems. But in the meantime, I suggest you work on getting the correct thermostat (with a 62" capillary tube). Good luck,

Dean

P.S. -- Have you tried removing the clock/timer yet?

 

[lisalouise]

Timer

P.S. -- Have you tried removing the clock/timer yet?

No not yet, have been starting to lube it before install. Thanks Tim

 

[combo52]

Replacing a Thermostat on a 1960 GE Wall-Oven

Hi Dean, you are correct about the 5209 it is the correct replacement the mounting kit you mentioned has the parts in it to allow the orignal knob to fit.

 

[robinsondm]

combo52!

Hi John, thanks for joining the conversation! It's nice to see my advice validated by the master himself.

As I look at pictures of that mounting kit (WB2X6957) I see that it ALSO contains the parts needed to attach the oven wiring to the new thermostat's terminals. Thanks again,

Dean

 

[lisalouise]

Success!

We (my husband) was successful in installing the replacement thermostat, and it works! I will now work on finding the kit to allow the old knob to fit on the thermostat. I am also sending the clock assembly out for repair. Thank you for the tip on where to get this done.

The last items to fix are the light switch (WB2X1128 and WB2X1129) in the top door and to replace the oven door glass. Does anyone know if oven glass can be cut to fit or if I need to continue looking for the entire window assembly (WB36X83)?

 

[robinsondm]

Congratulations!

Lisa and Tim,

Glad to hear of your progress! I've attached a picture of the parts in that thermostat mounting kit, WB2X6957. I think the part you need to attach the old knob is the round piece with a point sticking out, at bottom center in the picture. There's a mounting kit listed on eBay now for only $12, but from the picture in the listing, I can't tell if that critical piece is included!

It appears from a quick Google search that you can order custom-cut oven window glass. That may be your best option, as it may be almost impossible to find the original window, unless you buy a spare "parts oven".

As for the light switch parts, they seem to be NLA and pretty much unobtainable. The light switch on my late 60's range is not that complicated. All it does is uncover an opening in the oven door, so that the spring-loaded light switch plunger extends, and the oven light comes on. If your switch works the same way, it might be possible to repair the switch, if you take the oven door apart.

As before, John (combo52) knows much more about GE range repair than I do, so I'll let him chime in to correct or expand on anything I've said above. Good luck in getting that beautiful oven back in fully-working condition!

Dean

 

[cadman]

Tim, I'm checking with my friend Ben (swestoyz) as I gave him the identical door in white awhile back to scavenge the light switch from. If it's still around, you've got your glass. -C

 

[cadman]

Damn. He says a scrapper showed up this morning and hauled off the lot!

 

[lisalouise]

Thank you!

Thank you for trying, Cadman! That would have been awesome! I will look to find it custom cut.

And thank you, Dean for the information on the adaptor kit. I just ordered it. If that flat part in the center lines up with the flat side of the dial, we will be in business.

When I take apart the door for the glass, I will look to see what exactly is broken in the switch. Hopefully we can improvise a fix.

Getting closer! Thank you All for your help!

 

[robinsondm]

Oven door on eBay

Hi Lisa and Tim,

I happened to see this GE oven door for sale on eBay. It looks like it might give you both the glass and light switch you need. It appears to be a match for your door, but you could always ask the seller to take some measurements (especially of the window) to be sure.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-195...lectric-Built-On-Wall-Oven-Door-/181734223747

Shipping is expensive, unfortunately, but I imagine it still might be cheaper (and easier) than buying custom-cut glass. Good luck!

Dean

 

[lisalouise]

Oven door

This is perfect, Dean! Thank you! I am off to bid!

 

[robinsondm]

Glad to help. I hope you win it!

Edit: adding a photo for posterity[this post was last edited: 5/7/2015-06:20]

 

[bvf]

ge stove

i had the same problem and an older appliance man up dated my stove which is in my house. so i know it can be done with a new part of such… all parts eccentully do the same things you just need to get a man who was not taught to replace mentality and there are a few left…some men are smart too….