1965 GE Droptop Oven Thermostat Replacement

[starman67]

Does anyone know or have experience replacing the oven thermostat on a Droptop oven? - see pic below

Can the thermostat be replaced through the push button control panel or does the even need to be pulled out?

Thanks,
James

 

[combo52]

GE Mark 27 oven thermostat replacement

I’ve replaced a few of those over the years. You can do it all from the front by removing the panel where the push buttons are, and reaching in and pulling the capillary bulb by reaching under the burners.

John

 

[starman67]

The old capillary bulb broke off in the oven, only the tube part is left. Can I cut the old tube where it connects to the old thermostat and pull the new bulb through the black jacket which already goes through the oven insulation and into the oven ?

Also the new bulb, WB21X5208 (new old stock from 1999 or 2000) is very stiff, and doesn’t seem like it can get through there, but maybe it is inserted at an angle as it is going in, right?

There is no need to push the front guard out of the way, right?

Thanks,
James

 

[combo52]

You may have to bend the bulb part of the sensor slightly, but you cannot bend it very far to pull it through the hole into the oven cavity.

This is not a difficult repair little bit tricky maybe. It should take about a half an hour.

John.

 

[DADoES]

 
I was always anxious about bending thermostat capillary tubes on ovens, dryers, refrigerators, window A/C air conditioners, etc.

 

[starman67]

Any ideas on how to clean contacts? - it’s been in storage for +20 years and there appears to a some layer of oxidation on them? - also, I think they are copper but not 100% sure.

 

[tomturbomatic]

A mild acid like vinegar or Bar Keeper's Friend would clean those. Rinse well then dry.

 

[combo52]

Cleaning terminal connections

This is completely unnecessary on a thermostat has 240 V going through it, they may be discolored because they’re actually silver plated. In any case, it won’t make a bit of difference and you may damage the terminals.

John

 

[starman67]

Yes, the high voltage will punch the current through the tarnish. I might lightly rub the contacts with a silver jewlery cloth, would that hurt it?

James

 

[combo52]

GE oven thermostat terminals

It certainly won’t hurt to polish it gently just don’t go sanding or filing them. Then the terminals won’t fit properly and you will have a problem.

It won’t do any good whatsoever either to polish them a little the female terminals when they push on they cut through any corrosion, it becomes a strong metal to metal contact.

John