arrrrrgggggh - my new Amana Radarange RR 10 won't heat

[pcasa]

We just got back from our drive to Denver to pick up the RR 10 I bought 2 yrs ago and had stored in a closet until we could pick it up - since I didn't want to ship it. It is the most pristine unit I have ever found - and when I bought it I don't remember testing it - owner said it worked perfectly. It looks as if it were never even used - or used lightly. Got it home - plugged it in - all controls work correctly - fan runs - but no heating. arrrgggghh .... not sure of next steps. I do remember my first RR 10 in 1981 - purchased new - had a failure early on and repairman said sometimes that happens. Anything I can troubleshoot myself or is this potentially a big repair??? I have several others that are not as nice that could be donors.

all suggestions appreciated!

paula

 

[cadman]

Hi Paula,

If the RR gives all indications that it's functioning, but not heating, you're likely looking at a bad magnetron. The good news is parts are available and it can be fixed, the bad news is that it's not a DIY job. Too bad you're not closer to Iowa! -C

 

[volvoguy87]

Diode.

What is the symptom of a failed diode or a bad capacitor?

Also, could a wire have gotten rattled loose on the trip?

I also have an RR-10, but have never worked on it and am trying to keep my ears open so I can service it in the future, should the need arise.
Dave

 

[tolivac]

Diodes and caps fail mostly by shorting-if that happened the oven would blow the fuse inside it.Maybe it might trip the breaker or blow the fuse in the circuit its connected to.In the RR situation above-sounds like something could have come loose-or worse-magnetron has failed-filament burn out-like a light bulb.Vacuum tubes-this includes magnetrons- use a light bulb like filament to make them work-emit electrons so the tube can function.If the filament burns out-dark-tube can't function.

 

[pcasa]

magnetron

Should I go ahead and buy a magnetron on ebay and look for a local repairman who will work on a vintage unit? Or should I call a standard appliance repair service?

 

[tolivac]

Suggest finding a technician that will work on your vintage machine.It will outlast newer ones even if repaired with orig parts.Usually magnetrons are an assembly-this includes the magnetron,diodes,and cap.Uusually when a magnetron goes-it takes out the diode(s) or cap with it.And even if the orig cap and diodes are good-would you trust 40yr old diodes and caps on your NEW magnetron?If those parts failed--there goes your new magnetron!