GE DD2-F2 Range throwing sparks

[gogocactus]

Hello,

I recently purchased a really old cabin and it came with this beautiful vintage (1947ish?) oven. I can't find the name of the model, but the category number is General Electric DD2-F2. Pictures attached.

In any case, all the burners work and the oven has been working well for the past two months. However, about a week ago I was heating the oven up and it began sparking from the back right bottom corner, inside the oven. I was able to shut the oven off before a fire started. I have not turned it on since. I have had no luck finding anyone locally who can evaluate the problem, and I am no electrician. Would anyone happen to know what the problem might be? What parts may be involved? And whether it can be fixed? For reference, I did have an electrician out here to inspect the electrical system in general, and that appears to be in good shape.

 

[ken]

I know others here will chime in. Could it be the element shorting out? I believe this is old enough that the elements were attached to the underside of a metal pan rather than being exposed. The element should just pull out. It has three prongs that plug into a ceramic receptacle in the back wall of the oven. I have a single oven GE like this one. I also have a two oven 1953. When I got it one of the bake elements was burned through. I got a replacement element. [this post was last edited: 1/31/2018-11:18]

 

[rolls_rapide]

It might be 'resistive heating' caused by a bad connection, where a wire actually connects to the heating element.

I've experienced it with an old electric bar fire (ceramic bars, wound with nichrome wire, thumbwheel screw fittings). The metal contact/supports had rusted, causing intermittent flashing and sizzling. Buffing with emery paper and tightening the thumbscrews just delayed the effect for a time; it kept returning.

 

[turquoisedude]

It sounds as if the lower bake element or perhaps the connector for the oven element is failing.  

 

Would you be able to post a picture of the oven and element?  

 

The older style connector and plug-in oven element are not easily obtained, however a direct-wired element of the right wattage can be substituted.  

 

[norgeway]

Beautiful range

I think the pushbuttons came out in 48, this should be a very easy fix, DO NOT call a repair service unless you know one who has a older repair tech, all these so called places do now is tell you how dangerous old appliances are..BULL, This range will be around when all the junk sold today is in the landfill, just needs a element I believe,n John Lefever can help you I'm sure.

 

[gogocactus]

Thanks everyone! As soon as I have a warm day, I will get those parts out and examine them. I will post the pictures.

 

[gogocactus]

Hi everyone,

It looks like the heating element is burned straight through in one section. Yikes! No wonder it was sending out sparks. Any idea where I could procure one of these elements?

 

[turquoisedude]

Oh boy, that's an unusual style of element!  I am kinda surprised it's a Calrod - I would've guessed it had been an open coil type!  

 

If you have any way of getting the full model number of the range (it may be on the back of it), you can try searching for it on-line.  If there are any well-established repair shops in or near you, take the element to them and they may be able to find a replacement.  

 

I'll have a look in my Canadian GE books on the weekend - I may not be able to find an exact part number but hopefully I'll be able to find the correct wattage for a "modern" replacement.  

 

[ken]

That's the same one that was bad on the 53 I mentioned above. I was lucky enough to find one on ebay at that time but they're no longer being produced for some time. Since I was lucky enough to find the exact one I didn't look into a possible modern one that would be an acceptable replacement. If a modern replacement cant be found I believe Ralph (rp2813) has mentioned in the past a company that custom makes heating elements.   

 

[gogocactus]

Thanks so much for looking into that, turquoise!

By the way, do you know if it would be possible to switch the broiler element into the baking element spot? They appear to have the same plug.

 

[rp2813]

Specs on the broiler element might not be the same even if it looks like a perfect match.  If you attempt a change-out, there's a possibility you'll be looking to replace that one too.

 

As Ken mentioned above, I've had success getting replacements for the bake element on my mom's '49 Westinghouse, but I don't know the actual supplier who does this.  I just took the old element to an independent appliance parts store near me and they had a new one made for me by an outside source.  The guy recognized it as out of a Westinghouse as soon as I walked through the door.   Turn-around time was only a day or two.

 

I suggest contacting independent appliance parts stores in your area and asking if they're able to have replacement bake elements made to order.  A new element might not be the same shape, but if it isn't, it will come with its own integrated supports/spacers to keep it from making direct contact with the bottom of the oven.

 

If you can't find a source near you, the place near me could possibly be willing to have you send them the element or provide pictures of it, arrange for a replacement to be made and ship it to you. 

 

Here's a link to Yelp's reviews for this business, which includes contact information.  I think John is the guy who has been there forever and the one I've dealt with.

 

 

 

 

http://https//www.yelp.com/biz/appliance-parts-company-san-jose

 

[ken]

Thanks for the information Ralph.