Need advice for my 54 GE range

[southernmdgeguy]

I took it apart today to install new indicator bulbs, and clean up the 50+ years of grease. I used some electrical equipment grease remover on and around the right side control buttons, and now they will hardly move. I used ez off bam grease remover on the left buttons after the failure on the right side, they are working perfectly. This is the problem, no matter what I have tried on the right side controls, they hardly move, I have tried the Bam stuff, then WD-40, and electrical lube stuff, nothing is working. Anyone ever had this happen? I have to tap on the buttons with sissor handles to get them to move to position, otherwise they go to a position where they are all at the same height and sort of lock up that way.
Any help or ideas are appreciated!!

Scott

 

[southernmdgeguy]

I went from this...

Nasty!

 

[southernmdgeguy]

to this,

at least it is clean... right burners won't be able to work, but clean... I hate when I mess things up that used to work..

 

[cadman]

You're not going to like this.....

but, it would be best to pull out the switch modules. Take note of the wires and their locations, take a couple digital pics for reassembly, remove those switches and open 'em up. Clean out all the grease, the cleaners, the gunk that's built up. Apply a thin film of white lithium grease where the buttons exit their case, make sure the contacts are clean and in good order, and reassemble.

It's a lot of work but at least you'll know the electrical side is in good order!
Good luck, Cory

 

[southernmdgeguy]

I think you are right..

Nothing else is working, and they worked fine before. I did not know they came apart. I hope the old wires will not be too bad to work with, but guess if they break, it was time to replace them.

Thanks!

 

[toggleswitch]

Yummy range though.

More pics please.

 

[southernmdgeguy]

Well, here are a couple of it working

before I tried to improve it.. BTW, I just pulled one of the button sets out, interesting, the back wires are just stripped where they run thru the contact area, the other side had wire loops. I had to slightly break the cover to open it as it had brass things holding it closed. I took the air gun and cleaned out all the gunk, and lightly sprayed some white grease in, so far no improvement but I am letting it sit.

 

[southernmdgeguy]

One of the first

really grungy pictures, lots of years of dirt and grease. The oven cleaned up great except the plate over the lower element. I miss it already, it has become the only oven I bake in.

 

[toggleswitch]

Ah yes, I remember this one!

FABULOUS

 

[toggleswitch]

The stove is great- the pots however....

Ducks and runs.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

switch I swear to god

I'm gonna have to attend the Tuscon washin just to give you
an asswhippin' !!!!!

 

[drmitch]

Did you try contact cleaner on the switches? Just a thought.

 

[toggleswitch]

My @$$ is already promised to ONE. Sorry.

 

[customline]

Nice GE

Keep working on those switches, they will free up eventually. As for the wiring, I would check it over really carefully. The first priority is the burner wiring. This will be the first to go. Get yourself to an appliance parts store and buy a few feet of 12 guage glass braided RANGE WIRE. You'll be glad you did.

 

[southernmdgeguy]

Thanks Kevin,

I tried into the night last night, and again this morning, so far no progress on the switches. I can't see down into them enough to see how they are supposed to work, but other projects have priority, so it will have to wait. I will try to find some of that wire, as one of the higher wattage small burners only works on the center portion, I have not dug into that problem yet. The others all work, or did..

 

[rickr]

Hi Scott
I worked at an appliance repair shop while in high school. We used to get blenders in for repair that had the same type of pushbutton switches,with the same problem as yours. What we did was to soak the switch assembly in solvent for a few hours,then work the buttons for awhile,then blow the switch out with compressed air.
Good luck with that. Love your vintage stove!
Rick

 

[filterflo]

Scott, I can probably find you a used replacement switch if need be. They are often hard to rework when damaged. Let me know if I should look for one for you. Be glad to help.....