Need help dating a GE 40 inch dual oven stove model J-408X2WH and finding owners manual

[MomSews4me2]

The research that I've done thus far tells me that the J-408 models were the Delux Liberator Series. I had called GE a few years ago and even sent them photos; they in turn told me it was a 1963 and sent me that years paperwork. It is not a 1963. I found a post on the internet of someone who posted a picture of a manual that had my stove in the inner pages; this person stated that their stove was a 1967 (that picture matches my stove). However, they gave no model number, and several time a year I comment on that post trying to reach this person with no response. I no of nowhere else to turn but hopefully here someone can help.

Here are the details of my stove:
Cook-top: Push button controls, 4 burners on left side of stove. 2 six inch burners, 2 eight inch burners. Front left burner is a Sensi-Temp, push buttons for this burner are marked "Grill, 8 inch, 6 inch, 4 inch, and Off"; temperature control is a dial, you choose either by degree or simmer, low, medium, etc. The grill button for the front left burner controls the front left and back left burners together; temp control again is the dial by degree of simmer, low, medium, etc. Remaing 3 burner control buttons read "Hi, 2, 3, Lo, Wm, and Off". All buttons and dials are on the front upper panel. There are 2 appliance outlets (1 timed, and 1 not). It takes a 30watt fluorescent lamp 33 inches long.

Panel Controls (from left to right):
Left Oven dials (oven set and oven temp). Clock dials (Start and Stop Time, Clock, Minute Timer). Right Oven dials (oven set and oven temp). Sensi-Temp dial (temp [150 to 500], and Boil [simmer to Hi]. Burner Controls (Upper [GE Logo], Middle [left rear, right rear], Lower [left front sensi-temp, right front]. Meat Thermometer setting. Cook top light is below the panel controls, and appliance outlets are below light on right side of work area.

Ovens:
Left Oven is 11 inches across, Oven Set (Off, Bake, Timed, Broil), Oven Temp (Warm to Broil). Right Oven is 23 inches across, Oven Set (Off, Bake, Time Bake, Rotisserie, Broil), Oven Temp (Warm to Broil). Each oven has 1 straight shelf, and 1 reversible shelf.

Everything from the Sensi-Temp Burner, Grill, Rotisserie, and even the Meat Thermometer works. I did have to replace the right rear burner, the cook-top fluorescent lamp, and both oven lights.

I am also trying to find out if the control panel is backlit. The dials are rather dark unless you have good lighting from above the stove. That or my eye sight is going...LOL! I do not want to take it apart just to see, you know...'if it isn't broke, then don't fix it!"

 

[MomSews4me2]

2nd Picture of GE 40 inch dual oven stove model J-408X2WH

Hope this is a better picture! I have better pics of the control panel, one in a single shot; and 4 up-close sections.

Thank you to anyone who can help.

 

[pulltostart]

1963

If your model number is J408X, you have a 1963 model.  I am looking at a Builder's Catalog for 1963 and there it is!  GE built the almost-identical range in 1962 (only graphics and console colors differ) and that range was a J408W.  I have the 1961 version of this and it's a great stove.  The only worklight is the one that is illuminated in your second photo; the oven controls/burner controls were not backlit.

 

lawrence

 

[bajaespuma]

And just like the "X" 1963 Washers and Dryers, the color on the backsplash shifted (very economically) from black in 1962 to grey in 1963. From what I've heard, these are great stoves.

 

[MomSews4me2]

To Lawrence

Thank you for your reply.

I'd love to see the "Builders Catalog for 1963" do you know where I might get a copy?

You also seem to know your GE models quite well. I've learned that the Sensi-Temp burners had quite abit of problems. I am so lucky that mine still works. I dread the day should it ever give out. Just in case do you know anyone who works on them? When I replaced the right rear burner, I found a wire that was cut and taped off that around the Sensi-Temp burner, so my thoughts are that it had been repaired at one time or other. So you see this concerns me.

Also, the left oven door is missing the spring that goes to the hinge for the right side of the door. I originally thought the door was warped, but it's the spring that is missing. Sad that I just noticed this after moving it to my new location.

I bought the stove 8 years ago from a second hand appliance store for $150. I love this stove, and it's just wonderful during the holidays. Best purchase I've ever made. I'd love to find a frig to match!

Brenda

 

[pulltostart]

Brenda

The catalog - I found my copy on Ebay, they occasionally turn up.  They were printed and bound annually by McGraw-Hill into a collection known as the Sweets Catalog, and given to architects and engineers.  If I had the ability to scan, I would send you some of the information.

 

GE - When I was young, I lived for a time in Air Force housing that was built in 1959 and included a full house of GE appliances.  Later, in late 1960, an aunt and uncle built a new home and they selected GE for all of their appliances.  Between these two things, I really grew to love GE's design.

 

Sensi-Temp - The unit on my 1961 works, but I rarely use it.  I think they are almost impossible to replace (if they should die), except by converting to a conventional unit.  I've seen several ranges where this has been done and they work fine, but the controls are kinda wonky because they require new controls (usually an infinite rotary knob).  Others on this website know more about how to work/repair and some are sources for parts.  A lot of spare parts are out there, you just have to know where to look.  Combo52, for one, is a great source of information on vintage appliances.

 

lawrence

 

[norgeway]

I replaced my "Meal Sentry" switch on my Norge

With a 7 heat switch, works great!

 

[kevinjmsn]

GE parts for this stove model!

hi,

my name is kevin Jamison. I am a property manager out in California. One of the homes I manage has this exact model of GE stove in it.. the J-408X2WH .. the two front burners are not functioning. I spoke with GE and they said they had a replacement burner for the front left (I think) burner.. but that I would have to search for the front right burner.. does anyone on here know where I can find a replacement burner for this unit??? Can they be found? do they exist? I'd rather get the stove repaired since it is custom fitted into its space in the kitchen at this particular property.. otherwise I will be getting rid of this stove..

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[behzad]

To: Kevinjmsn

Hey Kevin:
congratulations,that's looks nice;
and about the replacing part which you looking for:I must confess,you should be patient and continue your searching.I had same problem as yours with my old dishwasher,service center told me:that is too old and there is no part for yours,throw it away!
it's would be interesting to know about which places I found replacing parts in :I found the original cutlery basket for my DW in front of the windshield of a truck in street,many old pumps in Erosion-Lab of my college(they use this old pumps to circulate water and simulating rain)and...
finally,pleas don't miss second-hand shops and garage sales.sometimes you may find something useful there!

yours sincere
BJ A.

 

[rp2813]

Kevin --

I thought the standard Calrod burners for GE stoves were readily available in hardware stores.  Perhaps the model you have uses a different configuration for connecting the burners, but perhaps there's a way to modify it.

 

I suggest you start a new thread for your stove.  A lot of people here ignore old threads that have been revived, and you can give the new thread a title that better describes your issue.  We have many GE range experts/aficionados here, and I'm confident you'll get the help you need and/or the answers you're seeking.