New House - Antique Universal Stove - No Light, but Range Works

[kellyk]

Hello!

I'm looking for some help determining what is wrong with an antique Universal stove that was in the house I just moved into. What we know so far:

The pilot lights on the range and all 4 range tops work.

When the oven is turned on gas is coming out, but does not light. If lit manually it does stay lit and comes up to temperature.

Looking for model numbers I found the following but don't know which, if any, are the model number: K3402101N, 171070, 23000, 19000.

 

[wayupnorth]

Looks to me that oven and broiler have to be lit by hand as there is the lighter hole in both the broiler and oven.

 

[kellyk]

I see the lighter hole for the broiler but where is the one for the oven? I've never used an oven this old before so I'm not sure - is it that hole in the top right back of the oven? Am I supposed to just drop a lit match down the hole after turning the oven on?

I did try holding a lighter to the "Light Here" hole on the broiler side but that didn't do anything.

 

[mopar65]

Antique Universal Stove

My friend has a stove much like yours and his has to be lit every time he uses it. With a little work you could make it have an electronic ignition. Best of luck to you.
Anthony

 

[wayupnorth]

Most all match lit ovens have a light here hole in the center front of the oven floor. I believe yours is the hole with the brighter metal band around it. Normally you would hold the lit match above the flash tube to the burner and it will light that way.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Very nice stove!

I don't think that you can use a lighter. The match might have to be inserted a bit into the hole for the broiler side. Sometimes the flash tubes clog. Try seeing if a wire can be inserted into the hole. Sometimes the tubes rust away, too.  Isn't there a similar "light here" hole at the front of the oven floor? There should be because there is no standing pilot assembly hear the oven burner.  Lift up the floor liner of the oven. It might have been put back in with the front to the back and the flash tube covered.

 

[rp2813]

Debbie Downer's $.02

I'm spoiled by the concept of pilot lights and can't imagine having to keep a stash of kitchen matches around for lighting the oven.  Older stoves than your Universal have ovens that light themselves.  I think you'll get tired of the lighting routine real fast.

 

If you have little kids who like to fiddle with knobs, I'd consider that range downright hazardous.   There are properly working vintage gas stoves all over craigslist.  You could find a nice one with relatively modern conveniences and recover some of its cost by selling the one you have.

 

Unless your gas comes from a tank outside, a range with standing pilots on everything is the way to go.

 

[norgeway]

Its no problem..

I would give my eye teeth for a Universal...match light or not, If it doesent say CP on the range front ..its a match light, that U shaped thing in the front of the oven is where you light it, A barbecue lighter is great, Just hold the lit tip to the little hole and turn it on,common sense prevails ;;;if you are going to use the oven, you light the match or lighter BEFORE you turn the knob, these are phenomenal ranges that bake beautifully, one of my absolute holy grail ranges..You CAN convert it to a pilot system,Contact the Old Appliance Club, in California, or AntiqueAppliances.com. in Clayton Georgia..CP stands for Certified Performance, it was a set of standards for a super deluxe package, 2 giant burners, more insulation, deluxe broiler, clock, lighted oven,automatic lighting for all burners including the oven,,etc.If you ever decide to sell it, let me know!!

 

[norgeway]

Re Universal

This was a Chicago product of the Cribben and Sexton company.

 

[norgeway]

If you should

decide to sell this stove.Please contact me, [email protected] Hans Craig

 

[davey7]

My best friend has the Crown version of that range and had oven issues as well. I will ask what finally solved that.