Older Microwave Oven question....

[little-edie]

I have a 1979 Quasar InstaMatic Microwave oven which I adore, mostly because of sentimental reasons. It's "Instamatic" feature kind of works. This is where you choose 'reheat' and it automatically shuts off when it's done. There are also choices for cooking most everything else. Like I said, that kind of works. Manually, the oven works, but I noticed that it seems to take longer to boil a cup of water. Where it had taken a little over 2 minutes years ago, now it's closer to 3 minutes. Is this how a microwave oven dies....slowly? (versus just konking out?) I do know that the main feature is the exalted magnatron tube. is this what breaks? Anyone have experience fixing one of these? Am I nuts to even consider it? Thanks!

 

[rp2813]

I've switched out the magnetron on a microwave oven of similar vintage. It's not a difficult job. It wasn't actually a "tube" at all. You'll know it when you see it. I'd say the tough part of the job will be finding a replacement magnetron.

 

[polkanut]

Find a magnaetron first, then replace the old one.

 

[neptunebob]

I have a Quasar microwave oven from 1985 that I rescued from our garbage because my brother broke the bottom glass. I think it still works. I would be willing to send the magnetron if I can figure out how to get it out and could mail it. Interested?

 

[little-edie]

thanks everyone for your input! uh, neptunebob, i'm not sure what to say? first off, i still am not sure of the precise health of my oven. it works, and pretty damn well actually. like i said, it just takes a bit longer to boil the water and i was curious if that meant anything. that said, unlike many of you here in washerland, i am not mechanically inclined...at all. i wouldn't know a magnatron tube from a tube of VO5. and when i do try to "fix" something, i often break it.

y'all can go shake your heads now.