Temperature accuracy of side oven (GE 40-inch range)

[robinsondm]

Hi folks,

 

After using a digital thermometer to help debug a self-cleaning problem, I decided to check the temperature accuracy of the ovens on my 1966 GE 40-inch P*7 range. I found the main oven holds a set temperature to within plus or minus 7-8°F -- pretty good! However, the side oven temperature fluctuates by about 80ºF (i.e., plus and minus 40°F)!

 

Two questions: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Is this normal</span> for the side oven on this kind of range? If not, do I need a new thermostat? And (okay, three questions) if I do need a new thermostat, would anyone have a lead on where to get one? The part is WB21X5209, but it's NLA. I believe the part does occasionally appear on eBay. Thanks,

 

Dean

 

[norgeway]

Sounds like!

You need a thermostat, I had a two oven Hotpoint that was a 67 model, and the small oven was as accurate and baked as good as the big one did.

 

[robinsondm]

Hans,

 

Thanks for the reply. Yesterday evening, I downloaded a newly-available GE range service manual from AE.org (thanks to Ben-swestoyz for making it available). The manual indicated the side oven would be less accurate than the main oven, due to differences in their control systems. I'll post details in a separate note.

 

Even so, plus or minus 40 does seem like a large swing, so I'll keep an eye out for a replacement thermostat.

 

Dean

 

P.S. -- Did you get that Westinghouse fridge yet?

 

[robinsondm]

Main vs. side oven temperature swings

Here's a relevant excerpt from the GE service literature I mentioned in my previous post. Note that the main oven (the P-7 one) uses a sensor and responder, while the side oven uses a hydraulic thermostat. It does say "both type ovens bake equally well."

 

[swestoyz]

Dean,

 

Before I sent off the manual north, I read through a good chunk of it and that particular section did strike me.  I had heard the P-7 ovens didn't drift as far as a hydraulically controlled oven, but I had no idea it was that accurate to the set point. 

 

They do mention that the drift (or amplitude) could be higher than 30 degrees, so your small oven could be considered somewhat functional as is.  The large oven in my '63 Americana drifts anywhere between 25 and 35 degrees.  However, I do agree that it would be a good idea to find a spare thermostat, in fact, start hoarding parts now while you can still find them. 

 

Ben