Which electric ranges are easy to find parts for?

[japanmaple1]

Hopefully this will be my last question, but no promises. I was cleaning the oven and noticed there are two holes near the top broiler. They are suppose to be there, they are measured apart and only on the left side. I can see the insulation in the holes. The insulation is not sticking out and looks clean and a cream color. I know that is bad stuff to mess with. My question is, is it okay for that insulation to be exposed to the oven/food or should the holes be covered up with something? Is it safe? In the picture it is the orange looking spot on left near middle not the first orange spot.

 

[panthera]

Don't worry about it -

Any insulation which was going to fall out probably fell out over 60 years ago. You'll do more harm 'fixing' it than leaving it alone. 

Rockwool insulation was used back then - an excellent choice, by the way, and not at all like the dangerous asbestos we all worry about today.

If it's absolutely troubling you, a high-temperature silicone (used to seal chimney joints) would work, as would a stainless steel bolt and nut - but, yikes! Not worth it.

Do ask questions, please - we all learn from these things and enjoy them. We are so not one of those forums which scream at people that 'that question was answer in 1937, please reference the archives and don't ask again'. I've left some radio repair clubs because of that nonsense - ask away!

 

[japanmaple1]

Thank you! I was worried it was asbestos. The oven is doing wonderfully!! After turning it off almost two hours later it was still warm inside. I can't wait to cook dinner tonight!

 

[panthera]

Oh, yes -

Crosley was competing (and losing) against the very stiff competition of outstanding appliance makers at a time when consumers read and compared and discussed technical details most people today don't understand.

It's an excellent range and now that you know that there are replacement parts or solutions for every problem, there's no reason it shouldn't keep you happy forever.

One thing to think about, though. Porcelain enamel was very sensitive to lemon juice/vinegar/tomato juice in the '40s and early '50s. It wasn't until the end of the 1950s that we got really good acid resistant porcelain finshes - so, be sure to wipe up spills right away and don't use too strong of acids when cleaning. Ammonia based stuff (Windex) is your friend with these as is Jubilee Wax.

 

[japanmaple1]

So glad you told me about the vinegar! I usually use vinegar to clean with but just recently switched to Mrs. Myers. I will get some Windex and Jubilee Wax (off to google that) to use from now on. There is one spot on the corner that the enamel chipped off. Someone put something on it to fill the hole, that has turned a yellow color over time. Should I just leave it or is there a good touch up enamel paint?

 

[panthera]

Rustoleum makes an excellent enamel

touch-up in various colors. I've mixed fingernail polishes to get the right tone and had that work well, too.

Appliance Paint | Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy lets you fix chips and scratches or fully paint the exterior of appliances. Offered in a variety of sizes, colors and finishes.

www.rustoleum.com

 

[rp2813]

Well, this is a happy enough ending for me to express my congratulations to both of you!

 

Keven, you nailed this thing and walked Amanda through it methodically and in easy terms.

 

This stove was too pretty to give up on.  I'm so glad the important parts are working properly again!

 

Great job Keven, Amanda, and David!   It's folks like you that make this site so great!

 

[panthera]

Amanda

Did all the hard work. Not having a complete wiring diagram is no fun, at all.

I could have been more concise, too - but, all's well that ends well. I suspect they'll get the rest worked out, too - this is what makes this site so cool!

 

[japanmaple1]

I ordered the wax and paint on Amazon. My husband wanted me to tell you thank you for all your help.

 

[panthera]

You're quite welcome

Let us know how your future adventures go - oh, and you might just want to stick that new wiring diagram for the thermostat in the back of the stove - you never know!