Thermostat calibration


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Old 10-24-02, 04:57 PM
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Question Thermostat calibration

I have a Whirlpool stove that the oven thermostat is off about 25 degrees
Is there a way to recalibrate it ??
It looks ot only have two electrical termanals, no gas connection to it
 
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Old 10-24-02, 06:45 PM
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Pull the oven knob off of its post and look at the back. You may find an adjustment capability for the knob. What that does is reposition the indicated temp to be what the oven is actually heating to.
 
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Old 10-24-02, 07:19 PM
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25 degrees off

Seems like setting it at 350 makes it 375 in the oven, I'll check the control for the calibration screw.
 
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Old 10-24-02, 07:42 PM
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Hello: 54regcab

The thermostat you are describing is an electrical contact only thermostat. It will not have any gas passing thru it. Nor will it have any temp adjustment that can be made on the knob or body of the thermostat. This type needs to be calibrated internally.

The adjustment is done by a tiny set screw recessed down in the base of the stem. Special electronic temperature sensing tools, proper training, practice, procedure and experience are needed along with the proper technique and adjustments made in the correct sequence in order to successfully accomplish the task.

Oven thermostat calibration is not a do-it-yourself task, in my opinion. Done incorrectly, as a do-it-yourself task without the above tools and skills can ruin an otherwise functioning thermostat that only needed an adjustment...

I highly suggest you either contact the gas utility company and inquire if they perform this service. If they do not provide this service, contact the local appliance service dealer listed in the phone book.

Thermostat replacement, on this type of thermostat, is a do-it-yourself task. However, at 25 degrees off set temp, a calibration would be more adviseable.

The 2 items you can check is the capillary tube. That's the heat sensing tube located in the oven compartment. It should be suspended by 2 clips, not bent or damage and not touching anything except the 2 clips.

Next item is the temp. To accurately determine an ovens temp, use a liquid filled thermometor set in the the middle of a rack centrally located in the baking compartment.

Allow the oven to heat to 350 and wait 15 minutes to determine the actual temp. Do not open the door during this time. Peer through the glass and use a flashlight, if need be, to focus on the thermometors temperature reading.

Once the temp is reached after about 15 minutes, open the door slightly and allow the temp to drop 50-100 degrees, then close the door. Allow the temp to once again raise to the set temp. Note the temp readings during all phrases of this test.

Regards & Good Luck
TCB4U2B2B Company Enterprises
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
 
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Old 10-25-02, 05:15 AM
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Lightbulb Replacement

It looks like calibration is out of the question, I think replacing it would be cheaper than paying for a service call to have it calibrated (nothing against the pro's, you guys have to make a living too)
Do you know ABOUT what a new thermostat would cost ??
If it's too expensive I can just live with it as-is LOL
 
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Old 10-25-02, 06:34 AM
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Hello: 54regcab

Not sure what the retail price would be. Check the price at your local retail appliance parts dealer. Be sure to take all the information about the appliance.

May be at good idea to take the thermostat, since the type in your stove is rather easy to remove. Be sure to trun off the electrical power or unplug the stove from the wall socket prior to removal.

Check with your local gas supplier. Some utility companies offer free or low cost in home service calls for this type of service.
 
 

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