1940s Universal Range -- stove burners will ignite, but oven won't light up
#1
08-09-12, 06:29 PM
1940s Universal Range -- stove burners will ignite, but oven won't light up
Tom Bartco...are you still out there?
If not, who is an expert on 1940s Universal ranges?
I have a Universal range (apartment size), likely from the 40s. If this helps to identify it: it has a window for the oven portion. I don't have a model number.
Questions:
1) Does anyone know where I might get replacement parts (new knobs, new door pulls)?
2) From my description, does anyone know the model name/number?
3) Where I might find an old manual? Hopefully posted somewhere online!
4) What is the story behind the Universal company? I can't find anything.
The reason I need the manual is because, we are having trouble getting the oven to light. We did get the stove's burners to light. I understand from Tom Bartco's 2001 post, there is likely more than one "red" reset button...I've only found one. Where the heck is the oven's reset button?
Any help would be highly appreciated!
Thanks,
Susie
If not, who is an expert on 1940s Universal ranges?
I have a Universal range (apartment size), likely from the 40s. If this helps to identify it: it has a window for the oven portion. I don't have a model number.
Questions:
1) Does anyone know where I might get replacement parts (new knobs, new door pulls)?
2) From my description, does anyone know the model name/number?
3) Where I might find an old manual? Hopefully posted somewhere online!
4) What is the story behind the Universal company? I can't find anything.
The reason I need the manual is because, we are having trouble getting the oven to light. We did get the stove's burners to light. I understand from Tom Bartco's 2001 post, there is likely more than one "red" reset button...I've only found one. Where the heck is the oven's reset button?
Any help would be highly appreciated!
Thanks,
Susie
#2
08-10-12, 06:16 AM
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Hello Susie and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and the Gas Appliances topic.
I highly doubt there is any original replacement parts nor service manuals readily available. Just to old of an appliance. Manufacturer long since out of business. Or may have been bought out by another manufacturer.
However, it's likely the safety element is still available should it be needed. Not likely the safety valve. Used or rebuilt may be if one knows where to obtain such an item through a refurbisher of old brands appliances.
The reset button is located or can be located under the top lid in either back left or back right corner. Another location would be or could be in a storage compartment on the side of the oven or might be located inside broiler compartment. Most likely locations for such safety devices.
Reset button may be RED but by now faded out in color. Some where caps while others long buttons. Reset principle both the same. Light pilot, wait a few minutes, slowly depress button fully and gently release. If the safety works, burner will light when temp knob rotated.
If pilot does not remain on, possible causes are, safety defective, pilot dirty causing a weak flame or the safety element weak or burned out. Give it a try and post back results. Keep in mind pilot flame must be all blue in color and touch or be in contact with safety element.
Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.
Cautionary Reminder Note:
Before attempting any cleaning or repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.
Read The Sticky Advice And Information Note In This Topic regarding oven safety devices: Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information & Manufacturers Web Sites. http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808
Use the reply button to add additional information or questions. Using the reply button keeps or moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically and keeps all communications on this subject in this thread.
I highly doubt there is any original replacement parts nor service manuals readily available. Just to old of an appliance. Manufacturer long since out of business. Or may have been bought out by another manufacturer.
However, it's likely the safety element is still available should it be needed. Not likely the safety valve. Used or rebuilt may be if one knows where to obtain such an item through a refurbisher of old brands appliances.
The reset button is located or can be located under the top lid in either back left or back right corner. Another location would be or could be in a storage compartment on the side of the oven or might be located inside broiler compartment. Most likely locations for such safety devices.
Reset button may be RED but by now faded out in color. Some where caps while others long buttons. Reset principle both the same. Light pilot, wait a few minutes, slowly depress button fully and gently release. If the safety works, burner will light when temp knob rotated.
If pilot does not remain on, possible causes are, safety defective, pilot dirty causing a weak flame or the safety element weak or burned out. Give it a try and post back results. Keep in mind pilot flame must be all blue in color and touch or be in contact with safety element.
Retail parts dealers and appliances parts stores can also help determine what the possible problem may be based upon that specific brand and model. Bring the make, model and serial numbers. Dealers and appliances parts stores are listed in the phone book.
Cautionary Reminder Note:
Before attempting any cleaning or repairs, be sure to unplug the appliance from the wall receptacle power source first.
Read The Sticky Advice And Information Note In This Topic regarding oven safety devices: Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information & Manufacturers Web Sites. http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808
Use the reply button to add additional information or questions. Using the reply button keeps or moves the topic back up to the top of the list automatically and keeps all communications on this subject in this thread.
#3
08-11-12, 07:53 PM
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Sharp Advice,
I am about to replace a thermostat on an old Okeefe & Merrit Stove, can you tell me what kind of sealant I should use on the base of the thermostat to the manifold/main gas tube. The new rebuilt thermostat came with a gasket but i see some kind of sealant on the old one where it is bolted down. the instructions do say that this is an option only if there is a leak. Any advice would be helpful.
Susie,
Try The Old Appliance Club for parts on your vintage stove, they should be able to help you, that is where I get my parts for my vintage 1951 OKM stove and they are very helpful.
I am about to replace a thermostat on an old Okeefe & Merrit Stove, can you tell me what kind of sealant I should use on the base of the thermostat to the manifold/main gas tube. The new rebuilt thermostat came with a gasket but i see some kind of sealant on the old one where it is bolted down. the instructions do say that this is an option only if there is a leak. Any advice would be helpful.
Susie,
Try The Old Appliance Club for parts on your vintage stove, they should be able to help you, that is where I get my parts for my vintage 1951 OKM stove and they are very helpful.
#4
08-12-12, 05:28 AM
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Hello old stove owner and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and the Gas Appliances topic.
There shouldn't be any need for a sealant with a new gasket. Fact is, if there where a need, there would likely be an uneven surface(s) or a once used gasket being reused that might not seal well. A light weight grease lightly applied may be used.
Replace old gasket with the new one and be sure to clean the surfaces prior to installation. Check for any possible leak using leak soap.
There shouldn't be any need for a sealant with a new gasket. Fact is, if there where a need, there would likely be an uneven surface(s) or a once used gasket being reused that might not seal well. A light weight grease lightly applied may be used.
Replace old gasket with the new one and be sure to clean the surfaces prior to installation. Check for any possible leak using leak soap.
#5
08-13-12, 01:25 PM
Thank you Sharp Advice and Old Stove Owner!
The oven problem, and your suggested "oven-spider-cleanout" project, is currently on hold because a new issue has arisen:
We found a gas leak in one of the stove top burners when using an extremely sensitive gas meter. The leak is somewhere in the back left burner. We tried to isolate the faulty part with commercially purchased detecting "bubbles" -- yet no bubbles. Must be a super small leak??
I "assume" I have to find a replacement back burner, or pilot light, but am not sure if burner/pilot light are trade terms / part names. The good news is, I was told that Universal did not manufacturer its own parts, so the parts could be replaced by another manufacturer of the time. I guess it really was "universal"! Any suggestions? (I've sent photos of the burner unit to Old Appliance Club, per suggestion of Old Stove Owner. They are looking in to it...but if they come back empty handed, please continue to think of alternatives!).
Model/serial number tag: unfortunately, 90% is missing, the tag is almost wiped clean. However, you can see the numbers that were stamped onto the plate. Do these numbers below mean anything to anyone?:
Universal
7907
G 21974
NAT
22000
That's my scoop. Please sent cavalry!!!!
Susie
The oven problem, and your suggested "oven-spider-cleanout" project, is currently on hold because a new issue has arisen:
We found a gas leak in one of the stove top burners when using an extremely sensitive gas meter. The leak is somewhere in the back left burner. We tried to isolate the faulty part with commercially purchased detecting "bubbles" -- yet no bubbles. Must be a super small leak??
I "assume" I have to find a replacement back burner, or pilot light, but am not sure if burner/pilot light are trade terms / part names. The good news is, I was told that Universal did not manufacturer its own parts, so the parts could be replaced by another manufacturer of the time. I guess it really was "universal"! Any suggestions? (I've sent photos of the burner unit to Old Appliance Club, per suggestion of Old Stove Owner. They are looking in to it...but if they come back empty handed, please continue to think of alternatives!).
Model/serial number tag: unfortunately, 90% is missing, the tag is almost wiped clean. However, you can see the numbers that were stamped onto the plate. Do these numbers below mean anything to anyone?:
Universal
7907
G 21974
NAT
22000
That's my scoop. Please sent cavalry!!!!
Susie
