flame in 40's era wedgewood match-lit oven goes out

The match-lit oven on my 40's era Wedgewood range goes out. It appears that when the oven reaches the temp set on the thermostat the flame reduces to a minimal level. The problem seems to be that the flame gets set *too low* so it goes out completely. Entries in an old thread suggested it is possible set the minimum flame. Can someone explain to me how to do this?

I dont know if this is relevant, but the oven knob says robertshaw on it.

If I pull the oven knob off, I see three screws. The middle screw has a pointer attached to it pointing at series of tick marks labeled 'low' at the left and 'high' at the right. Underneath it says something like 'each mark equals 25 degrees' It is currently set all the way to high. I cant tell whether the screws on either side of this are also set-screws or are there to hold the thing together.

Thanks,
Charles

 

Welcome to the forums.

As far as I know that center adjustment is only for calibration of the cooking temperature.

I'm assuming minimum flame set would proceed pilot lights. A bit before my time. There are some guys knowledgeable on older ranges. Maybe they can shed some light on the issue.

 

I have adjusted many standby pilots and minimum flames in my career. I don't feel comfortable giving instruction on this type of system. The pilot tube must be of proper length and in position to ignite the burner. A "hot" test must be performed to assure proper adjustment. I see you are in Washington state, I believe the gas co will come out and adjust and inspect for you. Lets se if SeattlePioneer pops in. He used to work for the gas co. Please understand my reason is strictly for your safety.

 

pjmax: Yeah, that's wha I figured about the screws.
mbk3: You think the gas company guys would even know how to do this?
I have no idea what adjustment to make, but if it matters in terms of safety, the stove has worked fine the 15 years we have had it. I just started acting up a couple of days ago.
Anyway, if you really think it is not safe for me to do myself, there is a used appliance place near-by that has some really old stuff. I can see if they do house calls.

 

Try the gas co first. I know we old guys are phasing out, but give it a try. Number one. DO NOT touch center adjust screws. The adjust screws for pilot and minimum flame are on the side of the thermostat. To determine which is which, look for the one that has a small tubing coming out the back and goes to the pilot. Make sure he tubing is not rotted or broken off below the burner and it is still in its bracket. Light the burner and set it at 350. Left it heat for a couple of minutes and then turn thermostat down to the point where you should have minimum flame. If flame goes out and pilot stays on adjust the minimum screw. Turn slowly. This difficult to explain because each thermostat may require a little different tweaking and that comes with experience. Please call the gas co first.

 

I don't see any sign of a pilot. There is the tube from the match hole directly to the burner. When the oven is at the set temp, the flame reduces to almost nothing, or maybe even nothing (ie my problem), but there is no flame or even place for a "back-up pilot" separate from the main oven burner that I can find. Am I missing something or is it possible that this oven just depends on the minimum flame setting to keep itself going?

 

Sounds like a call to whom ever you choose to take a look. A match lit oven needs a standby pilot, unless it is so old it is OEM (original equipment mfg). And I kinda doubt that. Back to call the gas co.