On Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:40:17 GMT, "Ace"
wrote:

We have a Tappan gas range with self cleaning oven which works on a timed
cycle. Having a wall clock, a clock on the
microwave, clock on the coffee pot, and wrist watches, we don't pay a lot of
attention to the stove clock.

Getting to the point, we notice it's not running. I've opened it up twice,
first dousing the works with acetone trying to clean
it. Last was liberally dousing it with lighter fluid. Still only runs for
a few hours, then quits.

The oven now could stand a cleaning, and we fear it might get stuck in
middle of clean cycle and leave us with a locked
oven door.

Anyone have some ideas? For example, is the clock replaceable? And where
we might the replacement? Or, everything
being geared together on the back side, is the clock the actual problem?

Is there a replacement for the entire apparatus?

The stove is about 17 years old, and we're not anxious to replace it at this
time.

Thanks in advance,
Ace


I work on antique clocks.
The first thing to do is to properly clean it using non-residue
cleaner. Even electrical contact cleaner will work IF it leaves no
residue. Using something like WD-40 is death to clocks. WD-40 dries
out and leves a gummy residue that is hell to remove.

The the clock should be SPARINGLY lubricated at each wheel (gear)
pivot point with just a microdrop of real CLOCK oil. Google clock
repair suppliers for clock oil.

HOWEVER, most such range clocks that are mechanical and not digital
use a movement made by the former Telechron Division of GE. That
division was spun off years ago and has drastically reduced their
spare parts line.

Each such motor has a sealed capsule rotor in it. The rotor
lubrication dries out and the rotor stalls stopping the clock. There
are some individuals who rebuild Telechron rotors but it isn't cheap.
New rotors, when available can range from $40 to $100 dollars. An
entire new movement for an older range is rarely available. When they
are, be prepared to pay some serious money.

Doug