On Thu, 10 Feb 2005 20:22:13 GMT, LenS wrote:

We have a problem with the Caloric electric range which was purchased
by the previous owner of our house in May 1986. The model is
ESR306-2D.

When I turned on the oven to preheat it today, I heard a slight pop
after a couple of minutes. There was a flash of light, and a small
flame appeared on part of the heating element mounted on the bottom of
the oven. The element was just beginning to glow when this happened.

I turned the oven off immediately, but the flame, which rose from a
roughly inch-long white-hot section of the element, continued to burn.

When the flame finally went out, the element wouldn't heat up. I'm
assuming it's burned out.

If this is the case, what's involved in replacing the element? The
element is bent into a kind of rounded "M" shape, with each leg of the
"M" passing through a hole in a small plate screwed to the back of the
oven.

Now, if it's an easy fix, meaning just unscrew the small plates,
remove the old element and put in a new one, I'll consider it. My
wife, of course, wants a new range.

I'm not completely opposed to a new one considering the age of the
appliance and the fact that the timer doesn't work, but I'd just like
to know more about fixing it (assuming I can get the part).

Any comments, suggestions, or ideas will be welcome.

-Len

The part should be easy to get.
Even if you can't get the exact original replacement element,
appliance parts stores stock universal replacement oven elements that
work well. Look for an appliance parts store in your area - not the
Home Depot type places.

Changing it is just a matter of unscrewing the small plates, pulling
the element slightly forward and disconnecting the wires.
The wires will be attached either via spade lugs or will be bolted on
to end loops on the element. Obviously, turn off the breaker to the
range before you perform this....

I'd not replace the range due to this. It's a simple repair and I
don't like creating more scrap.

Doug