Kitchen Gas Appliances - Western Stove and bryant lighter(pilot lighter)

I have a standard old stove (from the 1950's?) made by Western Stove Co. It has four burners, a center griddle on top, and one oven. I'm trying to identify this stove(can't find any reference to Western Stove Co...it's not a Great Western as far as I can tell) and also to get information on repairing the pilot light device, called a bryant lighter. The pilot won't stay on long enough to keep the over lit for very long. This device has two pilots, one apparently allows the other to stay lit. I've taken it apart and cleaned it but unsuccessfully so far.

The serial number on the metal stove tag is: GC493LAAGS. On the front of the stove is a circle with the letters CP inside. It also has a clock/timer and next to it a same size round opening with some drawing of baked goods and the words "cooking guide" in the center.

Can someone help me identify and fix this stove?

Thanks, John

Hello: John

Seen and worked on many stoves such as that one and those made by Western Holly, to name a few. Unfortunately, Bryant lighters are not made and there is no other comapny I am aware of that makes replacements for the lighter.

The two flames must operate correctly and burn cleanly and properly. The vertical flame heats the safety element (warp switch) which snaps up a tiny ball. the raised ball than allows gas to flow to the burner. Once that section and or safety device part become defective, the entire part must be replaced. But there are no Bryant lighters or parts for such available.

The seconds flame points directly outwards horizontally. It's there to light the burner. Provide a source of ignition for the gas. If you have cleaned the lighter and all is working well but the device still does not work properly, be sure the gas volume to the lighter is sufficient. Gas supply is controlled by the set screw in the thermstat on some models or on the gas valve.

If all else fails, an entire retrofit to another type of oven ignition is the only solution, I am aware of.

Conversions to another type of lighting system is also not available commerically. Used Bryant lighters are also very rare. Only places I am aware of that may have them is antique appliances dealers. Often these places are not willing to sell parts only. They use the parts to restore other appliance for resale and profits. But may be worth a try asking if one is for sale.

Thanks for the good information. I'll see if I can make some sense of the Bryant lighter now. Do you know how I would identify this stove? Is it a West Stove, or does the CP stand for something. From what you say it is similiar to a Western Holly but not really the same brand, is that correct?

John

Hello: Jim

All the stoves from that time period where pretty much the same. All made by different manufacturers but using the same type of lighter safety devices. Which where excellent appliances, worked well and as you can tell, lasted years and years without service or any need for repairs, etc. Quality well built appliances built without planned obsolesce in mind.

Cannot remember what the CP means. Been too long ago and not serviced appliance in several years. No longer in the field service industry but still in the nat gas industry.

Only persons whom would suspect knows something about that brand and or model, maybe, would be antique appliance dealers whom restore appliances. Older services persons from that era are now likely not with us any longer or much too along in their time to remember the details.

Only caution I can offer to anyone attempting to disassemble a Bryant lighter to fix one that does not work is they often fail to prevent gas flow should the safety device be reassembled incorrectly, etc. Rarely have found one disassembled and reassembled that worked correctly afterwards. Use caution.

Usually can tell a failed Bryant lighter when first turned on. Especially after a failed attempt to clean or fix one. The main burner gas will begin to flow out of the burner immediately, instead of waiting for the center vertical flame to heat the safety device and pop the ball off the gas valves hole. The primary reason why these devices where not repaired. Rather replaced as a new unit, if and or when one did fail and the parts were available.

All the helpful info, suggestions & caution I can offer has been presented above. Hope some of it helps. The appliance you have is now worth far more than it was originally sold for in the year of it's manufacturing. Providing it is still in good physical condition and all operations and functions are working. Slightly less value and often overlooked are clocks which do not work. Which is expected and not often even considered in the current retail values.

Regards and Good Luck.