Kitchen Gas Appliances - 1950 Caloric gas stove

Hi I need to know what the normal temerpature reading for a gas stove should be when turned off. Keep in mind this is a refurbised 1950's caloric with an always on pilot. We were without power for 7 days here in Tulsa Oklahoma and used the stove (oven) to warm the kitchen during the day and early evening. Since doing this with the oven door open I worried about the knobs because they got so hot, So I removed them when the door was opened and now the oven temperature reads 110 when in the off position. there is a tiny dial adjustment under the oven knob that states each line =25 degrees and it says hi on one side and lo on the other. Did I mess it up? Also when the dial is set to warm the temerature reads just over 200 degrees. The Stove hospital here in town has not returned any of my calls. I am worried that my gass bill will be really crazy. I look forward to hearing from you.

I don't know if you messed it up or not.
You need to use an oven thermometer to calibrate properly. Put the thermometer in the center of the oven.
To calibrate set the control to 350 and watch the thermometer. If it is within 25 degrees +-, call it good. Sounds like it is out for sure. This is probably a job for someone with experience. Besides adjusting for temp, the minimum flame must also be adjusted.

now the oven temperature reads 110 when in the off position. .... I am worried that my gass bill will be really crazy.

Is the gas burner on , when oven is turned off? Or is the pilot doing this?

it is just the pilot I think. I know it is on a little because when I turn it up it doesn't make that lighting sound that you get when the gas meets the flame. Does anyone know what the standard off temperature should be? I know it has to be something since the pilot will produce some heat. I will look under to see what is up with the pilot.

Hello zsolzai and Welcome to the Do It Yourself Web Site and to the Gas Appliances topic.

Based upon what I am reading, you made no adjustments to any tiny dial settings. You only removed the knobs and then noticed that temperature adjustment dial setting under the thermostats knob.

If the above is correct, and the oven worked well prior, my suggestion and opinion is to leave well enough alone. Old stoves of that era had large constant burning pilots which produce sufficient heat to keep an oven warm inside.

About 100 degrees or there abouts is correct with old style safety devices. There is no standard or normal temperature inside an oven when only the pilot is on. Best of my knowledge.

Everything set correctly and working well is, in my opinion well enough. The 25 degree markings on the thermostat pertain to the temperature setting when the dial is set to a temp. I would suggest leaving that as is. Well not change oven temperate when only the pilot is on.

Thanks so much Sharp!! I appreciate all your assistance. Have a great Christmas and a safe New Year.:D