Kitchen Gas Appliances - adjust thermos tappan oven-gas

I have a tappan gas range that came w/the house (an old 1) mod # 32-1022-23 and the oven worked fine until last year. Now if I set the dial to 350* it will go off around 160*. I have an oven thermometor and found I have to put the dial on about 530* to maintain a 350 temp., and between 550* and the next notch (not marked) to get a 375* Temp. and almost on broil to get a 400* temp.. Is there some way to adjust the termos.? I have LP gas and it is set to LP. I guess I can live with the way I'm doing it now.

Thankyou for any reply, Barb

Hello: Barb

Any oven thermostat that is more than 50 degrees off temperature either higher or lower then the set temperature has to be replaced. No amount of calibration or any adjustment will correct the temperature. Thermostat replacement is the only solution.

Be sure all the optional selections, if any, are set to manual. Some models have a "Keep Warm" cycle which will maintain a low temp regardless of thermostat settings. That option, if your model is equiped with it, is usually located in the clock. If that model even has a clock...:confused:

Sharp advice,

Thankyou for the reply. Is replacing the thermostat something that I can do or maybe go to a site for instructions how to do it???

Hi: Barb

"Is this something I can do?" Your question is valid and often asked but also a very difficult question to answer. One has to be very careful installing any thermostat as well as being very handy with tools.

Other pitfalls is being aware that once the part is purchased, regardless of where, at a retail appliance parts store or on line, it is not refundable nor returnable for a refund of any kind. Once purchased it's yours.

Not all thermostats are difficult to install. Most only have a capillary tube attached to them. The capillary tube is the temperature sensor element.

Other types also have a 1/4 inch aluminum tube attached to them. These types are ovens that have a constant burning pilot flame. But even among these types not all do. Several variations exist.

If the thermostat that you have only has a temp sensor probe attached to it, you can attempt to fix it. But you'll have to turn off the gas to the entire appliance first. Then remove the thermostat body and the temp probe tube carefully.

Then install the new T-Stat exactly as the old one was installed. Being extremely careful not to damage the temp sensor tube uncoiling it and installing it into the ovens baking compartment.

All this can be done by a do it yourself person but not often recommended nor suggested. Not always as easy as it sounds and should it not resolve the problem or become damaged during installation, part cannot be returned for an exchange nor refund...:eek:

My suggestion would be to have an appliance person diagnose the condition and if needed, install a new T-Stat. Doing so will ensure proper installation and come with a warranty for parts and possibly labor should the part fail.

Hope the above covers all the options you have. The choice is now yours. Good Luck...:thumbup:

Thanks, I'll do as you suggested. Barb