Kitchen Gas Appliances - GE Oven not heating/smells like gas

Hi,

First of all, let me say I am quite the moron when it comes to appliances. My stove/oven is a HUGE GE 5 burner (gas). It came with our house and looks very old. I can't even guess how old it is. All 5 burners work fine.

I've noticed that it has been taking longer and longer for the oven to heat up for the past month or so. I went to make garlic bread last week and had the oven set at 400 for about 45 min. It was warm, but not hot at all. And it reeked of gas. I was very busy getting ready for the dinner party and din't notice. My guests pointed it out when they arrived. I shut it off immediately! and opened all the windows.

The next night, I turned it on Broil, and looked under to see what happened. Nothing happened and I smelled gas. I have not touched it since.

There is no way we can afford a new 5 burner stove. I don't even know where to start, but I sure would like to fix this myself!!

Does this sound like a simple fix to anyone? Where should I start. If it's not tooooo expensive, I would be willing to hire someone. Any idea's on what this would cost?

Thanks for any help!!
L.

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

There could be several possibilities why the burners do not light and just emit a gas odor. To determine the possible causes we need to know the type of ignition system they use.

There are several types of constant burning, always on, pilot systems. each does some what the same thing. Heats a safety element but each in a slightly different way.

Most likely cause is a dirty pilot assembly. Blowing out the assembly using a can of compressed air usually works. The pilot flame is likely dirty with a slightly yellow tipped flame. Pilot should be all blue. No yellow.

If the pilot flame has any yellow, blow out the flame and wait 5 minutes. Then use a can of compressed air to blow any dust out of the pilot assembly and relight the pilot flame. Wait another 2-3 minutes and retest. Burner should light.

Additional Advice and Information Here:
Read the Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Informational Sticky Note, in this forums topic, for more detailed information.

Range-Stove-Oven-Broiler Basic Help Information, Fault Codes & Mfg's Web Site Links http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=159808

Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the possible problem may be also. They will need the make, model an serial numbers. Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances.

"Be sure the electrical power and the gas supply to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs. Always check for gas leaks whenever the appliance is moved and/or a repair includes any connection of a gas part."

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