View Full Version : Old oven thermocoupler alternative
I have an old Caloric oven & stove. The oven portion won't work, but the stove does. Based on past experience, I believe it needs a new thermocoupler. I went to an appliance parts dealer, who informed me (and through. Research) that the model isn't just obsolete, but so is the company, therefore, no parts are available. I've read instances where people restored old, albeit iconic, ovens, so I'm quite sure that there may be an alternative thermocoupler that'll work (although the inner workings of those older iconic ovens may be different). Is this possible? I'm a renter so replacing the oven is out of the question and I'm really left waiting on the landlord, which could take awhile. I figured I could do it much faster myself. Thanks!
drtom4444
Nov 5, 2012, 10:38 PM
You can replace it with a universal thermocouple. All a thermocouple does is generate electricity to keep gas valve open for pilot light. There are enough types of universal t-stats that surely you can find one to fit.
In response to: "You can replace it with a universal thermocouple. All a thermocouple does is generate electricity to keep gas valve open for pilot light. There are enough types of universal t-stats that surely you can find one to fit."
I was wondering for the longest if that was possible hahaha! The ones I found online and at Home Depot and Lowe's listed their universals for gas furnaces and varying millivolt systems. While we all know a household oven is a furnace, I get a feeling their referring to home heating systems. Is that the case? Thanks!
drtom4444
Nov 6, 2012, 08:30 AM
You match the thermocouple to the gas valve. It does not matter what the gas valve is installed in.