[CrawfordGene]

Originally Posted by cnsilver

We can get the pilot to light and will increase in flame size until 350+ degrees.

I'm not sure what you mean because the pilot has nothing to do with the temp setting for the oven.

It stays lit for 1-2 minutes and then goes out without ever lighting the large burner.

Sounds like the thermocouple. The thermocouple consists of two pieces of different metals that generate a small amount of electricity as they heat up and it's the pilot light that heats it. As more electricity is generated, the main gas valve is opened so the burner lights.

We have tried to manually light the burner as well, no luck.

Sometimes, depending on the appliance, lighting the main burner directly will heat up the thermocouple and light the pilot; if the thermocouple doesn't work, the burner will go out.

Does this sound like the (mystery)thermacoupler? If so is it the part inside the oven on the side wall which attaches to the burner?

Sounds like the sensor for the thermostat, but maybe not.

And where would we buy a replacement part?

Try hardware stores or RV stores.

We have taken that part out and cleaned it and the spring part seems to let airflow when it pushed manually.

Beyond me what you are describing.

Also is it the thermostat that controls the operation of the the thermacoupler, and this is more likely the problem?

The thermostat only controls the temp of the oven by turning the main burner on and off. The thermocouple is a safety device to prevent the main gas valve to the burner from staying open after you turn the oven off. There will be two small objects sticking upwards (usually) next to each other. One is the pilot and can be identified when it's lit. Next to it where it can be heated by the pilot is the thermocouple. It is usually a cylinder an inch or less long by about a quarter inch in diameter with a 2 wires (often sheathed, so it looks like one) attached to it that go to the main gas valve. Nearby is the small (about 1/4 inch in diameter) gas line to the pilot which also goes to the gas valve. You can remove the thermocouple, not necessarily easy to do and may require triple jointed fingers and small wrenches, take it to a store and try to match it. It's the first and simplest part to replace and the most common one to fail. Once you figure it out and get it to work you will feel a sense of mastery and accomplishment. You may reward yourself with beer or other libations. If it doesn't work after you replace the thermocouple (cleaning probably won't help the old one), reward yourself with beer or other libations.

Thanks!!!

Good luck, flowers. I see Howie and Steve beat me to it and they have some good advice too.

Gene