Broken Tubing In Oven

SteveH · 04-07-2009, 05:28 PM

When we bought our '01 25' Airstream, the small 3/16" aluminum tubing that goes to the pilot light was broken where it enters the pilot light assembly. I repaired it by splicing the tubing to get some extra length to replace the part that was broken off. It was broken right at the compression ferrel. The alternative was to remove the oven to replace the tubing as it enters the oven from the rear.

On our trip last weekend, I found the tubing broken again at the same spot. It must be moving during transit and hardening at that spot, causing the break.

Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, what was your solution?

VIKING · 04-07-2009, 06:47 PM

I saw a thread about this same problem a few weeks ago but I can't find it now. I remember that Silvertwinkie was one of the posters though. You might check his previous posts and find it there. I remember one solution was to replace the whole tube with copper which requires removing the oven. It sounded pretty easy to do.

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a recall on those ovens, as this is a serious defect. more than one of the posters had the full fireball-in-the-trailer thing happen.

Be careful, Rich

crazylev · 04-07-2009, 07:58 PM

Here's that thread:

2004 Amana oven problem

Silvertwinkie · 04-07-2009, 08:25 PM

Yea, Crazylev is right. I just re-installed it this past Sunday. I plan on updating with some photos later. I would not re-use that POS alum line. I spent maybe $15 on my fix which thanks to the posters of the linked thread got me to where I am now, a fix that will not break, is not over torqued or stressed which caused it in the first place.

There really should be a reacall on this oven. This is a potential issue of some significance. Three things you don't mess with, things that burn LP, your running gear or your hitch.

HowieE · 04-07-2009, 08:59 PM

Looking at the first picture in post 33 of
2004 Amana oven problem
I would say the problem is a result of overtightening the nut on the pearl. When a brass pearl is used on aluminum tubing the aluminum is much softer than the brass and the edges of the pearl cut into the aluminum. If overtightened the aluminum tubing is cut almost like a beer can top. Any additional vibration after that will brake the tubing.

If it were mu stove I would replace the tubing with copper tubing and consider a service loop in the tubing just before the connection and support the end of the loop farthest from the pilot.