1971 31' Sovereign
1973 29' Ambassador
1978 31' Sovereign
Palm Desert
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 369
There’s a small amount of mercury in the thermostat so if it has leaked out your thermostat is bad. There are places that will rebuild them but it will set you back a couple hundred dollars.
Sorry I don't have a suggestion on testing the stove, but I do suggest you find a way to ensure all mercury traces have been removed before firing it up.
Make sure the gas is on. Turn the knob to pilot. Press and hold, light with a lighter. Hold for about 30 seconds until warm so the pilot light stays lit. Turn the thermostat up and the flame should travel right to left along the burner tube. Except it probably won’t if the thermostat has leaked mercury.
Thank you thus far. I was able to keep the pilot lit without much difficulty. When I turn the temperature to any setting, nothing happens. Does this mean the thermostat is broken?
Thank you thus far. I was able to keep the pilot lit without much difficulty. When I turn the temperature to any setting, nothing happens. Does this mean the thermostat is broken?
Based on CaCraig’s reply, I would say yes.
The oven is nice to have, but now you need to decide whether to repair or replace.
The Magic Chef oven in my 1972 Safari literally blew up in my face twice when I tried to light the pilot--fried bangs and singed eyebrows. Plus, the thermostat never worked and it would get hot enough to fire pottery.
I liked the vintage look but it's not like it was one of those ones that was a cool retro color. I finally got a Suburban replacement that fits that odd-sized opening. Having a safe cooking appliance is really important. Actually, I got 3 Suburbans since the first two had pilots that wouldn't light and I had to send them back. (Note: Don't buy from eBay.) The new Suburban is black--which I don't like--but it's safe. No pilot for the burners which I like. It works ok. I use an oven thermometer and it takes a really long time to heat up. I put pizza stones in the bottom to help it maintain an even temperature.
Messing around with a vintage stove is risky business unless you're an expert.
__________________ Airylle 1972 Safari featured for 5 nanoseconds in the movie Wild Hogs
The Magic Chef oven in my 1972 Safari literally blew up in my face twice when I tried to light the pilot--fried bangs and singed eyebrows. Plus, the thermostat never worked and it would get hot enough to fire pottery.
I liked the vintage look but it's not like it was one of those ones that was a cool retro color. I finally got a Suburban replacement that fits that odd-sized opening. Having a safe cooking appliance is really important. Actually, I got 3 Suburbans since the first two had pilots that wouldn't light and I had to send them back. (Note: Don't buy from eBay.) The new Suburban is black--which I don't like--but it's safe. No pilot for the burners which I like. It works ok. I use an oven thermometer and it takes a really long time to heat up. I put pizza stones in the bottom to help it maintain an even temperature.
Messing around with a vintage stove is risky business unless you're an expert.
gONNA HAFTA AGREE WITH BLUE HIWAY LADY ! Get a new oven. I spent $200 getting my pilot assembly rebuilt at the recommended place and it was a waste of money....better yet, consider getting one of those cool slide out dishwashers to put in its place,,,,thats where I am at now....
__________________
1968 Overlander Land Yacht International
Ford E-350 W V-10 booom!
2018 Chevy Tahoe smooooooth
Find a way to enjoy life and have fun, every day !
You could probably find a replacement oven for cheaper than a repair, if you're not too concerned with keeping everything original.
I never used the oven on my Magic Chef stove, so when I did a complete galley remodel last year, I replaced it and installed an drop-in surface range (top burners only) that has a cool glass top that closes flush with the counter top.
Would a microwave there be better use of the space for you? Some love to do baking whilst camping. Others, like me, never do.
We used the oven regularly in our old Overlander. It was nice to be able to heat up a pizza without needing an electric connection. The microwave in our new trailer is nice, but I’m not sure which is the better option.
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
1973 21' Globetrotter
1975 26' Argosy 26
Vista
, California
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 589
Find a used oven at a rv salvage yard. Use it for parts I have had 4 70s oven's in different trailers and motor homes, they all worked. I like having an oven i don’t need a microwave. But that’s just the way we do it.
The Magic Chef oven in my 1972 Safari literally blew up in my face twice when I tried to light the pilot--fried bangs and singed eyebrows. Plus, the thermostat never worked and it would get hot enough to fire pottery.
I liked the vintage look but it's not like it was one of those ones that was a cool retro color. I finally got a Suburban replacement that fits that odd-sized opening. Having a safe cooking appliance is really important. Actually, I got 3 Suburbans since the first two had pilots that wouldn't light and I had to send them back. (Note: Don't buy from eBay.) The new Suburban is black--which I don't like--but it's safe. No pilot for the burners which I like. It works ok. I use an oven thermometer and it takes a really long time to heat up. I put pizza stones in the bottom to help it maintain an even temperature.
Messing around with a vintage stove is risky business unless you're an expert.
I’m about to remove my Magic Chef from my 1971 Safari, appears to be 22”H x 22”D x 21 1/4”W including trim. What Suburban did you install? 99% of the ovens I have found are around 17.75” Deep.
I found the Atwood RV 2135 BSPSN #52254 that claims it is 22 3/8” D but the ad could be incorrect; every other oven they make is 17.75” deep.
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