Old gas oven inquiry

[Odinne]

I have this very old gas oven that came with the apartment I'm living in. It's been here since I moved in 5 years ago, but I decided to clean and use it once and for all.

The problem I have is that it has this piece of metal hanging on the back of the inside of the oven. I think it's a thermometer, but I'm not sure since this thing looks so old. Anyone can tell me with it is and if the oven still looks good -from the inside- to use? (the flame under it is always lit, so I had no problems turning it on).

UPDATE: the thermostat is ok, but I have another problem now. The flame in the bottom goes off even though I leave it at 300 degrees F. Every time I try to turn it on again, I have to put it higher and higher and the flame goes off eventually. I think I need to replace something...

[HayZee518]

that looks like a thermocouple. it is used to sense the inside temperature.

[Dan O.]

Thermostat sensor

That is the thermostat sensor bulb. As long as the 'fat' part of it is not touching the oven wall or rack, it looks as expected.

** Anyone can tell me if the oven still looks good -from the inside- to use? **

You can't really tell anything by just looking at an oven cavity. The only type of problem that might be visible would just be rust right through the oven interior.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~

[Odinne]

Thank you guys, I asked around and they told me the same thing. I touched it and it seems it's not touching the wall, so I'm guessing it's safe.

I've cleaned it up but it seems I didn't do a good job because when I turned it on some smoke was emanating from the walls and oven floor.

[HayZee518]

just a film left by the cleaning solutions. after one or two heatings it will burn off.

[Odinne]

Thank you, I didn't know that, the fire alarms just went off so I didn't ponder much on it.