1950s Hotpoint Wall Oven (10RJ10) thermostat replacement

[ctifusion]

Model Number

Hotpoint 10RJ10

Hi everyone,

Super new to this stuff so apologies if I sound like I don't know what I'm doing. We have a 1956/57 Hotpoint wall oven that needs a new thermostat. The only part number I can find is from the cover of a manual that lists the oven as a RJ10, or online others have said it is 10RJ10. The old thermostat was pulled out and I no longer have the wire. The oven turns on but just keeps heating. I can't seem to find anything online that directly matches the model number and wonder if anyone has suggestions about what I could use to get the oven running again.

It is the small wall oven (20 inches wide) and I also have not found any modern replacement in that size. We're trying to avoid pulling apart the original kitchen cabinets.

Any suggestions or advice would be much appreciated!

 

[rickgburton]

How many wires are on the thermostat? Does the oven have a self clean setting?

 

[ctifusion]

It does not have a self cleaning setting. The thermostat in the oven was a wire that widened into a fatter metal wire. I haven't pulled the thermostat control.

Any ideas? I see a lot of thermostats with dial online but obviously don't know if another one would work.

Thanks!

 

[rickgburton]

The thermostat in the oven was a wire that widened into a fatter metal wire.

That's the thermostat capillary. There's an inert gas inside the copper capillary that expands and contracts against a diaphragm inside the thermostat. I need to know how many wires are on it before I can help you.

 

[ctifusion]

The capillary part is long gone, there is one wire coming out of the oven wall that used to be attached.

Thanks

 

[rickgburton]

Attached to what ??

 

[ctifusion]

Attached to what ??

Sorry for losing the thread here. All that is left is a single wire sticking out of a hole inside the oven. The larger part (fatter) was broken off and lost. I'm just wondering if I can buy a full thermostat unit (from the dial to the capillary) and install it. I assume I would have to calibrate the temp somehow, but I'm not above just using an internal thermometer and marking the dial myself. Would that work?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[rickgburton]

I'm just wondering if I can buy a full thermostat unit (from the dial to the capillary)

That's the thermostat capillary. There's an inert gas inside the copper capillary that expands and contracts against a diaphragm inside the thermostat.

You missed that or you're not following me so I'll draw you a picture. The capillary is part of the thermostat and can not be removed or replaced:

 

[ctifusion]

Yes, I get it. The capillary was broken off and all that is left is the wire that is attached to the know unit. Is there a replacement unit like the one pictured that I can buy and install on my oven?

 

[rickgburton]

I couldn't find one.

 

[ctifusion]

Thanks for all your help. I located a very similar vintage model said to be in good working order so I think we'll replace it. Maybe once it's out someone would be interested in trying to fix it.

I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to help. Happy holidays to you!

 

[rickgburton]