I have the same model and we should probably keep in touch until all or our problems are solved :)

I was troubleshooting a problem with mine sparking all the time and I found out it was due to the standard (non XLO) right hand burner valve shaft not returning all the way out when turned off. This caused the microswitch to be activated, and with the gas turned off, it just kept clicking. Some WD40 on the shaft loosened things up and the knob now springs back. The microswitch is activated by a 'step' in the shaft and is only deactivated when it is completely off that step (fully retracted).
FOr the left hand XLO burners , there is no microswitch , but the potentiometer has 4 sets of contacts inside that provide the sensing of when you have turned on the gas. THe potentiometer itself can drag on the shaft keeping it from coming back out, and with you mentioning that you had to install the Potentiometer on a 'slant' might indicate that you are binding on the shaft with the potentiometer board. Check that by pulling out on the knob, or removing the knob and pull on the shaft directly to see if it is coming out fully. I dont recall, but it might be the case that you have to turn the left knobs somewhat to get the sparking started (after depressing the knob of course).
Im concerned that your replacement Potentiometers are not the same form factor. I recall seeing in one parts list that the original potentiometers are not available and you have to purchase a kit consisting of a pair of differnt potentiometers *and* a new simmer or spark unit and replace all 3... is that what you did? in your notes, you indicate you have not replaced the matching spark unit... that may be a problem for you until that gets done.

The following link has some useful info for you if you need to get the venturi's out to get access to the simmer controller:

http://forum.appliancepartspros...p-removal-questions.html

!!!WATCH OUT !!! for potential damage on the gas tubes and orifice holder when attempting to turn the venturi nut on top. I would try holding the orifice holder or nut underneath to keep it from turning when trying to turn the venturi nut. A vice grip might just work. The alternative is to cut the hexagonal top off the venturi I guess and then work on getting the remainder out of the orifice holder when the pan is out of the way.
I have to do all of the above because I need to get access to the gas regulator; you might get away with just removing the two screws on the cover for the simmer control from the opening between the burners ( without removing the drip pans). Then lift up the metal cover for the old simmer control (XLO controller) and unplug the wires on it. Im guessing you could install the new controller in a more accessible spot within reach of all the wires, including the ground wire. Maybe Gene could comment on whether you can safely do all that without removing the drip pans.

good luck and please share what happens

When the dust settles, if you have no use for the old potentiometers and/or spark unit, I'd like to get them and do some further analysis.


paul

Turns out I had the wrong POTs (part of the simmer control kit). I got the original part number from another web site. Appliancepartspros.com says to call. When I called the sales lady was not much help. I only had the sparking issue when I installed the new parts. I figured it had to be associated with the new parts. So I reinstalled the old parts and everything was back to the original issue.

I went back and re-read the service bulletin that came with the parts. And sure enough I had the wrong POTs. Once I installed the correct POTs everything was working.

I installed the two POTS and the simmer controler. The simmer controler is behind the kickplate under the oven on my unit. The spark module is under the drip pan. I did not remove the drip pan or remove the spark module. I would need to see if I still have the old POTS.

Actually I would love to get the potentiometers and the old control unit - I can do paypal or send a check.

I was able to get the left drip pan off my unit without disassembling the venturi's so I got access to the spark control unit and gas valve (that is leaking).
If you need my email address it is pws&uperkite@&gmail.c&om after removing the three '&'s

thanks,
paul