[dmarley]

I have a very old Tappan gas range, model number 30-2656-26 (Note: I started a chat session on this site and provided that model number and was told it is an invalid number, but it is definitely the correct number - I got it directly from the plate under the cooktop, and it's on the owners manual as well). The problem I am having is that the oven will light most of the time but not all of the time. I'd say about 90% of the time it lights. At first we thought it was happening when the oven was still slightly warm and for whatever reason we need to turn it back on, but lately it has also happened from a "cold start" so to speak.

When the problem does occur, I can see the ignitor glowing but...the gas just never kicks in.

From what I have read, the issue is likely the ignitor or the valve. We had the ignitor replaced back in 2003. At that time, as I recall, it just died outright - as opposed to the intermittent behavior we are currently experiencing.

The ignitor is rectangular type - the base/body is 1" x 1.5" and with the heating element and metal frame it is about 3 3/4" long.

One last item: When I was inspecting the ignitor I noticed that the wires it is connected to are very old and brittle, to the point that some bare wire was exposed. I wrapped those parts of the wire in electrical tape. I don't know if the condition of the wires could be related to this intermittent behavior.

I would like to fix this oven and continue to use if possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.