[din209@bellsouth.net]

I am replacing the oven/control electronic panel and am having a problem removing the range top:
I have all the venturi's removed EXCEPT for the left rear. As I unscrew the venturi, something underneath is also twisting as I turn the socket. Additionally, this particular venturi is extremely difficult to unscrew. Any suggestions? The top must come off to replace the control panel!
Thanks (also, should I put some graphite or other "lube" on the venturi's when I re-assemble?
Thanks again.

[Gene]

The venturi goes into the jet holder (Jet holder assembly replacement parts for THERMADOR RDDS30V | AppliancePartsPros.com) which is connected to the aluminum gas tube from the gas burner valve.

Looks like whatever was twisted is most likely this jet holder, and the gas tube is already broken. I'm afraid you have to cut this burner and venturi just to remove them and the top panel. Then you have to replace what ever got damaged. Looks like parts for this model are still available.

Here are the the breakdown diagrams and Replacement parts for THERMADOR RDDS30V | AppliancePartsPros.com

Gene.

[din209@bellsouth.net]

Gene, Thank you for your reply. Damn. Any ideas on how to 'cut' out the burner / venturi? I had the thought of removing panels to get access under the top, but upon review saw that the burner box will not allow entry from the side. What should have been a 20 minute job has turned quite ugly!

[Gene]

You probably can use a small cutting tool, like a Dremel. The worst thing is you have to finish this job anyway due to a possible gas leak.

Gene.

[greghj]

Originally Posted by Gene

Looks like whatever was twisted is most likely this jet holder, and the gas tube is already broken. I'm afraid you have to cut this burner and venturi just to remove them and the top panel. Then you have to replace what ever got damaged. Looks like parts for this model are still available.
Gene.

Same thing just happened to me... a simple job to replace the control panel has turned into a nightmare. I snapped off two of the jet holders while trying to remove the top and damaged the gas tube as well. As suggested, I was able to get the top off by cutting the venturi tube (a hack saw and 30 minutes does the job, with only minor damage to the cook top).

So, here's the rub. For the RDDS30 prior to 9707, the gas tube assemblies are no longer available. In 1997 they started using a different valve with a different sized fitting in a different location: the replacement simply doesn't fit. I'm not sure what to do here... I'd hate have to buy a new range simply because I can't find a couple of aluminum tubes. Any hints?

[Gene]

Originally Posted by greghj

Same thing just happened to me... a simple job to replace the control panel has turned into a nightmare. I snapped off two of the jet holders while trying to remove the top and damaged the gas tube as well. As suggested, I was able to get the top off by cutting the venturi tube (a hack saw and 30 minutes does the job, with only minor damage to the cook top).

So, here's the rub. For the RDDS30 prior to 9707, the gas tube assemblies are no longer available. In 1997 they started using a different valve with a different sized fitting in a different location: the replacement simply doesn't fit. I'm not sure what to do here... I'd hate have to buy a new range simply because I can't find a couple of aluminum tubes. Any hints?

The best and, probably the only, solution is:

Buy an aluminum tube the same diameter as original. Cut off all compression nuts from the old tubes. Cut the new tubes as needed to fit properly and bend them exactly as the old one are. Find any refrigerator repair store in your area and ask them to make a flare connections for the new tubes, using the old nuts.

In order to cut the tubes you will need a mini tube cutter Part number: AP3550533



Gene.

[din209@bellsouth.net]

Originally Posted by Gene

The best and, probably the only, solution is:

Buy an aluminum tube the same diameter as original. Cut off all compression nuts from the old tubes. Cut the new tubes as needed to fit properly and bend them exactly as the old one are. Find any refrigerator repair store in your area and ask them to make a flare connections for the new tubes, using the old nuts.

In order to cut the tubes you will need a mini tube cutter Part number: AP3550533



Gene.

Gene,
Thanks for the info. I have ordered all the parts and all but the tube have arrived. I have a post 97 stove - but will now check the parts I have to make sure they all fit as I hope they will ... and will call back in to see when the backordered (and paid for) tubing will arrive to complete the job. UGH! A simple repair with the control panel went into a tail spin! ... Good suggestion on the tubing fix. Thanks again.

[Gene]

You are welcome. Keep us posted.

Gene.