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After following my nose to the source of the burning insulation smell, (had to air the house out a few times before finding it) I located the source. Referring to the wiring diagram, it seems it is the connection to the Hi Limit Thermostat that is burning. It is the input side of the thermostat circuit, (not the side that goes to the heating element) and it is charred and got quite hot. Yep, I had to touch it and have the blister to prove it!
Question is, will replacing the thermostat solve the problem, or is something else going on? If replacing the thermostat is the answer, is it something your (above) average handyman can handle?
Thanks in advance!
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Question is, will replacing the thermostat solve the problem, or is something else going on?
Cannot give a definite yes or no but can give a definite maybe.
It depends exactly what is causing the overheating by the sound of it it is the contacts inside the thermostat.
The way it works is if the contacts are pitted or dirty, this is a resistance.
As current passes through this resistance it generates heat which degrades the contacts further so more heat etc. etc. till the contacts burn up.
An important area to check are the wires and connectors attaching to the thermostat, make sure the connectors fit tightly, are clean and are not pitted.
If they are then replace or clean them or they will then cause heating in the future.
Also check that the connectors are properly crimped to the wires and that the wire itself is in good shape, if not you may have to cut back till you get to nice clean copper and replace the connector. In some cases the wire or a portion of it must be replaced.
If replacing the thermostat is the answer, is it something your (above) average handyman can handle?
As far as I can see it is just a couple screws and a cross piece holding the thermostat to the tub floor so should not be difficult to replace. Just be sure that the cross piece does not touch either contact on the thermostat when replacing.
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Thanks denman, yup, I'll have to replace a few inches of wire and the connector. Haven't had a chance to get into it enough to determine if it is a standard spade connector or something specific to the thermostat. Found a thermostat on-line for under $10, but will try to get something locally for expedience... my wife is not fond of hand-washing dishes!!
Wish me luck, and thanks again!
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There are different ratings on spade connectors so get one with a high current rating. Can probably get it at the same place you get the thermostat. |
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Turns out the overheating was apparently caused by the spade (male) contact on the thermostat not being riveted on securely. Looked for a thermostat locally and they wanted $36 for it!! Now I can't find the site where I found one for under $10. Wife not happy! Can you suggest a good site for parts?
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Was thanked: 11 time(s) in 11 post(s)
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