[abcdufv]

This is a sharp microwave aprox. 2 years old.

I called the co. I bought it from and they tell me the only warranty left would cover the magnatron tube. It's a carry in, since it's not installed under the cupboard and it's $39.95 plus tax service fee in addition to whatever the parts/labor may be. It was $160 microwave.

What happened is this, the juice boxes were frozen because the baby messed with the small fridge and I saw the tiny little foil over where one punches the straw so I took a knife and tried to pick it out and wanted to nuke the juice to melt it.

Bad idea. It started to spark so I took it out, cut the cardboard box all the way open to dump it in a mug, realizing the inside is lined with something shiney, perhaps metalic? And my microwave has been sparking ever since and it is scaring me.

I read on another thread about metals and microwaves that perhaps the magnatron is permently messed up--if that is the case the warranty will cover it. If it isn't the case, I'd rather spend my money getting a new microwave then spending over $40 to find out the answer.

My husband is serving in Iraq and I am a mom of 3 small kids. I don't have much in my budget and it seems I've had my boiler break down-we've had the worst winter as of 1978, 3 seperate pipe bursts causing lots of water damage, and my car and every appliance has gone on the fritz. It just keeps getting better by the day.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Me,
abc

[woodchuck]

One other thing that will cause sparks is when that little paper like thing in the oven gets worn and dirty and greasy. It can be cleaned by sliding it out and gently wiping it with a grease cutting soap and rinse it good. If it is already clean and looks good its probably that magnetron thing.

[abcdufv]

All the mid day snack popcorn bag popping did leave it with a splattering of popcorn oil. Taking it out--which I never noticed you could do before you mentioned it and washing it more thoroughly seems to have done the trick. Thank you. That's a better option then having to replace anything.

I've since cooked another bag of popcorn, melted butter, and baked potatos and nothing has sparked.

One thing: when it sparked it did leave a burn mark on the top of the paper-now it's somewhat more worn then the rest. Will this be a problem down the line? Will I need another one and where do I find it?

me,
g

[woodchuck]

You can go to an appliance parts store where they may have some stock to cut one that fits your oven. Less than 15.00 last I bought. I would be good to have a spare in case yours gives trouble .