[Timbro]

Hi,

I have an antique stove made by O'keefe and Merritt, model# 4385A. The spring under the stove broke, so I replaced it. I didn't realize at the time that the cable that connects the door to the spring ran on a pulley, so when I replaced the spring, I didn't line the cable up with the pulley, and eventually the cable broke. Now the door won't stay closed at all. I've taken some of the panels off, but can't seem to get into where the cable connects to the door. There's a panel in between the doors that looks like it might allow access to the cable, but the screws that hold it on were covered with porcelain, or whatever the coating in the oven is made of, and they won't budge. Not to mention that they are about 50 or 60 years old. Does anyone know how to get the cable out, and get a new one in? I found the cables online, but need to get the old one out before I can figure out which one I need. Thanks,

-Tim

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Sorry I don't have any information on the O'Keefe and Merritt brand.

[Timbro]

Does anyone have any advice on how to remove screws that are covered with porcelain, or ceramic, or whatever the black with white specked paint they used in antique stoves was. I think I figured out how to fix it, I just can't get the screws out to remove the cover to get to the place where the cable connects. I was hoping to avoid having to drill the screws out. Thanks, I'd appreciate any ideas.

-Tim

[wrandyr]

Don't try to remove the screws with porcelain. On the stove I have, it looks like they were used to hold the oven sections together prior to spot welding. The entire assembly was then porcelained. Nothing will come apart, and you will only damage the porcelain. Unfortunately, my stove doesn't use the cable system, so I can't offer any help with that.