[Phil R]

While I was replacing the burned-out lightbulb in our gas range, I unscrewed the three screws, removed the metal flange / ring, and glass lens that covers the lightbulb.

I find that there is also some sort of (fiberglass / asbestos / other material) gasket that seals and helps hold the glass lens into position in the ring.

The gasket I removed is very thin, and tore into several pieces, so isn't really able to be re-installed.

Without the gasket in place, the glass lense rattles in the retaining ring, and clearly isn't 'sealed' in any way.

I intend to replace the gasket (model WB2X9151 I believe), but of course, it's a weekend, and nobody local is open, or has one available.

OK - so here's the question:

Is it UNSAFE to use the oven with the glass lens in-place, but WITHOUT the gasket?

I can live without the oven for awhile, but it IS inconvinient.

If I can't find a gasket locally, my family may be without an oven until I can order and get a part (maybe a week or so if it has to be shipped).

What do you think? Can we use the oven in this condition (for a short time), or would it be unsafe?

Thanks in advance for the advice!


Phil

[AmpDraw]

Don't worry about it, the gasket just keeps grease and moisture from dirtying up the inside of the glass lens. There's no reason why you can't use your oven without the gasket on there or even with the glass cover completely removed in the event it broke.

Unless you maybe have a wife who isn't a very good cook and just want an excuse to eat out, if thats the case go ahead and tell her you ordered the part but its on back order for the next 10 weeks.

[Phil R]

Thanks very much for the info.

I hoped that ovens would be designed to be fairly fail-safe, but I really wasn't at all certain in this particular case.

I feel much better knowing that it's no big deal, and that we won't risk burning the house down over a $1.30 part that I can't get my hands on instantly.

Thanks again!


Phil

[AmpDraw]

Always better to be safe than sorry, especially with tech support rates as cheap and affordable as they are here.

[Phil R]

Good advice - and a fantastic value!

Very glad a resource like you guys are around - really a big help.

OK - I'll go order my $1.30 part now...

[AmpDraw]

You'll get your bill in the mail from me in about three days. I appreciate prompt payments