Early 1970s era stove/oven: Oven is not heating high nor broiling

Donna
by Donna

I replaced the bottom heating element on my stove and it's worked for months, but will no longer heat as high as is needed and the broiler won't work. Maybe I did not do it correctly? Does anyone know how to replace an oven heating element correctly or have any idea what else the problem could be, I would really love to keep my Avocado stove?


  10 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 20, 2020

    Is this gas or electric?

    I would buy a new stove/oven. It is probably not worth investing your hard earned money in. The new appliances are energy efficient and have warranties.

    As a note, we bought our house with the avocado green tub/shower with the help of a board and Bondo, it held up for a while, then needed replacing.

  • Janice Janice on Jun 20, 2020

    Hi Donna, here's a video showing the 6 most common reasons for oven problems. This may be helpful or not due to the age of your avocado stove. I had one once! :)

    Hope this is helpful. Perhaps your new element replacement is also defective. Did you have someone install it?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTChC_j4jSo

  • William William on Jun 20, 2020

    Go to https://www.repairclinic.com/ They have repair guides, schematics and sell parts

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 20, 2020

    50 years for an oven to work is a long time. There are many models out there that will give you more precise heat, are more energy efficient and will offer more features. Lowes was having a sale last week.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jun 20, 2020

    I would call 800 number of stove manufactures

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 20, 2020

    You may be attached to it, but all avocados eventually reach their 'shelf life expiry date'.


    (My first apt had an avocado stove, and an avocado fridge!)

  • Maura White Maura White on Jun 20, 2020

    The cost of parts could be expensive or may no longer exist if its that old. Maybe you could find a used oven to replace it so the expense wouldn't be so high?

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 20, 2020

    I had one that was harvest gold! But, eventually it died of old age and I bought a new one. Newer stoves are more energy efficient and have some nice features including heating to the right temperature. There are companies that rebuild vintage appliances, but, I have no idea what it would cost. I'm guessing more than a new one. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Sounds like a classic! If you're really attached to it, I would call a repair person to evaluate the issue. If it can't be fixed, I have seen avocado stoves on second hand sites, like Facebook Marketplace and LetGo for cheap.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 22, 2020

    The contact points for the heating unit may be corroded.

    Unplug the entire thing and spray with a suitable contact cleaner.

    Avacado green is late 60’s, early 70’s.