My top [gas] oven will not heat. The ignitor lights. The gas strip has small blue flames lit along it. However, no matter what i turn the oven up to the flame will not increase
Gas oven burners are usually a variable gas flow. When on high, the gas valve is fully open and the flame is high. As the heat increases in the oven, the flame reduces in size until the burner is running on whats called "bypass rate" or "maintenance rate" This is the smallest flame the burner can operate on without going out. I would suggest that the thermostat gas valve is faulty and not fully opening. It is also possible that the thermocouple may be faulty. This is a solid piece of wire which is usually situated in the flame path above the burner and connects to the gas valve and regulates the flame. It also triggers the gas valve to turn off , if no flame is present. I would try that first. A lot cheaper than a gas valve. In Australia, you have to hold a Gas service Licence to do this work.
Answers & Comments
Gas oven burners are usually a variable gas flow. When on high, the gas valve is fully open and the flame is high. As the heat increases in the oven, the flame reduces in size until the burner is running on whats called "bypass rate" or "maintenance rate" This is the smallest flame the burner can operate on without going out. I would suggest that the thermostat gas valve is faulty and not fully opening. It is also possible that the thermocouple may be faulty. This is a solid piece of wire which is usually situated in the flame path above the burner and connects to the gas valve and regulates the flame. It also triggers the gas valve to turn off , if no flame is present. I would try that first. A lot cheaper than a gas valve. In Australia, you have to hold a Gas service Licence to do this work.