GAS Burner Cleaning, GAS Supply System | Elmira Stove Works 1956

Top Burners

Your gas range is equipped with “state of the art” “Sealed Gas Burners” and an “Auto-Reignition System”. The sealed gas burners spread the heat evenly across the bottom of the cooking utensil and provide infinite heat control. The auto-reignition system senses when a burner flame has gone out and will automatically reignite that burner. There are no standing pilots to light or adjust.

See this page for cleaning and maintenance of top burners.

Operating Range During a Power Failure

To light a top burner during a power failure, hold a lit match to the desired burner head. Turn the corresponding control knob to any numbered position. After burner lights, adjust flame to desired setting.

The gas oven requires electricity to operate.

Removal of Burner Knobs

Apply a piece of duct tape to the surface of the knob for better grip. Pull off by hand or with a pair of pliers.

Manual Burner Adjustment On Low

The burners have been pre-adjusted at the factory for best performance. You may manually adjust the low settings up or down by removing the control knob while the burner is lit and in the low position. While holding the valve stem so it doesn’t turn, insert a small flat blade screwdriver into the stem and turn the small brass screw slightly in either direction until desired flame height is obtained. Valve must be adjusted so low flame licks around burner cap no less than 1/8". See figure 11.

1/8"

Figure 11

Figure 12

NOTE: Low adjustment will not effect flame heights at other settings. If a top burner flame has been adjusted too low, the electronic ignitor may start to spark while burner is on. Readjust flame until ignitor stops sparking.

Flame Appearance

The burners have been pre-adjusted at the factory to a clean blue flame. On LP gas, a slight orange tip may be visible. If flame is not as above, your gas serviceman can check the regulator for proper setting with a water manometer (U-gauge). The stove pressure should be within + or - 10% of the pressure setting shown in this manual.

GAS BURNER CLEANING

•The burner caps should be routinely removed and cleaned. Always clean burner caps after a spillover. Keeping the burner caps clean aids in proper ignition and an even flame. Set burner caps into indents in burner base.

•For proper flow of gas and ignition of the burner, DO NOT ALLOW SPILLS, FOOD, CLEANING AGENTS OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL TO ENTER THE GAS ORIFICE OPENING.

•Gas must flow freely through the small hole in the brass orifice for the burner to light properly. This area must be free of any soil and be kept protected from boilovers or spillovers. ALWAYS keep the burner caps in place whenever a surface burner is in use.

Occasionally check the burner flames for proper size and shape as shown. A good flame is blue in color. If flames lift off ports they are yellow and usually noisy. You may need to clean the burners. See figure 12.

To Clean Burners:

1.Lift the burner cap straight up from the burner base.

2.Clean burner cap with warm, soapy water and a sponge. You can also clean with a nonabrasive scrubbing pad or cleanser. Do not clean burner cap in dishwasher.

3.If the gas orifice opening has become soiled or clogged, use a cotton swab or a soft cloth to clean the area.

4.If ports are clogged, clean with a straight pin. Do not enlarge or distort port. Do not leave anything stuck in the ports.

5.After cleaning the orifice opening and ports, replace the burner cap. Make sure cap is set straight on burner and that the tabs on cap fit into the grooves of burner base.

6.Check the burner for proper lighting after cleaning.

7.Replace the burner cap, making sure the alignment pins on the cap are properly aligned with the burner base.

8.Turn on the burner. If the burner does not light, check cap alignment. If the burner still does not light, do not service the sealed burner yourself. Contact a trained repair specialist.

NOTE: If a gas burner burns with an uneven orange flame, reposition the burner cap so it sits flat on the burner housing. If burner lights slowly, have your gas service person check the gas pressure to the appliance.

If a top burner flame has been adjusted too low, the electronic ignitor may start to spark. Readjust flame until ignitor stops sparking.

When cleaning around the surface burner, use care. If cleaning cloth should catch the ignitor, it could damage it, preventing ignition.

If surface burner does not light, check if ignitor is broken, soiled or wet. If clogged, clean the small port beneath the ignitor using a straight pin.

Wipe acid or sugar spills as soon as the cooktop has cooled as these spills will discolor the porcelain.

See Cleaning Guide – Page 28.

OVEN VENTING - GAS TOP MODELS

The Oven Vent

Hot air and moisture escape from the oven through a vent in the center rear of the cooktop. Do not block the vent. Poor baking/roasting and bad combustion can result.

The oven bottom must be in place for burner to bake properly on model 1956.

GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM

Gas and Electrical Supplies

Before connecting to the supply systems, be sure that the installation conforms with the local codes or, in the absence of local codes, with the National Fuel Code, ANSI Z223.1 latest edition or in Canada, CAN/CGA B149 installation codes. See page 4 for electrical requirements.

Gas Piping to Range

The gas supply piping to the range should be 3/4" pipe which is then reduced to 1/2" at the regulator. With “LP” gas, the size of the piping to the range should be determined by your gas fitter.

When connecting pipe to the die cast regulator fitting, use two wrenches. Excess pressure or tightening the pipe too tight can cause the regulator to crack, resulting in a gas leak or a possible fire or explosion.

Make sure that if flexible connectors are used in connecting the appliance to the gas supply, they are AGA and/or CGA approved. Poorly designed connectors can be a source of gas leaks. Even if AGA/CGA approved flexible connectors are used, the customer should be cautioned against kinking or damaging the connection when moving or cleaning the range. This could cause a gas leak.

Manual Shutoff

Install a manual shutoff valve in the gas line, in an accessible location, near the unit. Know where the gas valve is so you can shut off the gas to the range quickly. Suitable pipe thread sealant must be used which is approved for use with “LP”/Natural gas. Be sure to use this thread sealant on all pipe connections.

Pressure Testing

The appliance, and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of 1/3 psig (3.5kPa).

The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing of the gas supply system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5kPa).

The gas supply pressure for checking the regulator setting shall be at least one inch w.c. above manufacturer’s specified manifold pressure.

Gas Leak Testing

After the final gas connection has been made, all the top burner valves should be closed and the gas supply and manual shutoff turned on. All connections in the gas supply line and in the range should be tested with soap suds or electronic sniffer for leaks. If a leak is present, bubbles will appear. The leak should be stopped by tightening the joint, or unscrewing completely and applying additional pipe dope and re-tightened. Any factory connections which may have been disturbed should be retested.

A match should never be used when testing for leaks. All fittings have been tightened and tested at the factory. If a leak is detected, tighten the fitting. Don’t use pipe dope on factory fittings.

1955, 1956 specifications

Elmira Stove Works, known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and vintage aesthetic, made significant strides in the mid-1950s, particularly in the years 1955 and 1956. This era represented not only a peak in the company's production but also a passion for blending nostalgic design with modern technology.

In 1955, Elmira Stove Works offered a range of kitchen appliances that captured the eye with their charming retro styling, reminiscent of the early mid-century modern design. The company emphasized vibrant colors, often presenting stoves and refrigerators in shades of turquoise, pink, and pastel yellow, which added a pop of personality to any kitchen. These colors were more than just for aesthetic appeal; they represented a shift in consumer preferences, where bold hues began to dominate the domestic space.

The stoves produced during this period featured innovative technologies that would appeal to the modern homemaker. They were equipped with advanced ventilation systems to eliminate smoke and odors, making cooking a more pleasant experience. Additionally, the introduction of automatic temperature controls simplified baking and cooking, allowing even novice cooks to achieve consistent results. The use of high-quality enamel finishes not only ensured durability but also made cleanup easier, reflecting the increasing desire for convenience in household appliances.

Another hallmark of Elmira Stove Works in 1956 was the incorporation of more compact and efficient designs, catering to the growing popularity of smaller kitchens. The appliances were designed to maximize functionality without sacrificing style, maintaining an elegant silhouette while providing essential features that supported day-to-day cooking demands.

In this era, Elmira Stove Works also focused on enhancing the consumer experience. Features such as easy-to-read dials and large viewing windows in ovens were designed to assist users in monitoring their cooking while adding an element of elegance to the design. The appeal of these appliances extended beyond their functionality; they were viewed as status symbols, representing modernity and style in the post-war era.

Overall, Elmira Stove Works in 1955 and 1956 showcased a remarkable fusion of mid-century charm and advanced kitchen technology. These appliances not only fulfilled the practical needs of the time but also contributed to the overall aesthetic of the 1950s home, characterized by a passion for style, comfort, and innovation.