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Repair or replacing a GE Spacemaker Microwave?

I have one of these guys and it has served me very well for probably

15+ years, so I have no quarrel with it.

From the manual, the model number is a JVM 250 BVC or JVM 250 WVC (probably a white or black model).

In any event, this morning old Betsy decided not to heat anything up. All the bells and whistles are there, fan runs, etc, lights action, keypad works, just no heat. So I suspect more than likely the magnetron or xformer.

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a secondary fuse I could check on this model before I turf it? Obviously main one is good as everything else powers on.

The second question is that I remember installing this thing and having to adapt a hole in the wall to an outside vent etc to fit it. I am hoping that maybe a new model of the same make would have roughly the same vent location so I do not have to rebuild that part to put in a new one.

Or maybe it is standard for all microwaves? Does anyone know?

Any clues or input appreciated.

TIA, BSA

Reply to
BSAKing
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I don't think there is a secondary fuse, I may be wrong.

I've installed several of those and they always have optional vents out the back or the top. Configurable with removable plates or I seem to recall one had a slider deal on the inside that you reposition to open either the top or rear vent. On some (if not all) you can shut them both off and it will vent out the front or bottom.

Unfortunately the wall hangers and the top mounting holes are not always in the same location from model to model, which means you'll be making swiss cheese out of your wall/cabinet. :(

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-Scott
Reply to
Lab1

There might exist a high voltage fuse but not always the case. If it failed from age rather than from a short in one of the high voltage components it's possible you wouldn't notice it failing. However if it failed from a short you would have possibly heard a short loud hum and the inside lamp dim before the fuse blew. There might also exist a solenoid or triac to switch on the high voltage. If one of these failed it would cause the symptom you are seeing.

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Live Fast, Die Young and Leave a Pretty Corpse
Reply to
Meat Plow

It's likely NOT the transformer, but the HV capacitor or the magnetron could be at fault. In either case, it's worth the cost of repair parts to fix, but there's high voltages involved. Consider taking it to a repair shop.

These things are heavy, alas, and you'll have some awkward moments trying to unbolt it. If you pop the cover and see a schematic, there will be a chance to find/replace fuses and detect loose wires before opening your wallet wide. BEWARE THE HV CAPACITOR, it is a metal can (smaller than a beer can) and cannot be presumed safe until you short its terminals.

Reply to
whit3rd

On Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:55:22 -0800 (PST), BSAKing put finger to keyboard and composed:

Parts List and Exploded Views:

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- Franc Zabkar

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Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.
Reply to
Franc Zabkar

The original magnetron WB27x10249, if that were the problem, only costs about $135 retail and is still available from GE. There is also a substitute for that ; 10QBP0230, which retails for about $83 total with tax and I could ship one with in 3-5 days, depnding on your location, for $7.99? as I have the part in stock. In the case that you needed to replace the rectifier (HV Diode WB27x608) and HV capacitor (WB27x10240) as well it would only be $201.39 for the parts.

Reply to
DarkwaterBlight

BTW I can beat sears prices! You can contact me directly at;

1(609)641-1036 or visit us online at;
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Reply to
DarkwaterBlight

My first check would be the diode. WW

Reply to
WW

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