Propane Stove

[2sailaway]

Hi all, this is my first post so be kind.... I have an 1984 C36 and the oven won't light. The burners light just fine but the oven won't, I don't even hear gas running. Is this a common problem after they sit a while. I bought the boat last July from the original owner and the boat had sat on the hard for at least two seasons according to the registration. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

1984 C36
Hull Number 319
Maliboo ll
Cortlandt Yacht Club, NY

[Laura]

Hi and congrats on your C36!

I think you may need to provide a bit more information, but lots of fellow sailors on this group will weigh in and help!!

I would start by determining what type of fuel you have; checking that the tank still has fuel and that there is integrity of the line between the tank and the stove (i.e. no leaks).

IF you have fuel and no leaks, then the problem may be the push button striker that lights the stove. Use a match if if does not work, but ONLY after making sure there is no smell of a gas leak per above!

What make/model is the stove?

Do you know what type of fuel for your stove is on the boat- propane or CNG? (compressed natural gas)? On my 1989 C36, we still have the original CNG tank.

Have you followed the path of the gas line (regardless of which type fuel, there will be a line leading from the tank to the stove) to see if it is connected properly as both ends? If you turn on the tank, do you smell any stray gas?


The tank in our boat resides in the lazarrette (the storage at the stern).

I am not familiar with where other model C36's may have their tank, but check where it is on your boat and see if there is a gauge. Depending upon what type of tank you have, you should be able to turn a knob at the top to open up the tank. If there is any fuel left, you should see the arrow on the gauge "pop up" to some reading.


If you can provide more information that may help this group to help you further.

[stu jackson c34]

Usually on boats of our "vintage" (!) to light the oven you have to have lit the right burner and gotten it warmer up before the oven will start. Sometimes there are instructions inside the door of the oven, sometimes not. We have CNG.

Try that, and welcome aboard.

[akorinek]

I had a similar problem with my CNG oven, and found the issue was with the thermostat. Somehow the unit broke, and while the pilot light would light up, it wouldn't ignite beyond that. I found little beads of mercury in the bottom of the oven indicating the thermostat had broken. Hopefully your problem is easier to fix than mine, but you may want to take a look in the bottom of your oven.

[2sailaway]

Thanks to Stu's advice the problem has been resolved although there were no instructions inside the oven it did light after following Stu's. One thing though, the burner didn't light from the pilot light I had to light the other end with my lighter. The pilot light lit just fine but did not ignite the burner, may just need a good cleaning. thanks for all the responses the membership is well worth the price and the articles throughout the site are fantastic.

[deising]

Glad you got your problem solved!

We keep long tipped propane lighters on board (plus safety matches as a backup) for lighting our stove and oven. We don't even try to use the spark igniter.

[stu jackson c34]

Originally Posted by deising

Glad you got your problem solved!

We keep long tipped propane lighters on board (plus safety matches as a backup) for lighting our stove and oven. We don't even try to use the spark igniter.

Boats of our "vintage" don't even have spark igniters on the stoves! Imagine that! How could we ever cook on board without them? Good idea, though, those long butane lighters are worth every penny.

[richie30]

I had the very same problem on my C34. It was also CNG. I tried everything, but didn't change the thermostat. I am fairly certain that is where the problem was. Apparently the relay inside can stick closed, and the only option is to replace it.
I opted to buy a 36 and sell the 34. It was the most expensive fix I could do, but my new oven works like a charm, and we love the boat!

[Ken Juul]

All gas ovens have a built in safety. No heat from the pilot, no gas to the burner. It is necessary to light the pilot and let it heat up the sensing bulb above it. 2-3 minutes is sometimes required. I have never had any luck using the right burner. I alway use a long lighter and light the pilot