J486A1 General Electric Range - Instructions

Broiler element failed catastrophically (with light flashes) while in use (1986 GE self-clean oven/four burner stovetop). Part number embossed on element plate - very difficult to see - took digital photo while still in oven and magnified. Easy to search for part. Good price, prompt delivery. Removal of old and install new awkward because of access angle and my decreasing nimbleness, as well as oven control thermocouple and support bracket in way. But no technical difficulties. Hex head metal screws holding in element; Notched phillips metal screws holding bracing bracket (easier to put element in by removing one side of bracket). Screws difficult to remove as in much used oven 26 years, and thermocouple partially blocking socket ratchet wrench. Would have been easier with 1/4" short extension. Before detaching element, I used twist ties around the leads tied to a large plastic clip so as not to lose them into oven back. PartSelect part was made by GE, not secondary source. Perfect replacement for this old part - still available.

Some times it's not the element at all, as in this case. After rmoving the element I found the wires broke. Fortunatly I had some high temp wire left over from a earlier oven repair. I used butt splices and heat shrink tubing to repair the wires. Then I crimped on a couple of eyelets and fastened things dow.n I received a big kiss form the wife for getting the broiler fixed so fast. Maybe a little extra work, but the rewards were worth it.

There was no burner listed like 40 yr old burner that failed. Got one the same size and connections. Cut old burner out of the stainless steel ring and new burner fit right in. New burner works great