GE JES1656SJ02 Microwave Burning Paper Smell

[Larbo]

I have had this GE 1.6KW microwave for about 7 years and I have custom trim kit for its installation into a cabinet.

Tonight I smelled burning paper while cooking something that was paperless. I pulled it, opened it up, shorted the cap and began sniffing for a source. Seems to be the magnetron though I figured it would be a cap on the control board. Pulled out the magnetron and the wave tube does have the smell. My two questions are:

1. Is the burning paper smell indeed a known indicator of a failing magnetron?

2. If so, are they any recommended aftermarket brands or sources for magnetrons?? I believe my model is obsolete.

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

 

[citizenX]

Can't say I've ever noticed a bad magnetron smelling like burning paper but I guess it's possible. Mags usually just stop heating with no fuss, or the unit might hum really loudly. Be sure to check all the wiring connections on the high voltage cap and rectifier diode as well. Also check the wave guide cover on the inside of the cavity for burning. Not sure if that one is plastic or that fiber-paper stuff but look at that as well as the inside of the wave guide channel for arcing. 

As far as the magnetron, there are some generic replacements out there for 40-50 bucks or so. Search amazon or ebay for your mag part number WB27X10309.

Was the unit still heating? If nothing obviously is arc'd or burning, you could also have a bad high voltage capacitor, transformer, or rectifier diode but you're getting into dangerous territory if you don't know what you're doing. If you've got 120vac to the primary windings on the transformer then the control end of it is working and it could be any of those high voltage side parts. I would however strongly advise against poking around in there when the unit is running unless you know what you are doing. You can seriously die a little bit! 

Edited February 18 by citizenX

[Larbo]

HI Brian,

Thanks for the helpful info. 

The magnetron was working while the smell propagated. I remembered after a while that I had a backup used mag from a prior oven of the same model #. So, I swapped in I will see over the next few days what happens. I called my appliance repair company. The owner is a gem. I explained the situation and the he said basically, maybe the magnetron, more likely the wave guide or the under the wave guide cover (in the cavity), or the transformer. Since the wave guide is old, I figured it is probably brittle. I purchased a couple from Repair Clinic (OEM) so I will attempt that later. I did look in the wave guide hole behind the mag nothing looked weird. Just a little "darkened" from use over the years. The wave guide cover end is the more likely, I understand.

Wait and see mode with the backup mag. 

So, you are saying that the aftermarket magnetrons are good?? New OEMs from reputable sources are $150 min. The damn oven was $199 when new (and available).  

Thanks!

 

 

[Larbo]

Well, after a couple of weeks with my recycled mag, it has worked flawlessly and no burning paper smell.  Thanks for the input. I do wonder if there are any brand specific aftermarket mag recommendations.It would be greatly appreciated.