Old Kenmore Microwave...cannot identify

[AWSHandy]

Please see photo. There is a sticker on the back with handwritten model 86961. I have talked to multiple sources regarding this vintage microwave. Partselect and SearsPartsdirect were not helpful. They said that model number relates to nothing. Perhaps someone can help me identify this microwave. It turns on and heats for no more than 3 min, then the timer continues but the heat goes off. Sounds like a hi limit thermostat issue, but I don't know. Any help with identification or parts needed would be appreciated.

[AWSHandy]

[Budget Appliance Repair]

The 86961 number looks like a Kenmore stock number which would be the first 5 numbers after the DOT in a full Kenmore product model number.

Need the first 3 numbers before the DOT to know who built it - looks to be a '70 to '80 vintage.   Sears was using Litton and Sharp a lot back then which would be a code 747. for Litton or  575. for Sharp.

I did some look-up using Litton, Sharp and LG source codes on the Sears site and nothing comes up - most likely because it is too old to be listed anymore.

Did you look inside the cavity area and around the door opening to see if there were any other tags that might have the full model number, (it will usually also have the manufacture date on microwaves).

[AWSHandy]

I did look everywhere for the model tag. It must have worn out and peeled off. On the back, someone wrote by hand model 86961. It also says made in Japan.

[AWSHandy]

I did a search, and there is a kenmore microwave stock # 86951. There was an owners manual available for download from manualsdump. It was only an owners manual. No tech data or parts.  Now, if I had the model number which goes with this stock # I might have something.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

@AWSHandy The stock number of a Kenmore appliance is usually the main part of the model number but you have to know who made it to put the correct source code XXX.86951???

If you look at some of the parts in the microwave, like the transformer, mag tube, control board and give us some of the part numbers we can probably determine the manufacturer to get the correct source XXX. code.

The problem is still going to be trying to find any reference to it even if you have a somewhat good model number since it so old.

Then even if you do that the only parts that will most likely be available would be mag tube, thermal cutoffs, diode, capacitor, door switches that could be found as generic matching parts.

 

[Vance R]

Couldn't anything for this model, except the owner's manual listed by @AWSHandy.  There is usually a wire diagram in the inside of the wrapper or tucked in by the control module.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

@Vance R Do you have a link to the owners manual that you found - maybe possible to determine the maker from some info in it if it's available without paying for it.

[Vance R]

Re-did my google search and nothing came up.  Forgot what the exact search words so got different results.

 

Looking for another manual found manualsdump web site, able to find it again:

https://manualsdump.com/en/manuals/kenmore-microwave_oven/89698/1

 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Vance R
found web site

[Terry Carmen]

I'm about 90% sure it's a Litton.

If you're redoing this for some sort of antique thing, check to make sure the tube has good airflow and the fan is actually working and isn't clogged. 3 minutes sounds like it's working but overheating.

On the other hand, this thing is ancient, and there's no way a repair that requires parts will be cost effective, so if it's not something like a clogged air intake or a fan that needs some oil, I'd send it off for recycling.

[vee8power]

Are antique microwaves a thing?

[Terry Carmen]

1 hour ago, vee8power said:

Are antique microwaves a thing?

Not according to eBay. 8-)

Couldn't find a single one.

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

This is all I could get from the owners manual.

Looks like it was manufacture in 1984 (Last page #60 Revised 5/'84 Printed in Japan)

Nothing comes up for 564.86961

According to the owners manual, (page #5), the model number should be on the edge of the control panel where the door opens/closes to and should look like this 564.8000000

564.

Sanyo

Edited January 1, 2022 by Budget Appliance Repair

[DADoESTX]

It looks like a convection model shown in the 1986 Sears Summer & Winter catalogs which reference what I assume are order numbers "22 B 86961N" and "22 H 86961N" although that doesn't identify the full correct model number.

[Budget Appliance Repair]

23 hours ago, DADoESTX said:

what I assume are order numbers "22 B 86961N" and "22 H 86961N"

That's still just the Sears stock# 86961 which is all they ever show, (it's the first 5 numbers after the XXX.  The 22 just signifies Sears Appliance Division - their internal designations and what they show in their systems.  

Not sure of the meanings of the "B" or the "H" between the division and stock number.