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bpamerick1  
#1 Posted : Thursday, November 4, 2010 12:24:05 PM(UTC)
bpamerick1

Rank: Member

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Joined: 11/2/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6

My microwave diode has blown twice now. I tested the magnetron and capacitor they tested fine. I tested the transformer and the manufacturer says the secondary is supposed to measure 100ohms or so. I am reading infinite measurements from the secondary to everything. I am assuming I have an open.

My questioin is: Is this a symptom or the fault I don't want to spend the money to replace it just to have it fail again. Is there something that caused it to go out besides age or a random power surge? Is there another component to check besides magnetron and capacitor?

Thanks
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magician59  
#2 Posted : Thursday, November 4, 2010 12:52:21 PM(UTC)
magician59

Rank: Advanced Member

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Joined: 8/16/2007(UTC)
Posts: 3,273

Anything can be the cause of an old transformer to go bad, from weakness due to manufacturing process, to a gradual erosion of the connections over time. The transformer will be the most expensive component you'll have to replace. As long as you're certain the capacitor and new diode are good, and there is no age or heat-related damage to the magnitron, after replacing the transformer, you should be good. You'll be the ultimate judge as to whether the fix is worth the expense. Look very closely at the magnets in the magnitron, though, and make sure there are no cracks in them. They should be visible as you look, between the cooling fins, with a good light.
bpamerick1  
#3 Posted : Thursday, November 4, 2010 1:31:50 PM(UTC)
bpamerick1

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I am only considering replacing the transformer because this benefits me two fold. Fixed microwave and it is an electronics class project. There is nothing visibly wrong with magnetron and it tests ok. Do magnetrons ever fail and not read shorted?
magician59  
#4 Posted : Thursday, November 4, 2010 1:37:39 PM(UTC)
magician59

Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Senior Expert
Joined: 8/16/2007(UTC)
Posts: 3,273

Magnetrons fail in several ways. The filament can open or short to ground. The magnetic field can scatter due to broken magnets. The filter can break. All of these will result in a no-heat condition.
bpamerick1  
#5 Posted : Thursday, November 4, 2010 1:39:09 PM(UTC)
bpamerick1

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Joined: 11/2/2010(UTC)
Posts: 6

Thanks for the help!!
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