123pop Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 My(never used sat in a shed for 20yrs) B23H 240v Cress KIlnsitter could not reach temperature on Monday. This was my 16th firing only. What are steps to take to isolate problem? 1) 4 elements...top 2 are not working. Can I assume probably not elements since 2 would not go at same time and previous firing was within usual firing time. 2) 2 Pilots ...bottom comes on and starts cycling on/off. Can hear the snapping and popping noise. Top pilot light on... no noise. 3) Going to take off control cage today (pretty dirty in there) ..Am I looking for a broken wire? And can anybody give me the most likely scenario and steps to take. Thanks Hopefully I can fix this myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123pop Posted September 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 Whoa! Looked at the cage covering ...it looks pretty complicated. I need step by step info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 Does this kiln have the thumbwheel control? Cress kilns tend to have a very busy wiring system. It's like a rats nest in there. First, look for any loose or fried connections. Check all terminal connections at every part. If you can't find anything obvious, you'll have to go in with a multimeter and trace the power path and see where the problem is. Get a wiring diagram. Wouldn't hurt to call Cress, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 could mice have gotten to some wires or loosened connections? Sitting in a shed for that long is an invitation to mice to other things. Follow Neil's advice on checking the power path. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Bridge Pottery Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 http://www.cressmfg.com/pdf/BASIC%20KILN%20MANUAL,%20FOR%20A,B,C%20KILNS.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123pop Posted September 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 Thanks all ...electrician friend checked it out with meter. Elements look fine. The switch seems to be working intermittently on one side. All others look good. No apparent corrosion or fried parts. Ordered switch $24 but shipping is horrendous. Now I suppose I should refire the bisque. Underfired bisque (was trying to go to 04) can give you lots of problems right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted September 30, 2014 Report Share Posted September 30, 2014 Now I suppose I should refire the bisque. Underfired bisque (was trying to go to 04) can give you lots of problems right? Depends on how low and what kind of clay. If you got to cone 08 you're probably fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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