Hi there, we've recently bought on old Hymer (2001) with a SMEV oven. Any other caravan/camper we have had has had a Thetford oven which when lit stays on a small flame then after a short time the flame increases. This doesn't happen on the SMEV oven. The flame never increases. Does anyone know if this is correct or is this a problem that can be fixed?
Do you have to hold the knob in for about 10 seconds? If not it will be a solenoid like the Thetford. Get a torch and check the burner, there is a bulb on the end of a wire, this goes to the solenoid, the bulb should be in the flame when lit, then when hot it opens the solenoid valve to give full flame.
So check that the bulb is over the burner, it can't become dislodged.
Next light the burner and check if there is a flame under the bulb, if not turn off and clean with a small wire brush and try again.
If it still doesn't rise then the solenoid valve may be faulty, a solenoid valve is usually only fitted to an oven with a timer to set automatically, others generally are on a thermocouple which needs holding for about 10 seconds
What you describe is normal for the SMEV oven.
The SMEV oven in my van is pretty useless. There is nothing fancy about it. You just light it and turn the thermostat to the required setting.
I have read other posts agreeing that the SMEV oven is pretty feeble and there's not a lot you can do with it unless you can alter the jet.
My last van had a Spinflo oven which was much better.
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