Redwood incubator, Montgomery Ward (Leahy) problems, need someone local if possible

[seabreeze]

Not sure if this is right place to post a *help* with incubator problem. I'm a blithering idiot when it comes to certain things, such as thermostats, coils, electrical etc.,

I picked up a small redwood incubator, the seller had replaced the thermostat with another wafer thermostat. The electrical cord was horribly frayed, so my friend who is somewhat of an electrician, replaced the frayed cord. Plugs and runs fine.

BUT...any type of thermometer I put in so I can start adjusting the temp just blows up.....the bator gets so hot, even with the temp regulating wing nut on top barely turned, it fries every single thermometer i've used. My wafer went up over 122 degrees no matter how little or much, I turned the thermostat down.

I'm located near Albany, Oregon and if anyone knows of a redwood bator specialist in the area (can't drive real far), I'm hoping someone has a referral or two to give me.

Thanks!

 

[loveourbirds]

without being there it is a little hard to tell what the problem is. if your using digital thermometers that could be your problem. the humidity in an incubator will affect most digital thermometers. if they do work they typically wont last long.

also, are you sure your turning it the right way? to turn a wafer thermostat down you tighten the screw. in other words when the wafer is pushing on the switch, the heating element should be off. this is backwards from most thermostats and I think its why a lot of people shy away from them. personally they are all I use.

 

[Bill 101]

I agree with LOVEOURBIRDS. I think you have the heat adjustment out to far. With the incubator off (unplugged) & cooled, loosen the wing nut, just a bit, & turn the adjustment to the right (clockwise). You should be able to hear a slight "click" as the wafer comes into contact with the snap switch. At that point the heat should be off. Now plug the incubator back in (turn it on if it has a switch). It should NOT heat at all, which is the way it is supposed to work.

If that works, loosen the wing nut & adjust the thermostat higher by turning it to the left (counter clockwise) maybe a quarter turn. The incubator should not heat up until the wafer expands enough to comes in contact with the snap switch, at which point it will again shut off.

If that works the way I explained you could just keep adjusting it till it reaches 100 degrees. If it doesn't work or still keeps overheating, something else is wrong, like possibly the thing was wired incorrectly

If it doesn't work, let me know, I live in Cottage Grove & I may be able to help over the phone.

Added: Your Thermometers are blowing up because the incubator is heating up hotter than the thermometer can handle

 

[Icewolf]

Seabreeze,
Sorry I can not help you, but maybe you could help me! I am a newbie at incubating. I just bought my first incubator at a garage sale, same as your without legs, and more importantly NO MANUAL.... Do you have a manual? I can't seem to find any info on these little gems, than I saw your picture..l would appreciate any info that you are willing to share. Thank you

 

[sarabeth]

I need help. I got the same incubator and I cant find a manual or anything about it. I figure the wafer needs to be changed but I don't know how.