RV Repair: oven selector switch, nomad trailer, big flame

Question
I have a 1983 Nomad trailer. My husband and I just bought it and are having trouble getting the oven to light. The pilot lights but is very weak, and we can only get the oven burner to light by holding in the oven knob, but once you let the knob go, it goes back out. We are wondering if it is the oven selector switch, or could it be the thermostat? If you could help, that would be great. thanks Theresa

Answer
Theresa, The selector switch is the thermostat. The way they work is when you turn the oven on the pilot light should go from a small flame to a big flame. This heats the safety valve thermocouple and then opens the valve and the oven comes on. If you pull the knob off and look in the center of where it connects you might find that this oven has a screw in there. Take and turn it on to the lowest setting and holding it there turn the screw one way or the other and see if it has any affect on it. If not then replace the T-Stat. Thanks, Bill