A client's tenants are having problems with the gas stove. The upper horizontal band which contains the knobs gets way too hot when the oven is on and slighlty less so just when one or two of the range burners are going.

I'm guessing some sort of insulation problem. You wouldn't think that stuff would break down though. Ever seen this?

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Might be a seal on the door? there is also a flue of sorts in back, ususally....might be obstructed or bent?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

That whole section from the knobs and up should be removable. Under that is a band of insulation around the oven. You could check and see if it has moved allowing heat to migrate from the front of the oven and up. I do like Tom's suggestion though. There's typically an asbestos type seal on the door all the way around.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

IIRC it is like a shiny rope. there also may be springs that hold the door shut that have weakened.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Good advice. I was going by the place on my way home a couple of evenings ago. I wanted to get a look but since it was semi late I didn't spend much time looking at it. One thing that was wierd, there was a rubbery sort of gasket that was hanging semi loose on the frame where the door would contact. Made no sense as it looked like a material that would have melted by now.

Bad news is - web search indicates a number of people have had this problem with whirlpool stoves and no good advice on how to fix it. But I'll dig into it later, try to get on the other side of that band.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Well if they never did it when newer it should have a fix. Cheap as well.