Vulcan Hart Oven Troubleshooting
Whether it's a holding unit or convection model, a Vulcan oven keeps any commercial kitchen cooking. Their line of gas and electric units are suited for a wide variety of professional needs, evenly heating everything from casseroles and meats to veggies and breads. If your oven isn't performing as it should, don't let the issue linger. We have easy-to-follow tips for troubleshooting a Vulcan oven, so you can still whip up those signature dishes in your establishment.
Below is a list of common symptoms associated with holding ovens and full-size convection oven models like the SG66, VCH8, VCH88, VCH16 and VCH5. This guide helps you properly identify symptoms and alerts you to when you should contact an authorized service technician for additional help.
Convection Oven Troubleshooting
Both the Vulcan Hart VC and SG Full-Size Convection Ovens are designed to heat a wide selection of foods evenly and efficiently. Below are common problems associated with gas and electric models.
Cooking Issues
You might run into a few hiccups while cooking. Here are some possible issues and ways to correct them.
- Uneven browning or overcooked edges – When the oven is too hot, lower the temperature settings. You could also be using too many racks. Using fewer racks creates better circulation.
- Shrinking food – The roasting temperature is set too high. If that isn't the case, what you're cooking might not be able to maintain moisture in the oven. Put a 12-x-20-x-1 inch pan of water at the bottom of the oven.
- Items spilling or pulling to the edge of the pan – Check that the racks in your oven are level, and adjust them accordingly if they aren't. The racks should be level, side-to-side and 1/8 inch low at the front to back. Your sheet pans also could be warped, and they should no longer be used.
Gas Doesn't Ignite (Gas Only)
When you don't see a spark or lit ignition light, the following could be the problem:
- High-limit thermostat is open – If the high-limit thermostat is open, have the issue corrected by an authorized technician.
- Defective wiring and electrical components – The interconnecting wiring could be broken, or there might be a defective heat relay, transformer and ignition cable. Have an authorized technician test and repair these issues.
If there is a spark but the gas won't ignite, check your gas valves or supplies. You'll notice that the ignition light stays lit for more than 20 seconds after the three trials. See if the manual gas valve is closed or the solenoid valve is off or broken. If those are working, the gas supply could be off or not supplying proper pressure.
Won't Maintain a Flame (Gas Only)
When the gas ignites but won't maintain a flame, the gas pressure to your unit might be inadequate. If that isn't the root cause, look for the following:
- Dirty or plugged snorkel vent – An obstructed snorkel vent can prevent the flame from holding. Clean out the vent to correct the problem.
- Igniter issues – A defective igniter ground, sensor or lead could be stopping the flame. These should be tested and repaired by an authorized technician.
Excessive, Low or No Heat
If your oven is producing too much or too little heat, look for potential causes below:
- Defective temperature control or probe – A faulty temperature control or temperature probe could affect heat in your unit. Have an authorized technician remedy either issue.
- Inadequate gas pressure (gas only) – If the gas pressure into the facility is low, this could reduce temperature. This could be tied to anything from gas line leaks to overuse of natural gas in a location. You may need to contact your local gas company to correct or identify the cause.
- Plugged gas orifice (gas only) – Check if the gas orifice is obstructed. If there is a blockage, remove the obstruction. Make sure to clean the orifice and its surrounding area to ensure optimal performance going forward.
- Open high-limit switch or thermostat – See if the high-limit switch or thermostat is open. Have it either corrected or replaced by an authorized technician, so your oven can heat up properly.
Defective Timer
Whenever the mechanical timer on your unit isn't functioning normally, check for the following:
- Inadequate line voltage – This not only can cause improper heating, but it also can throw your timer off. Make sure an authorized technician tests and repairs the issue.
- Wiring issues – Interconnecting wiring could be malfunctioning or damaged. Have this repaired or replaced by an authorized technician.
- Broken timer – The entire timer could be broken and would have to be replaced by an authorized technician.
Door Won't Close Properly
The issues below could be causing your door not to close correctly:
- Damaged seal – Replace the door seal if you see cracks or splits. A damaged seal prevents the door from closing shut and only gets worse over time, causing heat to escape the unit.
- Unaligned door – If the oven door isn't aligned, see if the hinges need to be replaced or the hinge screws need to be fastened. Check your owner's manual for leveling and alignment instructions.
- Unaligned door chain or catch roller – Look at the door chain or catch. Adjust either if they're out of alignment. If the either is damaged, have them replaced immediately by an authorized technician.
Holding Oven Troubleshooting
The Vulcan Cook & Hold Oven precisely controls heat in order to retain your food's flavor and nutritional value. Here are common problems that can pop up from time to time.
Oven or Cooling Fans Not Operating
Operational issues can be tied to the power source or cooling fans. Check if the oven isn't plugged in or the "ON/OFF" switch isn't on. If neither is the problem, check your circuit breaker to see if it needs to be reset or a fuse has to be replaced.
When you see the indicator lights on but the cooling fans aren't running, see if the oven is below 150°F. If it's not, there could be a faulty connection, thermostat, fan or wire. Either issue will need to be resolved by an authorized technician.
Oven Not Heating or Has Incorrect Temperature
The following can cause heating or temperature issues on your holding oven:
- Faulty cooking temperature thermostat – Set the thermostat to 250°F, and wait a few minutes before checking the rear of the oven to see if it's warm. If the power switch is on and the cooking temperature indicators are lit but the oven isn't heating, contact an authorized technician to resolve the issue.
- Faulty holding temperature thermostat – Turn the knob to 250°F, and wait a few minutes before seeing if the rear of the oven cavity has heat. If the power switch and temperature indicator are lit but the unit isn't heating, have an authorized technician to repair the problem.
- Faulty high-limit thermostat or heating element – A broken high-limit thermostat or heating element can affect your oven's temperature. Make sure an authorized technician repairs the issue to help keep your unit protected under warranty.
Need more help troubleshooting a Vulcan oven? Check out our collection of Vulcan manuals for tips and instructions.