Microwave is making a fairly loud rattling sound.

[JumpinJackFlash]

This sound came on all of a sudden.   It wasn't there.....and then it was....and it hasn't gone away.

It happens the entire time the microwave is in use, but it has nothing to do with the Fan (this is a micro-hood unit) or the turntable, as I've turned both of them off and the noise persists.

After looking at the parts break-down, I'm thinking it might be the "stirrer"   I'm just guessing.  How could I verify that?   And if that really is the issue, how difficult is it, to access that to replace it?  

Any other thoughts about other potential causes?

Thanks!

Model 665.61639100

Pete

[jumptrout51]

Yes, probably the stirrer.

[JumpinJackFlash]

Yes, probably the stirrer.

Thanks - would you happen to know how difficult it would be to replace?

[jumptrout51]

Quite easy. Remove the stirrer cover, then remove the stirrer.

[JumpinJackFlash]

Quite easy. Remove the stirrer cover, then remove the stirrer.

Is the 'stirrer cover' the plastic(?) piece on the inside, top of the microwave??   If so, it isn't clear how I would remove it......?

[Repair-man]

Not everyone is tech savvy trout...
The cover has 4 plastic pins (#7) that pop right out.The stirrer blade is turned by a separate motor #1. There are also a couple of blower fans inside that might need inspection. You'll have to drop the unit from the cabinet and remove the outer wrapper.
Maybe this will help some:

[JumpinJackFlash]

Not everyone is tech savvy trout...
The cover has 4 plastic pins (#7) that pop right out.The stirrer blade is turned by a separate motor #1. There are also a couple of blower fans inside that might need inspection. You'll have to drop the unit from the cabinet and remove the outer wrapper.
Maybe this will help some:

Ahh...but I am!!   ....well, sometimes! 

When I looked at the cover and it just looked like a solid piece of plastic and since it's round, not square like the diagram depicts, I thought it might have been referring to something else.   
I pulled off the cover and when I spin the fan blade by hand it doesn't feel smooth at all, so I suspect that IS the issue.

Is the silicone / RTV that is used to secure the cover in place (besides the 4 plastic pins) anything special???
Can I use just about any RTV to secure it back up?

I guess I have to now figure out if the cost of the Stirrer motor assembly is worth investing in, since this is a 7 year old unit.

Thanks for your help!

[Repair-man]

You can use most any sealant as long as it is clear or white in color. For that matter, you can also paint the insides of the cavity with spray enamel, none of which are affected by microwave energy.

[JumpinJackFlash]

You can use most any sealant as long as it is clear or white in color. For that matter, you can also paint the insides of the cavity with spray enamel, none of which are affected by microwave energy.

That's good news - thanks!!!

One more thing....I read if I go poking around inside the microwave, I should discharge the capacitor in there.   Do you guys have a good method of performing that task?   Should I get a large, high ohm, high watt resistor to do that or is there a better way?

[Repair-man]

Yes, just poke a pocket screwdriver from one of the capcitor terminals to the other or to the rim of the cap to discharge it. Most times they will not need this unless something is wrong with the cap, but it never hurts to play  it safe. I have had the shizzle knocked out of me only once, but it was a good lesson

[JumpinJackFlash]

Yes, just poke a pocket screwdriver from one of the capcitor terminals to the other or to the rim of the cap to discharge it. Most times they will not need this unless something is wrong with the cap, but it never hurts to play  it safe. I have had the shizzle knocked out of me only once, but it was a good lesson

Me too!!!!   Except it was from the flyback on a CRT....about 15K volts.....yikes!

Thanks....I was worried that using something to short across the terminals might be too risky, but it doesn't sound like that will be an issue.

Thanks again!!!

Pete

[JWWebster]

When i was in high school I had a red firestone jacket. In electronics class I walked by an old 60s era tv with glass test tubes and a hot box power plant. That 50000 volts lifted me right off the floor.

[JumpinJackFlash]

When i was in high school I had a red firestone jacket. In electronics class I walked by an old 60s era tv with glass test tubes and a hot box power plant. That 50000 volts lifted me right off the floor.

OUCH!!!

It's something you never forget.   
Although I was in an air conditioned office, when I got zapped, it went to the wettest spot on my body.....my armpit.....stung like a son of a gun...and the pain didn't go away until the next day.

....I guess these are OUR "war stories".