Accidentally ran microwave for 15 min, top plastic disk melted and caught on fire. Stopped it and it still functions ok. Is it dangerous because there a hole in the plastic?

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Nov 18, 2007

SOURCE: Fire from top of Microwave

It's not a dangerous or diffcult job for a do-it-yourselfer.

That would be the waveguide cover (also called the stirrer fan cover), and it would need to be replaced to prevent future damage to the magnetron.

Check your model number sticker to get the full model number with suffix and the manufacturer number (PACO1860AB0 for example).

Then you can find helpful exploded view diagrams and order parts by entering your full model number here: http://tinyurl.com/gv383

Good luck and good cooking!

We appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

SOURCE: microwave

A microwave needs all those surfaces to be fully reflective. those scorch marks greatly affect the magnetron. it will soon burn out . reccommend a new microwave.

William Miller

• 9179 Answers
• Posted on Apr 23, 2008

SOURCE: Small melted hole at microwave

It should be okay as long as none of the holes in the fine metal mesh / screen are damaged or enlarged and as long as the door closes fully and evenly.

Keep an eye on it in case it gets worse or any food or grease get stuck in the hole. That can lead to arcing & severe damage.

We're happy to help and we appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

Steve Allison

• 5569 Answers
• Posted on Aug 08, 2009

SOURCE: a piece of waxed paper caught fire and melted a

I assume you mean the interior of the oven.
Epoxy is available in white (I don't know if in both quick & regular versions however) and I suggest you trim and fill the hole so its edges are flush with the surrounding plastic. Mix the two component epoxy, use duct tape or similar and if a quick-set type of epoxy, I would put a generous blob in the middle of a length of tape, allow it to start setting up (should still be very pliable) and put the tape over the hole, pressing it firmly into it to ensure that some material flows inside around the edges to secure it. Make sure the epoxy has NO metallic content as this would worsen your problem. If done well, the new plug should be quite level to the surrounding surface.

SOURCE: Why did it catch on fire?

Any flaws in the painted surface on the inside of the unit will cause a spark and that generates heat. Examine the surfacecor any exposed metal. You have to use special paint to resurface the inside.

Testimonial: "Thanks for the comments, Brad. No missing paint. I believe the problem is defective plastic used for the stirrer cover at the top (ceiling) of the microwave. I took the plastic cover out this morning, trimmed the plastic that was stopping the stirrer from moving, and reassembled the thing. I believe the plastic deformed or bubbled up enough to stop the stirrer from turning, which allowed the plastic to overheat and catch on fire. I plan to order a new plastic cover unit, and continue to use the thing. Comments posted on the internet about GE microwaves would make a person swear off of anything made by GE!"