CLICKING SOUND FROM MICROWAVE INLET COVER - Microwave Ovens

You may be able to get another mica sheet from a different brand or model and cut it to suit. They are called wave guide covers. I wouldn't recommend using silicone. These usually burn through if food has splattered on to it and eventually, it will burn a hole through the mica. Its common for them to arc around the place where they have burnt.

inside the cabinet, there is (usually) a belt that turns that gear, you will have to unplug the unit and take off the cover to get at it, probably has some grit in the belt or such, also look for missing teeth

Door latch settings are out because door slamming and abuse of unit

Yes, if it doesn't fit properly.

It may be called a waveguide cover.

You should verify the part number needed at the Sears Parts Direct Web site.

A full Sears/Kenmore model number has 3 digits, a dot, then 8 more digits, such as ###.########

Hi

To locate the inlet cover, look towards the interior side of the microwave next to the microwave display. The inlet is typically located near the back of the microwave, in the middle of the wall.
Unplug your microwave from the electrical outlet and remove any food or containers.

Wipe the inlet cover, typically located on the right side of the microwave in the middle of the wall, with a damp cloth. The cover must be kept clean or it will not protect the microwave.

Dry the inlet cover with a soft towel.

Leave the microwave door open for several hours to air out the inlet cover.

Examine the inlet cover for wear and tear. If the cover has too much damage in the form of scratches or holes, it may need replacement.

Remove the inlet cover, if desired. Insert a putty knife under the plastic nail that holds the inlet cover in place. Pry out the nails and set them aside. Pull out the micro plate in front of the inlet and set it aside. Remove the inlet plate.

Install a new inlet plate. Slide the new inlet cover into its place. Replace the nails back into the side of the microwave by aligning them with the holes of the side.

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From your description it does indicate a magnetron problem, you would be further ahead replacing the microwave oven when you consider the expense of the repair involved.

If the cooling fan is not working, that would explain the shutdown problem. The function of the fan is to cool the magnetron down when it is warming or cooking the food, if the fan fails to run, the thermal fuse will detect heat rise causing a shutdown with in 5 seconds or more, the clicking suggest fan issues. I would recommend a whirlpool technician to go through the system.

Sounds like the waveguide cover has been contaminated with food that has carbonised and burning.
Call a Whirlpool repair agent and get the waveguide cover replaced.
They need to be kept clean and leaving the door open after cooking helps to dry the moisture out in the cavity. Making it last longer.

Q - When there is small amounts of food in the oven, arcing occurs right behind the plate where the wave guide comes into the oven. Sometimes it works well and sometimes you can't even put in a bag of popcorn. Any ideas? Could food have 'dripped' in here and be causing a microwave short?
 
A - Yes! Food splatter or drips can continue to cook and will carbon over creating sparks/arcs from the wave guide cover. Usually can clean up the food on and under the wave guide cover, if the oven liner has been damaged we usually lightly sand and touch up those marks with touch paint. Do not let it go for too long as damage to the magnetron end is possible as well :(   If the wave guide cover has been damaged, replace it!

Since it's new, I would let Whirlpool cover the repairs.

You can contact their customer service at http://www.whirlpool.com

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