Microwave Problems

Microwave diode wire broke?

I have a Whirlpool microwave that I'm slowly "purchasing" part by part (not by intention!). I've spent so much on parts already that it's almost become a personal thing. I replaced the capacitor (twice!), the magnetron and in the process, broke the wire coming out of the diode (to ground). That little darn part is $36 from Whirlpool (plus shipping of course). There's about a 1/64 inch "nub" of wire poking out of the diode. Can I file back a 1/4 inch or so and solder the wire back on? If I can do this, will a damp rag wrapped around the plastic diode prevent damage? The diode still tests "good" (part no. 4359639 if it matters) so I hate to pitch it and I really hate to put any more money in parts for this oven! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike

Public Comments

1. Yup. To make matters easier, take a wire tip full ( a microscopic amount) of flux, besides the rosin core stuff, and add it to the plastic side of the wires. Coat the other side with solder. Do a very quick job of soldering. Just don't ask how I know. Not a microwave though. BTW parts houses like crammer, mouser will have the item, for about $1, plus shipping.
2. At this point, anything you try, if it works, will save you $36. That being said, I'd seriously think about trying to remove that insulation, there are some very high voltages inside a microwave that will give someone a rather nasty shock should they come in contact with them. If you should try and solder to the diode, it's not only the insulation melting that you have to worry about. The heat could damage the diode itself, so once you are done soldering, test the diode again, keeping in mind that even though it may test good with an ohmmeter, that really doesn't mean it's going to work in the circuit.