I've enjoyed this charger (Model 608.178371) for over 15 years and I finally did a "whoops" that made it glow red and smokeou: It appears that what fried is the M.O.V. Assembly, Sears part number SA128146 which of course is no longer available from Sears. It goes between the Thermo Switch and the Ground Cable and may be some sort of diode/capaciter. It has a loop on either end about 1" long to attach it to the switch and cable and the body of the piece is about 1/4" long and round. I was hoping to repair the charger, but the part is fried to the point I can't read any numbers on it. Just wondering if anyone may still have the same charger and could see if there are any numbers printed on the part so I could find an equivalent rated replacement.
I have an old Sears charger that isn't working anymore, but i'm unsure of the model. I will check it out when I get home tonight and if it is the same I can pull the part you need and give it to you. I just hope I haven't thrown it out yet.
Nope. Sorry. I thought I had the one you mentioned, so I checked mine out. I've got the 15/50/225 Sears charger. I guess that won't help you even a little bit.
M.O.V stands for metal-oxide-varistor. It is like a clamp for lightning or other overvoltage protection. You can replace it or just jumper it and leave it out. I would try to get an electrician or technician buddy to look at it.
