Looking to replace our old Sharp R-1851 with a new Sharp R-1871 T. Anyone with advice or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.
I would get the installation instructions for the OLD microwave to see how to properly remove it. I think there are different methods through the years but most involve rotating down from a rear mounted attachment plate on the wall. Sharp has a pretty good website with old documentation. Second, Foretravel will have added extra screws from inside the cabinetry into the sheet metal of the microwave. Usually two on the top and maybe one coming in from the side. Use a mirror and flashlight to find the heads - can be tricky to find, IIRC. Third, be ready with something sturdy to fit under the microwave (within a couple of inches) to catch it when it comes down and hold up the new one when installing. Fourth, watch out for anything on the side wall (next to cook top - like mirrors or a slab of Corian) that might be in the way of the microwave rotating down - might have to pull it.
Here is the manual for the r1851, should help you check if the 1871 is a direct bolt up or if you have to do some bracket replacements.
In addition to the standard bolts supplied by Sharp to install the micro, there will be a collection of FT added screws to make sure the unit stays in place while going down the road. Those added screws can be tricky to find, but they are generally screwed to the cabinet face frame.
Here are a couple of threads on removing microwaves, I think these are for the 1871 removal, but they will at least give you an idea of what to expect.
u280 remove-replace microwave (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20189)
Replacing Sharp 1831 Convection oven (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17071)
Removal of Microwave (Sharp R-1870) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13433)
I recently replaced one. If buying from Home Depot, have it delivered to the store and pull it out of the box to look for damage. Two were damaged for my order, second one was minor so I negotiated a discount and took it home. It includes a mounting plate. Simple replacement except for the aforementioned hidden screws/s.
good luck,
We replaced our microwave last year. We spent hours and hours trying to get the original unit out before finally finding a well hidden screw (Replaced original Sharp convection microwave model with a new Sharp model (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20210.msg147070#msg147070)).
Since your model year is close to ours, you may have a similar installation.
Here is our story on changing our microwave.
Older models had different wall bracket than current models. If your original has new style wall mount, the swap is quite simple, just heavy, and care has to be made to not scratch nearby wall. If tile has been added to wall, it will be a little tighter to R&R.
Replacing R-1830B Microwave with R1875-T (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/replacing_r1830b_microwave_with_r1875t.html)
We appreciate everyone's input. We have done a visual inspection on how we are going to do this, and so far we have found three screws in the top and two diagonal bolts coming up from the bottom. We ordered the new Sharp 1871T today and are going to pull the old one out tomorrow after church. Hope for a little divine intervention and a peaceful transition. Again, thanks for everyone's advice.
We too are making the change from old to a new Sharp R1875T. We purchased from HD for $476.00+/- tax included. Had it shipped to the store where we picked it up today, inspected it and will attempt to install tomorrow. the only snag so far is that we couldn't get the box through the back door of our Jeep Wrangler. Our way far back area has a couple of chairs and a few other things. Rats..... Took it out of the box and slid it in. Left the box in the parking lot.
The one that we are replacing was making so much clanking noises we figured it was time.
We again thank all of you that have gone before us.
After much experience dealing with Home Depot and Sharp Corp. in recent weeks, I think I am going to share with you the fact that the new 1871T models do not come with a charcoal filter. The filter is to be installed behind the plastic ventilation shield. This is the shield that is located above the door and covers the entire width of the microwave. You have to purchase the charcoal filter separately. I don't think it is very expensive. I haven't purchased mine, yet. I'm wondering just how pertinent this filter is, if the company isn't required to install it, themselves.?
The filter would only be needed if you configured the oven vent to recirculate - exhaust through the ventilation shield. At least on our 2003, the ovens are configured to vent out the roof so the charcoal filter is not needed.
The old ones vent to the interior. We bought one of those filters and it was expensive - fifty bucks or so.
The venting works well. Just turn on the ceiling fan out it goes.
jor
Got the old one out and the new one in. Took about an hour total. Found the 3 screws on top. Used a Phillips 4" extension. Tried to use the Phillips to take out the angled long screws that attach to the wall base plate but it just spun so used a socket + extension and the drill. Worked great.
Thanks everyone. DONE! ;D
One thing to look out for. No one else has mentioned the problem we had. When we swung the oven into place the diagonal mounting bolts would not line up with the threaded holes in the mounting plate. Both sides were off just slightly. I had to do some filing with a round file on the back of the oven to get the to line up properly. Had it not been for this issue the install would have been straightforward.
jor
Jor - We did not have that issue. Slid it up into place and tightened the screws. ;D