Uninstalling the Nutone Mixer Control

[winner]

Has anyone tried to un-install the sink top Nutone Mixer controller that is in most classic Airstream Motor homes?? If so, need help in trying to figure out how to get them out without breaking appliance or sink top

[LKappenman]

Is it broke? We love ours and we use it a lot also. We did replace a part but thats it. They sell for a lot on E-bay so don't just "get rid" of the parts.. The only thing we still need is the power post.

[winner]

Thanks for your response

[JW84345]

I looked at that a few months ago. I ended not having to remove it. I got it to work (just had to push the knob tight on to the speed control shaft so it would pull the switch up when lifted). If I remember right, the unit is held in from below and once loosened lifts out. I think there were a couple of screws and the electrical connection. The unit is accessible from the cabinet below (may have to pull a few drawers out).

I did remove the cover to clean it, so remember that small piece of it. You have to remove the control knob first. The cover pulls up about 2.5 to 3 inches. It is held on by a couple of wire clips at each end. Squeeze the clips together to remove the cover all the way. Be careful not to lose the small rubber o-ring around the speed control shaft.

If you are removing the power unit, you will find it is worth something on e-bay, especially if it works.

Jim

[winner]

OK Thanks Jim - will give it atry!
Appreciate your comments,

[TriCon]

Originally posted by LKappenman
We love ours and we use it a lot also.

what attachments are there besides: mixer, blender, knife sharpener?

[ViewRVs]

The previous owner of my unit did a good job of keeping the original paperwork. Here is the list of attachments.

Food Processor
Coffee Grinder
Blender
Mixer
Fruit Juicer
Ice Crusher
Knife Sharpener
"Power Post"
Meat Grinder (requires "Power Post")
Shredder-Slicer (requires "Power Post")
Can Opener (requires "Power Post")

I even have the "NuTone Food Center Cookbook". I have the blender and knife sharpener. I have pieces of the mixer but not the whole thing.

I don't have the installation (or un-installation in this case) instructions.

I'm keepin' mine! How many campers have milkshakes in the evening?

OT: Funny Blender Story
At a soccer tournament, some of the team parents were attempting to make adult beverages with crushed ice using a blender, a small $20 inverter, and their car battery. It was wimpy and not working well. I let them use my exterior AC outlet for more power and a storage drawer top for workspace. I didn't tell them I had an ice maker and a in-counter blender that would have worked much better! (FYI - We didn't partake or condone this behavior at youth sporting events!)

[TriCon]

Originally posted by 1985air345
Here is the list of attachments.

"Power Post"

I'm keepin' mine!

We are too! Only have to find the Power Post, food processor, grater and can opener.

Thanks for your quick response.

[Chaplain Kent]

If I remember right, the unit is held in from below and once loosened lifts out. I think there were a couple of screws and the electrical connection. The unit is accessible from the cabinet below (may have to pull a few drawers out).

I am resurecting this old thread to correct the above information. I have just taken out my NuTone and will describe the process. What I had to do was first disconnect the wiring, make certain the power is off! Then take out the motor, see first pix. The motor is held on by four screws at each corner on the top; mine were rusted and had to be sprayed. I also had to use persuasion to loosen the motor from its 28 year seal. Disconnect the wiirng from the switch and set the motor aside. You now have access to the mounting brackets. There is a screw in the middle of the top plate, pix 2, that when you turn it will lower the mounting plate which holds two brackets to on the outside housing under the counter top. Mine was badly rusted and again had to be sprayed and coaxed, thus the reason to remove the motor. After the brackets are lowered you can gently pry the housing loose from the counter top and lift it out, pix 3. Clean up the area and you are done. Pix 4.
I tested the motor and it does work, now I need to decide if I want to spend the $100.00 to $200.00 or so to make it work again with a new switch, cover -plate, and accesories. We probably will never use it but it is so Airstream I hate to give it up. On the other hand it leaks water into the drawers below when I wash dishes and I could build a new drawer with the scrap lumber I have on hand and patch the hole with a nice piece of butcher block wood for free. This is a hard choice.

[Minnie's Mate]

Does the Nu-Tone appliance work off of 12 volt. I ask this because I have seen new built-in blender bases for residential uses. If you wanted the original look and weren't concerned with use when boondocking you could install one of these units.

Or, you could bid on this unit: http://cgi.ebay.com/Nutone-Food-Cent...QQcmdZViewItem, the seller is auctioning off all of the attachments separately and you could get the ones you want.

[davidz71]

The Nutone unit is 110 volt rather than 12 volt. I replaced the one in my Excella because the speed switch shaft was broken flush with the surface.

[Chaplain Kent]

I recieved a "new" used NuTone food center purchased on eBay and installed it in Chummy. Now I have a working food center it probably never will be used but i feel bettter that it works. I also caulked around the lip so it will not leak water into the silverware drawer when I wash the dishes. As a compromise to my wife I am building a 6" deep drawer that will fit in front of the food center to replace the blank panel that was there.

[tswinsor]

Do the accessories for the 221 power unit work on the model 251 power unit?

[ViewRVs]

I found a brand new-pristine NuTone base unit at a garage sale (with mixer and blender) but the lady had a very high price on it and would not budge. I know they go for a bunch but you only make money if you can get it wholesale!

Some folks want eBay prices at their yard sale. Ain't happening honey!

[tswinsor]

I have answered my own question, I took a gamble and ordered some attachments made for the model 221 power unit and found they fit my model 251 power unit perfectly. I have now aquired every attachment available for the food center including the 243 drawer kit which holds all the attachments, now I just have to decide if I want to butcher some drawers to install them.
Here is a great source for Nutone food center parts and acc.
R & I your leader in Nutone replacement parts

[Blockparty]

Thanks for this explanation. I’m still unclear of one thing. I can see the four screws on each corner of the metal case which encloses the motor. But I can’t reach them because the plywood is obstructing my access. It looks like the four set screws, if undone, would allow the motor and controls to be pulled straight up? I can’t get one of the control knobs off. Is that essential to removal?