Flex Overheating?

duffthebluff

duffthebluff

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Hello AG!

I bought my Flex 3401 just recently, however I was doing my first job with Flex and just around 10 mins of using the polisher it wouldnt start. I noticed that the metal housing that holds the backing plate is hot. I waited for around 20 mins or so for the metal to cooldown then it started again. After I buffed one portion, my flex didnt start again.Is my Flex overheating?
 
The Flex does get quite warm during use. Most will tell you to check the felt ring to make sure it is oiled.
 
I have a Flex 3401 too. I have had no heating issues. However, that being said, the main culprit from the heating issue for the Flex or any DA is the gauge of the electrical cord. I know I use a heavier duty extension cord and it even has a protection strip in case of overload.

Check into that after you check the oiling of the felt tip ring on the Flex. I just put WD-40 around the felt ring and that seems to reduce the heat.

But IMO the most important thing is to make sure you have the proper gauge electrical cord connected to the Flex.

Check that out
 
On the flex you need to,take the backing plate off and use some 3 in 1 oil on the white ring around the housing. This will,help with overheating. Also remember with the flex you do not need a lot of downward pressure. I had the same issue with the flex and the housing was getting hot to the touch and was getting burnt. I was at a detailing meet which had the rep there from flex. He explained that oiling the white ring and using less pressure and going slower will help.

This past weekend I did a detail and used my flex and followed his recommendation and no heat build up on the flex housing.
Just some information.

In regards to the extension cord I use a 50' 12 gauge extension cord and that did not have any bearing on the heat build up.

Ed
 
Oh, I dont use any extension cords, is that required? I do use a step down transformer thats rated 3000W because I have the 120v model and I live in a 220v country.
 
duffthebluff said:
Oh, I dont use any extension cords, is that required? I do use a step down transformer thats rated 3000W because I have the 120v model and I live in a 220v country.
Click to expand...

I am not an expert, however, the power converter and the fact your country is a 220v country might be the issue. I do know that AGO carries a specific 220v Flex 3401.

But IMO, I think this is the case....
 
duffthebluff said:
Oh, I dont use any extension cords, is that required? I do use a step down transformer thats rated 3000W because I have the 120v model and I live in a 220v country.
Click to expand...

buy a 50ft 12gauge extension cord...
 
Thanks for the replies, my option really doesnt include in getting a new flex 3401 for 220V, however I got myself a different transformer thats rated for 12 amperes, I'll be trying that one out if it resolves my issue.
 
Oiling the ring definitely helps as well as limiting your downward pressure as stated above. I also shoot compressed air at the housing if I feel it getting hot and that helps as well.
 
The 220 volt electric with the step down transformer could be the issue. Wish I knew that this was in the equation when it was first posted. My bad.
 
Sorry didnt mentioned there was something special with my setup (i.e. 220v using 120v machine) thanks guys! Havent tried last Sunday but probably will try again this weekend with oiling the felt ring and using a different transformer.
 
I am in the same boat as you. I have American spec Flex machines in 120v and live in Germany.

I contacted Flex North America (president) and was advised against plugging the machines into step down convertors as it will take out the speed control. Im sure this is also why your machine gets hot within 10 minutes.

Changing the transformer won't make any difference. If you are in need of a 220v machine your best bet is to pick one up.
 
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