A bit disappointed...

Donnym

Donnym

New member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
210
Reaction score
0
I've been using a PC 7424 & 7424XP for years and wanted to upgrade to something new so I purchased a Griots G15 about a week ago during the Cyber deals. I finally got an opportunity to give it a try last night and I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with it. Tried it out on speeds 4, 5 and 6 with both orange and yellow GG Boss pads and it seemed to constantly stall on the flat area of the hood of my Jeep. The pad does not spin freely by hand, it just seems stiff.

I suppose I could be doing something wrong or just need to adjust to it being a different polisher.
Really wanted the Flex XFE7-15 but only the most expensive kit came up on the Cyber deals that included items I did not need or want.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Did you add the washers included with the polisher? If you did and it is still not freespining, call Autogeek or Griots. They both have excellent customer service and will make it right. I had the same issue and they exchanged it for me.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
If you decide to add the washers, start with just 1 at first to see if that gives you enough wiggle room. Also, don’t forget to lube the edge of the shroud with the silicone grease provided. Just a lil on the rim.
 
Appreciate the replies. I hesitate to say something is actually wrong with the polisher because it's new to me and I don't know if this is normal. I've been reading some previous posts about the Griots Boss polishers (which I should have done before my purchase) needing to be modified with the washers and I guess I'll give it a try but it's still disappointing that a brand new out of the box tool needs to be modified by the customer in order to work properly. These polishers have been out for about three years now and apparently Griots does not feel this is an issue.
 
Adding a single washer will help a lot. It did for me. Give it a try and let us know if you have better results.

ScottH
 
I don’t use any washers in mine. IMO it runs smoother without the washers installed.
 
Long throw polishers are known to stall much easier than short throw polishers, so I don't think anything is wrong with your polisher, you just need to adjust your technique and concentrate on keeping the backing plate moving and not just wiggling.

Without the washers it won't freespin much, if at all. With the washers installed it will freespin some, but you won't need to lube anything since the backing plate no longer touches anything.
 
I have the G21 and bought it when it first came out. Never had that issue on flat panels. It's my go to swirl killer if I need more aggression than my Rupes Duetto. I run a 5" BP on it, no washer mod.
 
Just for the sake of covering all the possible reasons as to why you could be experiencing less than expected performance from your new polisher, are you connecting it directly into a wall socket? Or through an extension cord? They recommend using at least a 14 gauge cord if it’s 50’ length for optimum power of the polisher. Small chance of this making a dramatic difference, but it is possible.
 
Eldorado2k said:
Also, don’t forget to lube the edge of the shroud with the silicone grease provided. Just a lil on the rim.
Click to expand...

I do this to ALL our long throw polishers with shrouds. A "must do".



RZJZA80 said:
Long throw polishers are known to stall much easier than short throw polishers,
Click to expand...


Somewhere I have an article on this topic - it's about how the simple 8mm free spin polishers are less likely to stall out than any long stroke polishers. Can't think of the name but if anyone can find it I'll send you a "surprise" for find it and sharing it.


:)
 
I would read all you can about technique with a tall stroke machine. It sounds like that may be an issue since it’s your first time using it. Let up a little and let the machine do the work.
 
Also, the washers that come with the machine I would consider an enhancement versus a modification as Rupes likes to call the washer mod on their machine.
 
Going from a PC7424 XP to any long throw comes with a learning curve. I liken it to when you were a kid and the training wheels came off... You didn't give up bike riding because you crashed a few times right? :)

Going to the long throw and flat pads can be a big jump and it will take some time getting used to and knowing where the stall points are. Eventually you'll start to get the hang of it. For me it was a learning curve going to the G15, once I got that nailed down I got the Rupes MKII and read Mike's book covering that. That was even more of a learning curve, and for a while I never used it and only stuck with the G15. I realized it was time to overcome that fear and start forcing myself to use it. I eventually didn't let it get the better of me, now I love it..

They all have pluses and minuses, and silly quirks and features. Once you figure out the quirks, you have an "ah ha!" moment.

Just like others have said, lube the sides of the mount, install the supplied washers... they can only go in one way. Also, GG sells spacers that can go between the pad and backing plate to help with curved areas. They DON'T like heat build up, but may be something decent to try for a few section passes until you get the hang of it.

The G15 is a great machine, as they all are, but it is one of the more user friendly long throws say vs. the Rupes which comes with mandatory reading (a book) from Mike.
 
Thank you to all for the comments and recommendations. I will install a washer or two if needed and give it a try. Unfortunately, it will be a week or so before I get a chance to test it out. Going to Plymouth, MI. for a sales meeting in a couple days. Haven't found the article Mike mentioned but did find the one below. Not sure if the link below will work but it is from 6-15-2015 and Mike gives an outstanding explanation of the topic with pictures.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/92251-griots-garage-new-boss-paint-
 
Another thing you could try is using a slightly thicker pad with it, like a buff and shine URO-tec (LOVE these pads). I use them on my XFE-7-150 with 5" BP frequently.

My experience is contrary to what a lot of people recommend (thinner pads with long throws). My personal experience is that the tool contours better and maintains pad rotation more in curved areas with a slightly thicker pad, i.e. Rupes pads. Everything really comes down to user preference, however.

I also frequent the Rupes 21mk2 with a 5" BP and washer mod. It is noticeably more powerful than my XFE7.
 
VISITOR said:
in addition.. there's also the innerflex pad and at the 6:15 mark, Jeff explains what it is used for...

Griots Garage BOSS 5.5 Inch Innerflex Pad

Click to expand...
I've seen this video. The Innerflex pad came with kit purchased. Without the washer, the pad is so tight against the shroud you almost can't turn the pad with your hand. I would assume this would still happen with the Innerflex pad.
 
B5visser said:
Another thing you could try is using a slightly thicker pad with it, like a buff and shine URO-tec (LOVE these pads). I use them on my XFE-7-150 with 5" BP frequently.

My experience is contrary to what a lot of people recommend (thinner pads with long throws). My personal experience is that the tool contours better and maintains pad rotation more in curved areas with a slightly thicker pad, i.e. Rupes pads. Everything really comes down to user preference, however.

I also frequent the Rupes 21mk2 with a 5" BP and washer mod. It is noticeably more powerful than my XFE7.
Click to expand...

Thicker pads may be an option but I've already purchased some extra Griots pads. The only way this polisher is going to work is with a washer, it may need two washers.
 
Donnym said:
Thicker pads may be an option but I've already purchased some extra Griots pads. The only way this polisher is going to work is with a washer, it may need two washers.
Click to expand...

The Griot's pads are the way to go, I've used numerous others wth success but for over all balance, correction, etc they are the best with the "BOSS System". IMHO.
I use them on my Rupes machines now too LOL.
 
Donnym said:
I've seen this video. The Innerflex pad came with kit purchased. Without the washer, the pad is so tight against the shroud you almost can't turn the pad with your hand. I would assume this would still happen with the Innerflex pad.
Click to expand...

as mentioned, try the washer mod and (if needed) use the innerflex pad to help the pad contour to the curved panels...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top