Flex 3401 Died Today - Need Help

[TMD]

Was polishing out a TL this morning and my Flex began going in and out, losing power intermittently. She would come back on for a panel and then go out again until she finally stayed out.

I had a similar problem before which Powerhouse took care of under the warranty, but they had my Flex for two months. Being without the Flex for even a couple days isn't worth the money and time lost, which is leading me to believe buying a new one might be the answer. Although an expensive one.

Does anyone know of a person or company that has quick turnaround times with these tools? We have tool repair shops in Knoxville but they are without reference, and I'd just assume avoid having my Flex at a shop for a few days and receive an ambitious bill that would have paid for a new one.

Any help here would be appreciated!

 

[Phinox]

was there any kind of smell coming from it. Because what you are describing could be the brushes for the motor being worn out.

 

[TMD]

No smell. Seems like the cord connection came loose inside the housing, I'm currently staring at it wondering if I should just take that apart and see if it's something obvious, but the can of worms that could be opened by doing that....

 

[BobbyG]

It definitely sounds line a conductivity issue especially if the polisher is relatively new. If it's still under warranty return it for service.

• Check the cord to ensure there is no damage that might be causing an issue.
• Separate the case and check the connections where the cord connects to the terminals
• Check to ensure the brushes and springs are in order.

 

[master detailer]

was there any kind of smell coming from it. Because what you are describing could be the brushes for the motor being worn out.

its the brushes for sure or cord

 

[master detailer]

No smell. Seems like the cord connection came loose inside the housing, I'm currently staring at it wondering if I should just take that apart and see if it's something obvious, but the can of worms that could be opened by doing that....

well if you need to finsh the job take it apart. its a easy fix you can do it lol

 

[Flash Gordon]

TN Armature

 

[TMD]

Thanks for the link Flash! Have you had any experience with them?

 

[Flash Gordon]

Thanks for the link Flash! Have you had any experience with them?

No, I use Dave's Armature here for all my electrical rebuilds

A place like this does this day in, day out, so I'm sure they'll be able to hook you up

You may even land a customer

 

[TMD]

Thank you Flash.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Thank you Flash.

No problem

If for some reason they're not able to help you, ask them who can. I'm pretty sure they'll be able to get you back on the road though :buffing:

Good luck, and keep us posted

Flash

 

[TMD]

On Flash's suggestion I took my Flex to the Armature in Knoxville. They were too busy - a week or more out - to take care of it in the time frame I needed, so they referred me over to Brady Tool Service on Magnolia Avenue. I dropped the Flex off with them yesterday around 1300 and they had it ready today at 0930, fully functional.

The portion of the cord leading into the housing was blamed for the breakdown and removed, the second time in three years this problem has occurred. The man I talked to at Brady Tools said cord issues are extremely common these days since most cords are made of only 10% rubber, as compared to the old days when rubber was more prevalent. It also doesn't help the matter that I am not easy on any of my tools, and likely take the blame for both breakdowns.

Anyways, just wanted to finalize this thread and maybe help someone down the line who runs into a problem like this in my neck of the woods. Brady Tool Service was extremely quick with my repair under the circumstances I presented and I'll be going to them from here on out. They have been in business - at the same location even - since 1973.

Thanks again Flash.

 

[slimnib]

On Flash's suggestion I took my Flex to the Armature in Knoxville. They were too busy - a week or more out - to take care of it in the time frame I needed, so they referred me over to Brady Tool Service on Magnolia Avenue. I dropped the Flex off with them yesterday around 1300 and they had it ready today at 0930, fully functional.

The portion of the cord leading into the housing was blamed for the breakdown and removed, the second time in three years this problem has occurred. The man I talked to at Brady Tools said cord issues are extremely common these days since most cords are made of only 10% rubber, as compared to the old days when rubber was more prevalent. It also doesn't help the matter that I am not easy on any of my tools, and likely take the blame for both breakdowns.

Anyways, just wanted to finalize this thread and maybe help someone down the line who runs into a problem like this in my neck of the woods. Brady Tool Service was extremely quick with my repair under the circumstances I presented and I'll be going to them from here on out. They have been in business - at the same location even - since 1973.

Thanks again Flash.

If your business is big and busy enough you should think abour buying an emergency
back up. You may be able to pick up something good on ebay or just get a new GG.
Good luck

 

[Flash Gordon]

On Flash's suggestion I took my Flex to the Armature in Knoxville. They were too busy - a week or more out - to take care of it in the time frame I needed, so they referred me over to Brady Tool Service on Magnolia Avenue. I dropped the Flex off with them yesterday around 1300 and they had it ready today at 0930, fully functional.

The portion of the cord leading into the housing was blamed for the breakdown and removed, the second time in three years this problem has occurred. The man I talked to at Brady Tools said cord issues are extremely common these days since most cords are made of only 10% rubber, as compared to the old days when rubber was more prevalent. It also doesn't help the matter that I am not easy on any of my tools, and likely take the blame for both breakdowns.

Anyways, just wanted to finalize this thread and maybe help someone down the line who runs into a problem like this in my neck of the woods. Brady Tool Service was extremely quick with my repair under the circumstances I presented and I'll be going to them from here on out. They have been in business - at the same location even - since 1973.

Thanks again Flash.

Your very welcome, glad I could help you rops:

 

[5.4 Shelby]

If your business is big and busy enough you should think abour buying an emergency
back up. You may be able to pick up something good on ebay or just get a new GG.
Good luck

That was going to be my suggestion. Buy another Flex or even a GG to back up the current one when you have problems. Would pay for itself by preventing lost revenue during a repair.

 

[TMD]

If your business is big and busy enough you should think abour buying an emergency
back up. You may be able to pick up something good on ebay or just get a new GG.
Good luck

That was going to be my suggestion. Buy another Flex or even a GG to back up the current one when you have problems. Would pay for itself by preventing lost revenue during a repair.

Thanks for your input.

I have a PC that we use for sealant and wax applications that can obviously get a job done, but I heavily prefer the Flex. Buying another one will likely happen sooner than later 'cause I now kinda look at my Flex half expecting it to stop working. Sorta that gun shy feeling like when you get your truck back from the mechanic after a breakdown, or approach an interstate overpass with your foot on the brake after seeing a cop under it the day before.

 

[Meghan]

Any Flex Warranties can be taken care of by calling Power House at 888-809-4749, hope that helps any others.

 

[Big boys toys]

The problem is probably in the cord right at the strain relief area. On all buffers they suffer from Metal Fatigue, each time you buff out a car or boat the cord sees thousands of bends. When the cord starts to go the machine will start stop when the cord is moved. Often you can unscrew the side cover test the cord for continuety, while moving the cord up and down, and if that is the problem cut the bad area of the cord out usually it is within the first 10 inches coming out of the machine. Cut it back and reconnect everything.
Also the switche dies sometimes from going on and off, and on and off thousands of times. And ocassionally the machine will get clogged up with buffing pad lint or wool off of the pads. Good luck post what the solution was.
Have a great day.
Big boys toys.