Flex 3401 generates a lot of heat?!

Of course they didn't, plastic and especially foam are excellent insulators.
 
I have experienced pads and backing plate getting very hot on my PC 7424.

It happens when I get too much product on the pad and use excessive downward pressure.

Enough to melt the adhesive on a 5.5" LC Purple Foamed Wool Pad.
 
according to Flex the tool monitors for overload/overheat conditions. If the Flex is having the mentioned issues it automatically slows the RPM until it cools to a pre-determined temperature. So, if it's not dropping RPM on it's own one is led to believe it's o.k.
I'm assuming the overload/overheat monitor system in the tool is functioning correctly.
 
I've been noticing my Flex 3401 VRG getting hot lately as well. I took some temperature readings with an infrared thermometer shortly after using it for awhile, and both the housing and backing plate were around 130 degrees. I'll try to put together a specific, repeatable procedure with temperature readings so that others can try it as well and report their findings. If anyone has any input I'd welcome it.
 
One other thought... I saw it mentioned somewhere before that using an extension cord that is too thin or too long (or both) can cause a polisher to run hot. For both those that say their Flex is getting hot and those that say it isn't, describe how your polisher is plugged in. I listed out the questions to make it easier to quote this message and add your responses.

1. Which cord does your Flex have?
a. Standard cord
b. Optional extended cord

2. Are you using an extension cord??
a. Yes (length and gauge?)
b. No

3. Does your Flex get hot enough that you can't hold your finger to it without feeling like it will burn you (please don't burn yourself)?
a. Yes
b. No
 
You beat me to it Erichaley, if the extension cord it not rated for a 7.5 amp motor, one of the side effects is that the motor will heat up. Or so I read somewhere...

What would be the best Backing Plate to use? I know some of the BP have holes in them to reduce heat transfer. Which one do you guys use?
 
Calendyr said:
You beat me to it Erichaley, if the extension cord it not rated for a 7.5 amp motor, one of the side effects is that the motor will heat up. Or so I read somewhere...

What would be the best Backing Plate to use? I know some of the BP have holes in them to reduce heat transfer. Which one do you guys use?
Click to expand...

I have been using my 3401 for years now without issue. Yes it gets a little hot sometimes. Make sure you use the right extension cord and lube the felt ring a little.
 
I lubed my ring (Gosh that sounds weird all on its own...) the initial time. Mike had a thread about doing it with pics and whatnot. I'm wondering if it needs it periodically, and if so, how often?
 
richy said:
I lubed my ring (Gosh that sounds weird all on its own...) the initial time. Mike had a thread about doing it with pics and whatnot. I'm wondering if it needs it periodically, and if so, how often?
Click to expand...

Just not too much or you'll go blind:props: Someone in another thread said the issue was fixed with new models. I have a old model so I will still lube since it doesn't hurt anything. Like Ron(rsurfer) said "I can see the friction marks on the backing plate from the felt ring. With friction there is heat". I agree with the statement fully. I usually lube mine twice a year depending how much I use it.
 
mbret2004 said:
Agree with Dave. Anytime you have friction you will create heat. Aluminum dissipates heat rapidly hence the choice on the Flex. Many car engines have aluminum parts for the same reason.

Personally, I would use the tool without worry. Be aware it gets hot and handle accordingly.
Click to expand...

Maybe I spoke prematurely on this issue. Using my Flex a few weekends ago I had a malfunction. The plastic pad mount actually became dislodged off the machine. The plastic retaining boss that sits below the allen bolt and washer, which is part of the pad mount, actually melted resulting in the pad mount coming off the machine. I was using it doing some paint correction. This was the second vehicle I used it on since purchase.
 
Was it one of the OEM plates or one of the plates from the aftermarket LC plate system?
 
OEM plate. To avoid any confusion from my other post, pad mount = backing plate.

Autogeek is sending out a replacement and I will send them the old one--thanks again Nick. I sent all the particulars on operational configuration to AG at the time of failure.
The Flex is a great machine and I'm still learning how to use it effectively. The results by someone as inexperienced as myself are simply amazing. I'm excited to hone my skills and get the awesome results I see on the site.
 
mbret2004 said:
OEM plate. To avoid any confusion from my other post, pad mount = backing plate.

Autogeek is sending out a replacement and I will send them the old one--thanks again Nick. I sent all the particulars on operational configuration to AG at the time of failure.
The Flex is a great machine and I'm still learning how to use it effectively. The results by someone as inexperienced as myself are simply amazing. I'm excited to hone my skills and get the awesome results I see on the site.
Click to expand...

it is a great machine to work with. I have had it for years with no need to switch. Though I do still use my even older PC for bumpers and pillars. Keep at it!
 
Most of everyone here agrees that some overheating is present, I have noticed that the areas are not the same as where I am witnessing. I have had to get Flex North America send me out two new backing plates because the area where the washer and bolt hold the backplate to the unit overheats badly and melts....shearing the plate from the unit. I am going to be adding some shell all purpose grease to hopefully help reduce friction heat transferring to this bolt and washer.
 
FullAttn2Detail said:
Most of everyone here agrees that some overheating is present, I have noticed that the areas are not the same as where I am witnessing. I have had to get Flex North America send me out two new backing plates because the area where the washer and bolt hold the backplate to the unit overheats badly and melts....shearing the plate from the unit. I am going to be adding some shell all purpose grease to hopefully help reduce friction heat transferring to this bolt and washer.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good idea with the grease. I'm going to try the same and see what happens. I'll post back with my results.

I'm also going to try an aluminum bolt/fastener to hold the backing plate on hoping to dissipate the heat a little better.
 
I too have experienced this! After a while of polishing, the metal will actually burn you if you are not careful with it. As such, both my original and smaller flex backing plates have melted and are now trash.

I'm waiting on AG to reply with my customer service inquiry.
 
Here's my article on lubricating the felt ring on the Flex 3401. Flex says you don't need to do this but... it can't hurt. I do it to everyone of the Flex 3401 polishers we use in the studio and my personal Flex 3401.

Anytime I swap out backing plates I also add a little 3-1 oil to the felt ring.


Lubricating the Felt Ring on the Flex 3401


First there is no official recommendation from Flex on this procedure but most owners of the Flex 3401 like to lubricate the Felt Ring to ensure there are no issues between it and the hard plastic backing material that it comes into contact with during operation.

For preventative maintenance reasons, it's okay to lubricate the felt ring after purchase and periodically depending upon how much use your Flex 3401 sees.

What to use?I went to NAPA and purchased some Air Tool Lubricant, (see picture), but any light machine oil should work including the traditional 3-in-1 Oil.


Here's the felt ring on the Flex 3401
Oiling3401Flex01.jpg



Here I've placed some oil on my finger ...
Oiling3401Flex02.jpg



and then spread it onto the felt ring...
Oiling3401Flex03.jpg



You can see the oil penetrate into the felt to lubricate it and from here it will migrate through the felt...
Oiling3401Flex04.jpg



You could also place some drops around the felt ring and then spread it and work it in using your finger...
Oiling3401Flex05.jpg



This brand new Flex 3401 is ready to go to work for a new project next week...
Oiling3401Flex06.jpg



xyxthumbs.gif
 
For those of you that want to lubricate the felt ring on your Flex 3401, here's a video that shows you how... starts at the 1:45 time mark...




[video=youtube_share;Arn_kVH3BVc&hd=1&t=1m46s"]In depth Look at the FLEX 3401 Polisher - YouTube[/video]​



:xyxthumbs:
 
For a machine that is supposed to be "professional grade" there sure does seem to be a lot of issues with it: Overheating ? Melting parts? Shutting down? Backing plate shearing off?
 
swanicyouth said:
For a machine that is supposed to be "professional grade" there sure does seem to be a lot of issues with it: Overheating ? Melting parts? Shutting down? Backing plate shearing off?
Click to expand...

I've learned on the Internet, the complaints and problems are loudest. Not many folks go to a website and say there product is perfect. There's no point.

Every machine is going to have issues in a run. I'd still buy a Flex to this day without worry, in fact I probably will. Just have to find the right time.

But I wouldn't think issues are mass spread! But lucky you, you got that pretty new Rupes to play with! Jealous! :xyxthumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top