Flex 3401 heat issues

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apierce1289

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Okay so I've been doing some research and getting conflicting results before purchasing a polisher. So far I'm leaning towards this polisher in particular but I've also heard that it generates a lot of heat. Is there a method that you have to use in order to reduce the heat with this polisher? I was going to lean more towards the rupes line of polishers (was told there's less issues with heat) but they tend to slip on surfaces that aren't flat. How accurate is it to say that the rupes creates less heat compared to the Flex and vice versa? What's the general thought behind these findings and the science?

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I have a flex and it does heat up. I've read on here to use the right gauge electric chord. I'm not too sure what gauge it is off the top of my head. Also to put some air tool oil on the felt ring.
 
Lustrous Detail said:
I have a flex and it does heat up. I've read on here to use the right gauge electric chord. I'm not too sure what gauge it is off the top of my head. Also to put some air tool oil on the felt ring.
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When they refer to heat are they talking about the pad or machine?

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I have used and abused and have dropped my Flex 3401 a couple of times. I recently repaired the switches on them as they wore out instead of the brushes. I have had it for about 2 yrs +.
As for heating issues; I have never experienced that issue. I believe if you have the wrong type of gauge cord then you might have heating issues. This is the DA itself NOT the Pads. Pads do get warm (as they should from any DA because of friction).

Proper lubrication on the felt ring helps reduce heat. But as I said before I have beaten up my Flex and it is still not too hot to the touch. It is hot like any other DA but not too hot to touch.

IMO I believe long use with any DA will generate heat. You also have to remember, the Flex 3401 is the only "forced rotational" DA on the market ...ie gear driven DA. All others are free floating DA's.

I have never used a Rupes or the new Boss system, however, I hear nothing but great things about them. If you are concerned about the Flex heating issues look into those brands too.

My $.02 worth.
 
Auto geek also sell those guzzlers and they do hold a lot of ice
 
apierce1289 said:
Okay so I've been doing some research and getting conflicting results before purchasing a polisher. So far I'm leaning towards this polisher in particular but I've also heard that it generates a lot of heat. Is there a method that you have to use in order to reduce the heat with this polisher? I was going to lean more towards the rupes line of polishers (was told there's less issues with heat) but they tend to slip on surfaces that aren't flat. How accurate is it to say that the rupes creates less heat compared to the Flex and vice versa? What's the general thought behind these findings and the science?

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

The Flex does generate more heat then some others tools (head of the tool) but I never had it get to the point where it was uncomfortable. The Rupes will run much cooler by comparison but can be stalled on curves, which is really about learning the proper technique.
 
Are you talking about heat generated in the pad?? If so, any polisher can overheat pads--you need to keep the pad clean, use good technique and have enough pads to be able to switch pads in and out of service to allow them time to cool.

Have you considered that you may need to buy a second polisher in order to polish the tight areas on your vehicle?? Perhaps others with a Flex can answer the question for you, but it's my understanding that even with the LC 4" backing plate (used for 5.5" pads) it is really pushing it to try and use 4" pads.
 
ski2 said:
Are you talking about heat generated in the pad?? If so, any polisher can overheat pads--you need to keep the pad clean, use good technique and have enough pads to be able to switch pads in and out of service to allow them time to cool.

Have you considered that you may need to buy a second polisher in order to polish the tight areas on your vehicle?? Perhaps others with a Flex can answer the question for you, but it's my understanding that even with the LC 4" backing plate (used for 5.5" pads) it is really pushing it to try and use 4" pads.
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Now that I've ordered the Flex that's another issue I need to look at is what would be a good polisher for small areas?

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apierce1289 said:
Now that I've ordered the Flex that's another issue I need to look at is what would be a good polisher for small areas?

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I still have my PC7424XP and I use it for the small stuff (as well as a back up DA recently). IMO the PC7424XP or the GG6" (not much more than the PC but more powerful) would be great for the small areas. I have set up the PC to handle 1" Pads to 5.5" Pads. It has done wonders for the small areas. Get the extenders too so you can go UNDER the door mirrors for correcting.

The smaller pads and backing plate make the PC more powerful (my guess less weight and smaller pads do the trick).
 
apierce1289 said:
Now that I've ordered the Flex that's another issue I need to look at is what would be a good polisher for small areas?
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As mentioned by Kamakaz1961 either the PC or GG6 would be excellent as a polisher for the small areas. One advatage with the GG6 is the lifetime warranty.

Since you've dropped a bundle on the Flex you might want to consider the Harbor Frieght DA that you can pick up for around $50 with a coupon. Not name brand but allot of people are using it with great success as long as they don't use the backing plate that comes with it or HF pads. The most recent model has been reduced in size and the shroud is smaller which would be good with small pads. See post #139 here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/79852-harbor-freight-da-weak-points-mods-14.html

Can't remember if anyone mentioned it, but Mike Phillips has a book out dedicated to using the Flex--you can get it here on AG--might be a worth while investment.
 
ski2 said:
As mentioned by Kamakaz1961 either the PC or GG6 would be excellent as a polisher for the small areas. One advatage with the GG6 is the lifetime warranty.

Since you've dropped a bundle on the Flex you might want to consider the Harbor Frieght DA that you can pick up for around $50 with a coupon. Not name brand but allot of people are using it with great success as long as they don't use the backing plate that comes with it or HF pads. The most recent model has been reduced in size and the shroud is smaller which would be good with small pads. See post #139 here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...52-harbor-freight-da-weak-points-mods-14.html

Can't remember if anyone mentioned it, but Mike Phillips has a book out dedicated to using the Flex--you can get it here on AG--might be a worth while investment.
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My Flex comes with a DVD so I'm going to watch that first.

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Had a flex was working on a huge job under a time constraint,it heated up and died on me.My friend has a rupes I tried it out it's the Cadillac of machines so smooth.
 
GSKR said:
Had a flex was working on a huge job under a time constraint,it heated up and died on me.My friend has a rupes I tried it out it's the Cadillac of machines so smooth.
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Is there any way to help keep them cool?

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When the get hot they go into a fail safe mode and shut down that was what I was told from ag.
 
I am confused....have you even tried the Flex yet? If not I would suggest trying it before you worry about the heating issues. I have never had any issues with heat. I would not be worrying about this issue.

Worry about how to use the DA efficiently.
 
I have two Flex polishers and the metal base around the gears gets so hot that I can't even touch it. It has caused problems with the backing plates heating up and ruining the Velcro on the backing plate. it gets to the point where the pads wont stick to the backing plate all together. Once the backing plate cools off it works fine again but I have to rotate back and forth between my polishers to let them cool down.

I'm interested in this extension cord theory and if anyone knows the actual size recommended. Also, interested in what pads / compound combination you use if you aren't having problems. I am having a lot less problems since I switched away from 3m and started using Menzerna. I should also note I only have this problem when using CCS yellow or orange pads doing heavy correction.
 
Get a makita does the same job without the headaches so you can get paid and earn a living without drama.
 
GSKR said:
Get a makita does the same job without the headaches so you can get paid and earn a living without drama.
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I disagree the FLEX is a top quality tool that is built like German tank. There is a reason it has a loyal cult like following. Id recommend a 12 guage extension cord and keep it on the shorter side 25 ft would be perfect. Stay away from cheap harbor freight 14 or 16 guage extension cords there garbage.
 
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