Flex 3401 issue

Jeff Wagner

Jeff Wagner

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My trusty Flex 3401 is getting hot and not running due to heat build up. I have lubricated the felt ring. It used to blow air out of the slits in the machine and now nothing. Is there 300 cars worth of compounding dust clogging it up? I would be happy if a little forced air was all it took to fix it. Any ideas?
 
Might be worth sending it for repair & inspection. I think the US repair center is in the Midwest. I've heard nothing but good about the Flex repair center.
 
Ebg18t said:
Might be worth sending it for repair & inspection. I think the US repair center is in the Midwest. I've heard nothing but good about the Flex repair center.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I am thinking the same thing and probably will have to buy another one as this one is being fixed. Ugh on top of re ordering products ouch. The 3401 pretty much runs my business. I have a PE-14 and a PC but i dont use the rotary much i leave holograms with it and the PC is so weak it stops spinning trying to put wax on. Maybe this will turn into me learning how to do more with some of my other buffers. Right now i feel like i should cancel all my appointments. I am out of business until this is solved and buying another is the fastest solution. The 3401 is less than a year old :-( and i thought i was sad when my daytona wheel brush handle broke.
 
Make sure you are using the correct guage extensin cord. I read somewhere that that makes a difference as far as overheating
 
Jeff Wagner said:
and probably will have to buy another one as this one is being fixed.
Click to expand...


The Flex 3401 is a beast, that's how I sign my how-to book because it's true. It will take a beating and keep on buffing and when it doesn't it's usually for good reasons, like constant use or the wrong gauge extension cord etc.


For the volume of work you do Jeff you should really have two of these machine anyways.

At my last class I stressed this and in the future I'll stress it in all the classes that if you're a full time detailer and use the Flex 3401 you should have two of these tools for these reasons,

1. If one breaks or needs servicing you already have a back up so you don't lose work or customers.

2. Have one set-up with the factory 5.5" backing plate and one set-up with the LC 4" backing plate so you can use the tool that is best suited for the panel you're buffing out without having to stop and change backing plates.

3. If you have helper then they can be just as efficient as you.


Also, the lower the number the heavier duty the cord. For running a power tool like the Flex 3401 off an extension cord a 25' 10-gauge cord would be correct.

:)
 
I spent about $80 each on my extension cords getting the bigger ones so this wouldnt happen. They are so nice they even have lights in the plug.
 
OMG Mike Phillips quoted me. I feel just like the "plain girl" in high school who was just asked out by Jake Ryan😍
 
Mike i remember you saying something about having two of these and your right this will end up being a good thing. My race deck flooring will have to wait as another beast moves into the arsenal. I could hear your voice in the back of my head as soon as it shut off.

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
The Flex 3401 is a beast, that's how I sign my how-to book because it's true. It will take a beating and keep on buffing and when it doesn't it's usually for good reasons, like constant use or the wrong gauge extension cord etc.


For the volume of work you do Jeff you should really have two of these machine anyways.

At my last class I stressed this and in the future I'll stress it in all the classes that if you're a full time detailer and use the Flex 3401 you should have two of these tools for these reasons,

1. If one breaks or needs servicing you already have a back up so you don't lose work or customers.

2. Have one set-up with the factory 5.5" backing plate and one set-up with the LC 4" backing plate so you can use the tool that is best suited for the panel you're buffing out without having to stop and change backing plates.

3. If you have helper then they can be just as efficient as you.


Also, the lower the number the heavier duty the cord. For running a power tool like the Flex 3401 off an extension cord a 25' 10-gauge cord would be correct.

:)
Click to expand...
 
Billy Baldone said:
Make sure you are using the correct guage extensin cord. I read somewhere that that makes a difference as far as overheating
Click to expand...

I have still yet to see an explanation of how the voltage drop caused by a too-long/insufficient gauge extension cord causes overheating or failure of a power tool. Certainly the cord can overheat, but the lower voltage supplied to the tool will result in less power dissipated by the tool, which has a fixed resistance.

Power (watts) = Volts x Amps (I)

I = V/Resistance

Since the resistance of the motor windings is fixed, the lower voltage at the end of a long extension cord results in lower current (amps) which results in lower power, which doesn't equal overheating for me, unless there is some threshold speed below which the cooling fan which is usually attached to the armature shaft fails to produce sufficient cooling airflow.
 
Problem solved i ordered another 3401 and some other stuff. Mike you are right it will be nice having another one. Nick you are the man! My new 3401 is here already - i ordered it yesterday! :dblthumb2: Thumbs up to Autogeeks service! Also I was given the contact for Flex. They returned an email today and my other 3401 is already in the mail on its way to be repaired. Soon i can do two cars at a time with two 3401's. Just have to park them close to each other lol.

Here is my unpacking pic from today :-)
Tornador black - I have the regular one and love it cant wait to test out the more powerful black. Couple gallons of Sonax wheel cleaner lemon scent lol. Megs M100 speed compound i mean really a gallon for $57 is hard to beat. My opinion cuts better and dusts less than m105. Some blackfire paint prep, towels off the bogo deal and another one of Mikes books.
 
Jeff Wagner said:
Thank you, I am thinking the same thing and probably will have to buy another one as this one is being fixed. Ugh on top of re ordering products ouch. The 3401 pretty much runs my business. I have a PE-14 and a PC but i dont use the rotary much i leave holograms with it and the PC is so weak it stops spinning trying to put wax on. Maybe this will turn into me learning how to do more with some of my other buffers. Right now i feel like i should cancel all my appointments. I am out of business until this is solved and buying another is the fastest solution. The 3401 is less than a year old :-( and i thought i was sad when my daytona wheel brush handle broke.
Click to expand...


Another bashing of the PC. Why?

As Mike Phillips has said, there have been hundreds of thousands of cars that have had their paints buffed and polished using the PC.

Everytime I pull mine out I always ask how can people say this tool doesnt have enough enough power? Perhaps learning and honing skills on such a weak tool will improve everyones skills on all other tools.

I have never had a problem with applying wax using my PC either.

:buffing:
 
Jaretr1 said:
Another bashing of the PC. Why?

As Mike Phillips has said, there have been hundreds of thousands of cars that have had their paints buffed and polished using the PC.

Everytime I pull mine out I always ask how can people say this tool doesnt have enough enough power? Perhaps learning and honing skills on such a weak tool will improve everyones skills on all other tools.

I have never had a problem with applying wax using my PC either.

:buffing:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't necessarily say bashing, but user experience.

I've concluded that we all have different styles and techniques. Pad and product prefrences/choices also play a role in the performance of a given machine. Some combinations work great on the 3401. Use the same on a Rupes, or a PC, and the results will vary.

I'm with you though. There isn't much the PC can't handle. Some FG 400 on a Cyan Hydrotech.... Paint defects stand little chance of survival. It is my tool of choice, even as a 3401, and Duetto sit next to it on the shelf.
 
Also, congrats to the O.P.!

I have two PC's for the same reason.
 
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