FLEX 3401 on its way out

IID

IID

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 11, 2010
Messages
2,207
Reaction score
25
Good evening all,
I have a FLEX 3401 that is around 7-years old that has a TON of detailing hours on it and I think it's on it's way out (failing) as today I was using it to correct a job and used it for around 8hrs and noticed on speed 5-6 it starts to withdraw itself to what seems like speed 2-3.
it also gets pretty warm on the cast aluminum housing (yes I oil the felt ring).
Not really looking to purchase a NEW unit and wanted to know does FLEX USA rebuild (recondition) their polishers?
 
For a seven year old machine that perhaps does a fair amount of work (average use per day?) I would be pretty happy with that kind of effort from any type of machine. I have a 3401 that's almost five years old & works on average six hours a day, five days a week, & to date, I have replaced the switch on the trigger, & replaced the brushes when it started doing exactly what you describe - still works as good as new. :dblthumb2: May be just a case of replacing the brushes, if you haven't done that already?

Keep us updated if you proceed to repair yeah?

Aaryn NZ. :xyxthumbs:
 
I have not replaced the brushes but that seems like a logical solution to my fix.
Will definitely try that route... Thank you for the reply.
 
Thank you for the source for the brushes.
 
Looks like they (powerhousetoolparts.com) are out of stock but replacement parts .com has them in stock.
 
if you're unable to fix it yourself, i would send it to powerhouse. they've been around since the beginning and know everything there is to know about the tool...
 
Wow, some hours on that Beast! Glad to hear long term reliability on this machine! I love my 3401!
 
Plus 1 for sending it to Powerhouse if you need a refurbish. I've sent mine there several times with great results.
 
X2 on changing the brushes. Done it on several power tools that started acting like you describe yours is doing. Good as new afterwards. Maybe they will make a brushless polisher one day like a lot of other tools are now.
 
Just an FYI I use and abuse my 3401 and the trigger went out. My brush/bushings are still fine. But if it were me just replace both the brushes and trigger. Or do the process of elimination. I bought the bushings/Brushes (the 2 parts that are supposed to wear whatever they are called LOL) and it wasn't those. It was the trigger. They are really easy to replace or fix by yourself. But IMO no need to get a new DA just repair it. If at all else fails (doubtful) then think about a new DA.
 
I almost had a heart attack reading the thread title!
 
dlc95 said:
I almost had a heart attack reading the thread title!
Click to expand...

x2, I literally just received a new FLEX 3401 and saw the title and said, "just my luck" after waiting a few years to upgrade the PC.
 
Kamakaz1961 said:
Just an FYI I use and abuse my 3401 and the trigger went out. My brush/bushings are still fine. But if it were me just replace both the brushes and trigger. Or do the process of elimination. I bought the bushings/Brushes (the 2 parts that are supposed to wear whatever they are called LOL) and it wasn't those. It was the trigger. They are really easy to replace or fix by yourself. But IMO no need to get a new DA just repair it. If at all else fails (doubtful) then think about a new DA.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but while you're in there.........

That'd be like removing the distributor cap & only replacing the rotor. JMO.
 
I'm pissed off that Flex is withholding the new XCE until 2018!! I wanted one in the Spring.
 
I would not even know how to replace the brushes if my 3401 went out. I'm new to all this
 
richy said:
I'm pissed off that Flex is withholding the new XCE until 2018!! I wanted one in the Spring.
Click to expand...

Would you rather Flex released a 3401 replacement that has issues? Flex has shown off XCE Prototypes the last couple of years, so you know they are working on it. Look what happened with the first release of the XFE: reliability and heat issues with the polisher to the extent that it had to be pulled from the market, and then re-released later with improved ventilation, and reliability.

My only wish is that the XCE, when released, uses a compatible backing plate system to the 3401, which will ensure that 3401 backing plates can be used with with it, and that there is a long term supply of backing plates for the 3401 (because there are a ton of them out there).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top