Flex 3401 problems

R

RandallPinkFloyd

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I’ve searched and can’t find any answers but, I bought a used but never used 3401 about 6 months ago. I have put several hours on it but, it hasn’t been abused. Picked it up the other day and no matter which speed setting it’s on, it will go fast/slow, fast/slow. I blew it out with air and took handle apart just for inspection. Looks new and like nothings outta place. Anybody ever ran into this? Thanks
 
Probably just needs new carbon brushes. That is an item that goes out at some point and in some tools it just happens quite soon, others take forever.
 
BSoares said:
Probably just needs new carbon brushes. That is an item that goes out at some point and in some tools it just happens quite soon, others take forever.
Click to expand...


My guess too....

I think Cris Metcalf has a video on YouTube on how to replace the brushes on a FLEX 3401.


I have one here in my office and the next time Chris is here I hope to use this tool to show how to replace the brushes.


I'll send the link to this thread to Chris.


:)
 
Also...


Because this is your first post,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:


I just approved your pending account a few minutes ago - I recognize the forum nickname.

I've sent Chris the link to this e-mail. I'll share what I find out next time I'm in the office. Right now I have to go buff this out.


1937_Ford_047.JPG





:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
Also...


Because this is your first post,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:


I just approved your pending account a few minutes ago - I recognize the forum nickname.

I've sent Chris the link to this e-mail. I'll share what I find out next time I'm in the office. Right now I have to go buff this out.


1937_Ford_047.JPG





:)
Click to expand...

Is that towel hiding something?
 
BSoares said:
Find the video on YT showing how to replace and pull them out and inspect, reinstall, that might just take care of the issue.
Click to expand...

What Bruce said above.

The FLEX tools are build like TANKS. Could be just a cleaning and re-insertion and you're back in the game.




xabo said:
Is that towel hiding something?
Click to expand...


I usually post stuff like this in the forum group for asking me questions. Here you go....


New Mystery Product Testing - Review on Monday June 8th 2020 - HAMMERED 1937 Ford Roadster Streetrod


I have posted a few videos to my FB page too.



:)
 
Ok, so it’s not the brushes. Sounds crazy but the brushes are firing off. If you turn polisher to the right, the right brush sparks strong and left brush is weak, then if you turn left, the left brush is strong and right is weak, I guess this is where the surge comes from. Would you think it’s the armature or speed control? These parts are pretty pricy. Just wanna try to get it right the first time. Thanks
 
I don't see how that rules out the brushes.

Take them out and see how much life is left in them. If they are almost gone you might have the experience you are describing.
 
The only reason I am against the brushes is because the machine prob only has @ 25 hours on it but, I guess it could be.
 
RandallPinkFloyd said:
The only reason I am against the brushes is because the machine prob only has @ 25 hours on it but, I guess it could be.
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I agree that doesn't make sense with 25 hours on the unit. I was just commenting that the tools symptoms do not rule it out. But tool lifetime would.
 
Are there brushes "cupped"?

One simple stab at a fix is to reverse the brushes in their respective housings, or switch them (right one to left slot, left one to right....).

If that doesn't work, I would lean heavily toward new brushes. With a German-built machine such as the Flex, I would highly doubt the armature would be out of spec enough to cause loss of brush contact.
 
:bump:


I sent the link to this thread to Chris Metcalf at FLEX - here's what he replied.

I'll back him up on using the right gauge extension cord. I don't know that this is the root cause but for everyone reading this into the future - don't use light gauge cords with quality tools.


From Chris,



Mike

This is sometimes cause because the tool has been used with the wrong size extension cord. We recommend a 12 gauge no more than 50’.

The tool has a 1 year warranty from the date it was sold. He can send it to powerhouse with a copy of receipt and a description of what is wrong.

I would still say look at the extension cord size and use this as a learning experience

Parts for XC3401VRG | Powerhouse Distributing



Chris





:cheers:
 
I have plugged up straight to a outlet with the same results. Maybe I will swap the brushes or order a new set to rule that out.
Mike Phillips said:
:bump:


I sent the link to this thread to Chris Metcalf at FLEX - here's what he replied.

I'll back him up on using the right gauge extension cord. I don't know that this is the root cause but for everyone reading this into the future - don't use light gauge cords with quality tools.


From Chris,



Mike

This is sometimes cause because the tool has been used with the wrong size extension cord. We recommend a 12 gauge no more than 50’.

The tool has a 1 year warranty from the date it was sold. He can send it to powerhouse with a copy of receipt and a description of what is wrong.

I would still say look at the extension cord size and use this as a learning experience

Parts for XC3401VRG | Powerhouse Distributing



Chris





:cheers:
Click to expand...
 
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