Is my flex SUPPOSED to get this hot?

Alek@DeepClean

Alek@DeepClean

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I've used my Flex 3401 on approximately 4 cars. Over the course of these 4 cars, I've noticed that my Flex gets WAY hotter than I imagine it should.

The first thing that happened was that I noticed it was spitting out bits of black plastic where it appeared to be melting the backing plate at the contact with the felt ring.

Also, the heat from the polisher significantly softens my pads to the point that they barely offer any correction. Once the polisher starts to get hot, I can get 2 MAYBE 3 sections(not panels) out of a pad before it loses its cut completely. Switch to a cool pad, problem solved temporarily. It's not a matter of clogged pads, because if I let the pad cool down and put it back on, it works again for 2-3 sections.

Then, on the last car I did, it actually managed to completely destroy one of my LC interchangeable backing plates. The counterbored area where it screws to the polisher got so hot that it completely pulled out, and the backing plate went flying with the attachment screw still in the machine.

This can't possibly be normal, can it? The only way Ive found to avoid this is to stop polishing for several minutes after each section to let it cool down. For what it's worth, my other polisher does NOT heat up like this, but its also not forced rotation.
 
I thought the same thing and contacted Flex. They told me this is normal and if it gets too hot it will shut down.
 
Alek@DeepClean said:
Then, on the last car I did, it actually managed to completely destroy one of my LC interchangeable backing plates. The counterbored area where it screws to the polisher got so hot that it completely pulled out, and the backing plate went flying with the attachment screw still in the machine.
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Contact LC. I had the same problem with their 6" backing plate and I was told there were some design issues and they are sending a replacement with 3 of the thinner washers.
 
Does LC make the flex backing plate or did he say he had a LC and I missed it?

Sent from my XT1030 using AG Online
 
I have a flex and that does not sound normal to me.

What gauge extension cord are you using while using your Flex?
 
Here is a photo of another LC plate with the same damage as mine. Perhaps this is an issue with the plate system as bigdaddy suggested, and not so much with the polisher itself. I actually haven't even considered that as an option, and haven't tried the OEM Flex backing plate since I didn't purchase pads in that size. I'll contact LC as suggested, and see what they say. I'll also try out the OEM plate to see if it does the same thing, I have some yellow CCS pads that came with the polisher I can use for testing purposes.

Thanks everyone for your help! Any other ideas, please keep them coming!

Screen_Shot_2014-04-14_at_5_35_50_PM.png
 
Did you lube the felt ring by any chance? I put assembly lube or cylglide on my flex whenever I change the backing plates around. Mike actually suggests this in a thread somewhere on here. Also, what speed and amount of pressure are you using?
 
I have used my flex on Air Force One during long days and I have not had any issue like you are stating.

When you use the factory flex Backing plate are you having the same issues or is it just with the LC backing plate?
 
I've noticed this issue mentioned on AG in the reviews for the LC backing plate system. As they are not OEM and it states clearly in the book to only use backing plates manufactured by flex i stayed away from them.

However...

While first using my flex i did not use the pushtop lock to secure the backing plate at first and it was spinning losely causing friction between the ring and the backing plate. It will make signifigantly more noise when it spins down and will cause alot more heat. Make sure to tighten that center nut very well. It's spinning very fast.

I know these are very basic answers but i always like to start with the basics first.

The other response about the extension cord is true as well. Minimum gauge stated for flex's amp draw is 16/3.
 
Yeah Like stated earlier, I use just a dab of air tool oil on that felt ring before I start a car. Have used my 3401 since June and although it gets a little hot I have had no issues with the 4-3/8 backing plate and 5.5in CCS pads from LC.
 
Just got a response from David at LC, he stated that the damage to my plate is consistent with what they've seen before. He is sending me a new kit with the updated design. I'll give this a shot along with lubricating the felt ring and see how that goes for me. I'll be sure to update this thread so anyone else having this issue can have the info available!

As far as the extension cord, I'm using a 25' 16g cord which is plenty for the Flex.
 
Alek@DeepClean said:
As far as the extension cord, I'm using a 25' 16g cord which is plenty for the Flex.
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It's borderline, but just slightly undersized for the the current draw. The FLEX 3401 draws 10.4 amps. A 16g extension cord at 25' is roughly rated 10A. Based on the available NEC information, I would step up to a 14g at the very least.
 
Alek@DeepClean said:
16g at 25' is good for 13 amps, not 10. 14 can handle 15.
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You're right, I misread the NEC/UL chart. 2 current carrying conductor 16g 0-50' is 13A. I misquoted the 3 current carrying conductor 16g 0-50' which is only 10A.

:xyxthumbs:
 
Alek@DeepClean said:
Just got a response from David at LC, he stated that the damage to my plate is consistent with what they've seen before. He is sending me a new kit with the updated design. I'll give this a shot along with lubricating the felt ring and see how that goes for me. I'll be sure to update this thread so anyone else having this issue can have the info available!

As far as the extension cord, I'm using a 25' 16g cord which is plenty for the Flex.
Click to expand...

I am confused. Ordered the LC changeable plate system last week. The plates were back ordered. Received the rest of the order last week. In a few days received the plates. I assumed they would be new from LC since they were back ordered but they still came with the two washers, shims, to keep the center of the 6 inch plate from getting hot.

If you would, when you receive the new plates from LC, please post whether or not they send you the shims. I would just like to get a clearer understanding of what's going on with this issue. I wish they would have at least put a piece of paper in the package explaining the whole thing. I mounted the 4 inch plate, without the shims, so I can use my 4 inch Nanoskin pads but don't plan on using the 6 inch.

I searched for all of the info that I could find on this and it seems that the issue was with the larger plates but I really don't know. Thanks
 
My replacement from David has three shims and he specifically said to use all three.
 
Alek@DeepClean said:
Yep, David informed me to use the shims he's sending as well.
Click to expand...

It's not really important but I don't consider describing, adding a extra shim, as an updated design. Mine came with two shims and quoting the front of the bag they were in " Base Gear Plate with 4" & 6" Accessory Plates, Screw, Washer & 2 Shims For 6" Plate"

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just think it's a little sloppy the way they are handling this. The hex screw that they sent takes a 6mm wrench, which I had, that is bigger than the 5mm wrench that came with the Flex.

I will put the shims under the 4" plate and forget it. I am happy with the plates and like the quality of their buffing pads. Thanks for responding with the info.
 
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