Why do my backing plates keep breaking?

[HHIslander]

Whats up everyone...
I have been detailing with a pc for two or three months. I have only done 4 and a half cars with the pc and I have gone through 5 backing plates. I called the technical support line at AGO and they said that I might be pushing down too hard, or using it at an angle. (By the way, they replaced the one that came with the kit, thanks AGO!)
The other thing that i have noticed is that my pc gets very very hot. It gets to the point where backing plate is too hot to touch for more than a second or two..
So after my backing plate broke for the second time, and I called tech support, I have been making sure not to push to hard, nor work at an angle. Still on my detail yesterday, I went through two backing plates and the car isn't even half done yet....
Any suggestions...? what do yall think is going on?

[budman3]

Well I might as well say it before someone else does, are you using a washed in between the PC and the BP?

[HHIslander]

Ido have the washer on, should I not?

[budman3]

I guess the washer is a good thing, even though I have never used one (except one came on the 5" Edge BP). Due to the nature of the PC, heat is generated from the outside of the pad and travels in and up, essentially up the threads of the BP. The heat has no where to go and the BP absorbs it all. As you already know, using too much pressure could create more friction, causing more heat, which could be detrimental to the BP. However, I have never noticed this situation, so I can not make any other suggestions.

[Jimmie]

If your extension cord is too small a gauge or too long the PC motor will get hot. Will it radiate to the BP, maybe??????

[Meghan]

I have never heard of someone having this much trouble with backing plates, but if definately sounds like you are generating to much heat.

[dengood1]

I've had similar instances with backing plates, but over a much longer period of time. Try using the PC on 5 instead of 6, increase the guage of your extension cord(use decreased length if possible) and switch to the Meguiars W67DA backing plate and you shouldn't have any more issues.

[12v]

what is happening to the backing plate first off? is it heat damage or something else?

[dengood1]

Originally Posted by 12v

what is happening to the backing plate first off? is it heat damage or something else?

yes, the heat is weakening the backing plate and causing it to separate(glue failure), which I assume is the problem.