Porter Cable 7424XP Smoking

[pnewman3402]

Anybody have a similar experience with the porter cable smoking after a little use.

I am using a 5 inch backing plate with lake county 6.5 foam pads.

[Tundra_10]

I never had a burning smell or even a "new smell" when using mine. I would suggest talking to whoever you bought the unit from and try to get a replacement if it was a recent purchase, otherwise consult PC if its within warranty still.

[umi000]

Where is the smoke coming from? Also, you really want to be using a 6" backing plate for 6.5" pads, as the smaller backing plate will "cut" into the larger pads, possible causing the pad to fail; additionally, more support (from a larger backing plate) means more cut, ceteris paribus.

read this thread it might be whats wrong The Compression Washer

and umi offered some sound advice, go with 5.5" pads with the 5" backing plate, the smoking could be because of the difference in size, i know in some of AG's pics they show a 5"bp with 6.5" pads. 5.5" pads offer better correctional/polishing ability vs the 6.5" pads they maintain rotation better rotation is what gives you defect removal along with the oscillating motion(the jiggling) heres another good read as well. How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher good luck hope this helps

[pnewman3402]

The compression washer was the cause everything works perfect. I got great customer support at the auto geek location in Stuart FL.

[TomG]

Originally Posted by pnewman3402

The compression washer was the cause everything works perfect. I got great customer support at the auto geek location in Stuart FL.

Could you explain, were you using the washer and they told you not to, or the other way around? I have tried it both ways, I get more power without the washer but there doesnt seem to be enough clearance for the backing plate. I have been using the washer but I feel like it really hurts the power.

[swanicyouth]

Smoking on the job? At least it wasn't drinking.

[eatnosenuggets]

Yesterday, I polished my car with my PC7424xp with a LC White 5.5 CCS foam pad, mostly on speed 6 with very slight downward pressure (enough to compress the pad slightly, but not enough to slow the rotation). While I didn't notice any smoking from the PC, I did notice a good amount of steam coming off the pad. The pad felt warm to the touch, but not hot. Also, my car's paint was warm, but not hot to the touch after I'd make a section pass. I took the foam pad off and also noticed steam coming from the backing plate. It was unseasonable warm in Central IL yesterday -- 60ish degrees.

I wonder how much of a concern this should be?

And yes, my compression washer is installed properly

[Johny B]

Originally Posted by swanicyouth

Smoking on the job? At least it wasn't drinking.

good one!

[CWallace]

sounds like a reason to buy a flex 3401!!!!