Flex 3401 heat issues

**apierce1289** · 10-21-2015, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by ski2

As mentioned by Kamakaz1961 either the PC or GG6 would be excellent as a polisher for the small areas. One advatage with the GG6 is the lifetime warranty.

Since you've dropped a bundle on the Flex you might want to consider the Harbor Frieght DA that you can pick up for around $50 with a coupon. Not name brand but allot of people are using it with great success as long as they don't use the backing plate that comes with it or HF pads. The most recent model has been reduced in size and the shroud is smaller which would be good with small pads. See post #139 here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...s-mods-14.html

Can't remember if anyone mentioned it, but Mike Phillips has a book out dedicated to using the Flex--you can get it here on AG--might be a worth while investment.

My Flex comes with a DVD so I'm going to watch that first.

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**GSKR** · 10-21-2015, 07:02 PM

Had a flex was working on a huge job under a time constraint,it heated up and died on me.My friend has a rupes I tried it out it's the Cadillac of machines so smooth.

**apierce1289** · 10-22-2015, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by GSKR

Had a flex was working on a huge job under a time constraint,it heated up and died on me.My friend has a rupes I tried it out it's the Cadillac of machines so smooth.

Is there any way to help keep them cool?

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**apierce1289** · 10-22-2015, 03:48 PM

Can anyone help?

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**GSKR** · 10-22-2015, 04:16 PM

When the get hot they go into a fail safe mode and shut down that was what I was told from ag.

**Kamakaz1961** · 10-22-2015, 04:18 PM

I am confused....have you even tried the Flex yet? If not I would suggest trying it before you worry about the heating issues. I have never had any issues with heat. I would not be worrying about this issue.

Worry about how to use the DA efficiently.

**AliusPrime** · 10-22-2015, 04:31 PM

I have two Flex polishers and the metal base around the gears gets so hot that I can't even touch it. It has caused problems with the backing plates heating up and ruining the Velcro on the backing plate. it gets to the point where the pads wont stick to the backing plate all together. Once the backing plate cools off it works fine again but I have to rotate back and forth between my polishers to let them cool down.

I'm interested in this extension cord theory and if anyone knows the actual size recommended. Also, interested in what pads / compound combination you use if you aren't having problems. I am having a lot less problems since I switched away from 3m and started using Menzerna. I should also note I only have this problem when using CCS yellow or orange pads doing heavy correction.

**GSKR** · 10-22-2015, 05:07 PM

Get a makita does the same job without the headaches so you can get paid and earn a living without drama.

**7.3powerstroke** · 10-22-2015, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by GSKR

Get a makita does the same job without the headaches so you can get paid and earn a living without drama.

You mean the Makita DA?

**TRDTACO** · 10-22-2015, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by GSKR

Get a makita does the same job without the headaches so you can get paid and earn a living without drama.

I disagree the FLEX is a top quality tool that is built like German tank. There is a reason it has a loyal cult like following. Id recommend a 12 guage extension cord and keep it on the shorter side 25 ft would be perfect. Stay away from cheap harbor freight 14 or 16 guage extension cords there garbage.