My Cimex broke the other night, and I can admit it, it's lack of maintenance on my part.
What happened: When I start the machine always I pick it slightly up, till the pads get wet, then it's easy to keep going. Five-six seconds later and the machine is still bogged down.
I gave it some more solution, nothing, it doesn't go. I stopped and got my Cimex #2 (lucky I have two of them) and finished the job.
The next day, in my garage I looked under the head of the Cimex, OMG!!! The belt had CUT thru the bottom plastic base of the machine, and it showed about 1/2 an inch and 6 inches long.
I unscrewed the base out, the belt was not broken, pulled the belt out and checked the three wheels... #1 wheel turned normally, #2 wheel turns but it's very loose, and I have no idea how to tighten it up. #3 wheel DOESN'T MOVE, it's stuck, and I tried nothing.
Oh well, I grabbed some WD-40 and sprayed it around, it started moving, then more & more WD-40, I made it move but not like the #1 wheel.
I remember once Rick said to fill up the tank with hot water and let it drain once in a while. That's all I know about maintenance, LOL!
So, it lies in my garage, everything loose with a 6 inches cut on the plastic base of the machine.
My question: WHAT ARE THE MAINTENANCES PROCEDURES OF A CIMEX? And most important, what can I do next? Take it to the doctor? (Rick Gelinas)
I don't remember if any booklet with troubleshooting came with the machine.
I charged the facility manager of that job one cent more per sf, instead 2 cents I charged him 3, and someone from above tried to punish me, LOL!

Chris Kallas

I run hot water thru mine after the job both let it drain and open the handle with the robber tube attasched to clean out the whole system. Also I wipe everything down taking off the pad drivers and cleaning under them.
Also there is a process Rick has posted on here about removing the 3 plastic
inserts and cleaning out in each one. Here's the address.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/228309/message/1073862139/Clearing+blockage+in+the+Cimex+plumbing
I have dine this and never had any think come out i think by cleaning everytime you eliminate the problems (?)

i can't see how any of that would cause your problem Chris.

my GUESS is the belt wore down, as they usually do, but it wore strangely. or perhaps it started slowly slipping off and grinding thru that bottom plate, causing other problems in the meantime (like that wheel not moving properly).

a complete guess though. looking forward to other replies --- Derek.

I'd check your van & shop thoroughly for Gremlins & Evil Dwarves. As well as the elusive & wiley Breakdown Fairy! Doing this on the regular basis could save you thousands of dollars. So simple yet overlooked in most business models... Happy hunting!

It sounds like bad/worn bearings Chris. The fact that one is loose and the other doesn't turn, would indicate that. They wear out over time. New bearings and a new belt should have your old Mex up and running again.




Rick Gelinas
encapman

I still think it's Gremlins!
lol

Ya, Jeremy was right, GREMLINS, LOL!

Monday, I'll give you a call Rick.

Don’t even get me started with that Rick Lord caricature when it comes to maintenance of a machine – that guy makes me sick. You can literally eat off of his Cimex – the thing looks brand new. Well it did until we ran it on some concrete for a few hours/days. ‘Course knowing him he’s probably got it all cleaned up again.

Man some people.

David Gelinas
Marbleguy

I knew Dave would chime in lol!! If you remember I spent an hour cleaning before I left the concrete job. Hey when you make that much for that little investment I take it to a spa for a massage and faial once a month!