Generator identification issues
- Thread starter Rudy T
- Start date
Kurt in NJ
Well-known member
It's called "powerhouse" generator, there are 2 versions, 3 brush, 5 brush, same cover, used 28, some of 29
sethkestenbaum
Well-known member
You have a powerhouse three brush generator. They were used in the 28s and in some 29s. They make repro covers. Here is a link to Snyder's version of them.
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/3511
Tom W here on FB is the guru of all things powerhouse.
On a side note, I happen to be looking for a working 3-brush with the top mounted cutout to use as a backup for the one currently on my car...... just saying.
Seth
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/3511
Tom W here on FB is the guru of all things powerhouse.
On a side note, I happen to be looking for a working 3-brush with the top mounted cutout to use as a backup for the one currently on my car...... just saying.
Seth
sethkestenbaum
Well-known member
Rudy, It is my pleasure. Just be warned about my website, I'm still learning and while I tend to over-research what I am doing, I still make mistakes. My site shouldn't be seen as a "this is the correct way to do it", but should be seen as a "this is how Seth fumbled through it" thing. Enjoy.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
The repro powerhouse cover is an excellent part. I often think it would be easier to just use a repro cover than to remove dents from them. If they are very rust pitted then I'd use a repro cover, or if they have holes drilled in them. If you want the alignment notch (small half circle) in the cover, then install the cover with the bail set straight and make a small mark on the cover edge where it aligns with the cover bail hole. Then use a small jewlers file to make a small half circle notch at the mark. I guess I should take a picture and post it tomorrow.
The powerhouse was used up until mid 1929, so can I'd guess your car is a 1928-9? But your lower water pipe looks to be the 1930-1 style with the bend in the center. This will put a strain on the lower water outlet of the radiator. This picture shows the correct pipe for the 1928-9 Model A's.
The powerhouse was used up until mid 1929, so can I'd guess your car is a 1928-9? But your lower water pipe looks to be the 1930-1 style with the bend in the center. This will put a strain on the lower water outlet of the radiator. This picture shows the correct pipe for the 1928-9 Model A's.
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Joe K
Well-known member
The early powerhouse (5 brush) were galvanized on the cover. Later 5 brush and 3 brush are painted. The painted cover is what is reproduced.
You can usually tell a 3 brush generator in that the pulley has two radial "flutes" on the hub as you look at it. I watched on Ebay for some time to establish this fact before buying one, then another powerhouse through that source.
Without a pulley (which is not reproduced except in those rather rough 30-31 pattern with the holes) a 3 brush PH can be told by the position of the cutout. Late 5 brush and all 3 brush have the cutout directly opposite the mounting bracket.
PH usually seem to sell on Ebay in the $50 range. A lot of BINs start off higher, but don't usually sell. And sometimes there is one for less than $50, but you can usually tell if its been out in the weather from the pitting. Most sellers know enough to identify it as a 3 brush or 5 brush since it's easy to remove the cover and find out.
Most of the parts that count (brushes, field coils, even brush holders) are available for the 3 or 5 brush with the exception of the brush carrier - this can be missing and seems (at my last check) to not be reproduced.
And if they ship you the PH, request that the pulley either be removed, or at least protected against impact while in the box: my first PH was delivered with the pulley broken (it's thin cast iron) from having been drop kicked by UPS.
Joe K
You can usually tell a 3 brush generator in that the pulley has two radial "flutes" on the hub as you look at it. I watched on Ebay for some time to establish this fact before buying one, then another powerhouse through that source.
Without a pulley (which is not reproduced except in those rather rough 30-31 pattern with the holes) a 3 brush PH can be told by the position of the cutout. Late 5 brush and all 3 brush have the cutout directly opposite the mounting bracket.
PH usually seem to sell on Ebay in the $50 range. A lot of BINs start off higher, but don't usually sell. And sometimes there is one for less than $50, but you can usually tell if its been out in the weather from the pitting. Most sellers know enough to identify it as a 3 brush or 5 brush since it's easy to remove the cover and find out.
Most of the parts that count (brushes, field coils, even brush holders) are available for the 3 or 5 brush with the exception of the brush carrier - this can be missing and seems (at my last check) to not be reproduced.
And if they ship you the PH, request that the pulley either be removed, or at least protected against impact while in the box: my first PH was delivered with the pulley broken (it's thin cast iron) from having been drop kicked by UPS.
Joe K
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Here's a picture of the small notch. An 1/8th inch drill bit fits nicely into the half circle notch, so an 1/8th inch file will do the job nicely.
The notch not only lines up the cover with the hole for the bail wire, but it provides a good spot to place the tip of a screwdriver to pop off a tight cover.
I've only seen two original powerhouse rear covers that didn't have the notch, and they were both early 5 brush units.
The notch not only lines up the cover with the hole for the bail wire, but it provides a good spot to place the tip of a screwdriver to pop off a tight cover.
I've only seen two original powerhouse rear covers that didn't have the notch, and they were both early 5 brush units.
