Generator or alternator ?

Bob NH

Bob NH

Well-known member
Just finally got the "powergen" alternator checked out and as suspected, no good and can not be repaired ! This came on the vehicle and why anyone would spend that much is beyond me. My question is, Joe's antique has a nice kit for not huge dollars, would it make sense to go with it or should I be looking for an original generator someplace ? Not a show vehicle , just want to have fun driving it without troubles!
 
I use a one wire GM alternator. Works fine. Cost around $100.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_9115b.jpg
    IMG_9115b.jpg
    81.1 KB · Views: 54
The one wire units are usually converted from a GM alternator. I installed one in my '47 years ago, and it has been trouble free. You should know that it required a smaller drive pulley on the alternator to rev it up so it would come on as soon as the car is started.
 
Bob NH said:
Just finally got the "powergen" alternator checked out and as suspected, no good and can not be repaired ! This came on the vehicle and why anyone would spend that much is beyond me. My question is, Joe's antique has a nice kit for not huge dollars, would it make sense to go with it or should I be looking for an original generator someplace ? Not a show vehicle , just want to have fun driving it without troubles!
Click to expand...


Go with a single wire GM alternator. They are available in both wide and narrow belt configs. The y bracket bolts onto the stock manifold. That's what I did when I converted to 12 volts. Easy and worth it IMO. Alternators are available everywhere in case you need a replacement in the future.
 

Attachments

  • rad 4.jpg
    rad 4.jpg
    28.2 KB · Views: 72
Just a bit of "FYI" info.

I used a "fusible link" in the power wire running from the + terminal of solenoid to the alternator. My car is 12V negative ground.
 
For a 6 volt system, a stock generator is fine. I have been running one on my '51 for 33 years without a single problem. Well OK, I had to replace the regulator once, but the generator was (and is) fine.
 
My reliability experience--- generator 50 years no problem, alternator 3 times failed in 35 years
The rebuilding shop I used to get parts from said the 10 si gm alternator was the best ever made, easy to fix, parts are cheap and they lasted just long enough that you got repeat business, but lasted long enough that customers weren't pissed off about the repeat failure
 
My generator "look alike" alternator (12v) from PowerGen gave out with maybe 4,000 miles on it. I took it to an old school generator/alternator shop and they figured out that it is just a small Japanese alternator stuck inside that "look alike" case. The figured out a replacement, which has been working okay for about a year now.
 
I had a powermaster gen/alt on my coupe for a while
It gave me no end of trouble and cost me lots of money
I sent it back to them and they said that it had a short in the field windings that had been there since new
So much for quality control
I went back to a generator
I would never use anything powermaster sells
 
GM alternators work great. Just have a 24 volt stator
installed and it will charge at idle with a small stock
Ford pulley. G.M.
 

Attachments

  • Alternator 39 CS.jpg
    Alternator 39 CS.jpg
    36.3 KB · Views: 46
Bob you viewed my 39 peeekup @ the BonneyEagle show a few years ago, I have a FORD one wire alt and went with that for obvious reasons.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0213.JPG
    IMG_0213.JPG
    117.4 KB · Views: 62
  • IMG_0214.JPG
    IMG_0214.JPG
    82 KB · Views: 57
39portlander, I remember you and the nice little ride you have. I sent an email to powergen yesterday and spoke with a rep today. He told me they have a 144,000 square ft. manufacturing plant and make everything "in house" for these units including the outside cases. It is on the way to Il. at this time. He told me they would check it and call me before doing any work. That will be interesting ! Thanks to all who have responded.
 
I think the Alternator is the way to go. On Robs engine we installed a small aulT in front of 3 Stromburgs, fit like a glove. that was 5 years ago. Looks nice too.
 
aussiesteve said:
So much for quality control
I went back to a generator
I would never use anything powermaster sells
Click to expand...

Bob NH said:
I sent an email to powergen yesterday and spoke with a rep today. He told me they have a 144,000 square ft. manufacturing plant and make everything "in house" for these units including the outside cases. It is on the way to Il. at this time. He told me they would check it and call me before doing any work. That will be interesting ! Thanks to all who have responded.
Click to expand...


I think it's funny, I've heard a lot of people quick to **** on Powermaster, but it's probably one of the few new alternators you can even buy that's still made in the USA and offers that kind of customer service. Good luck and keep us posted on the findings.
 
Only update I can offer u guys at the moment is they called me day before yesterday and I was not here to take the call, no message and no email so far ? I would like to think it is being repaired and on its way back home soon. I'll let y'all know when I hear sumpin !
 
When I went through the evaluation of Alternator/Generator look-a-like vs real original Ford Generator -

I decided to go original Ford Generator for my 12V conversion.

I have been very happy with the performance and capabilities ... the generator provides reliable charging and lighting power performance. I'm very happy with preserving the original look of an early ford generator (mine is a 1939) and the performance!
 

Attachments

  • PETER_MARTIN_012.jpg
    PETER_MARTIN_012.jpg
    66.4 KB · Views: 62
PeterC said:
When I went through the evaluation of Alternator/Generator look-a-like vs real original Ford Generator -

I decided to go original Ford Generator for my 12V conversion.

I have been very happy with the performance and capabilities ... the generator provides reliable charging and lighting power performance. I'm very happy with preserving the original look of an early ford generator (mine is a 1939) and the performance!
Click to expand...

I like to retain the original look as well, but cheat with a E J Whitney.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top