Power House Gen

jrelliott

jrelliott

Well-known member
I have a Power House Generator 3-brush type that the commutator is shorted. Zero ohms all around the commutator segments to other segments. Does anyone know who rewires these or have a good commutator? The field coils are good and has new bearings so only need a commutator. Even the bakelite ring that holds the brushes is good. Trying to get the A as close to original as possible. Have one of the later style generators on it now.
 
Tom W is "the man" when it comes to Powerhouse Generators and has posted many searchable fixes/suggestions on this discussion board (as well as lists to help people troubleshoot what is working or not).

What is the "most correct" generator for your car?

My car is "correct" with its 3-brush powerhouse with the top-mounted cutout. My backup generator is a 5-brush side-mount powerhouse. If your powerhouse happens to be a top mount and your car is "more correct" with a 5-brush side mount, let me know. Ahooga!
 
Have you tested the armature on a growler?
That's the way to test them as the ohms is so low you can't check them that way.
I can test it for free, but the shipping is the killer.
 
Check the LeJay Manual which can be found online at http://www.scribd.com/doc/3093121/LeJay-Manual

Page 18 Plan 22 tells you how to sacrifice a Model T generator and make a growler.

Interesting tool which takes advantage of the inductive property of the core to confirm magnetic action.

I tink you can do this with a Model A generator as well. (might be more available?)

Joe K
 
No, have not tested on a growler. No one around here has one and parts for the growler are had to come by up here in the mountains. Was looking at the commutator and looks fried as the wiring looks like it got real hot. Dark black in color. Was testing on 1 ohm scale with an older FET VOM which is fairly accurate
 
Check the ohms between the shaft and the commutator.
The dark color doesn't always mean it's shot. The same goes with the burnt smell. I've had some that I would have sworn were shot, but passed the growler test just fine. I've also got one that looks NOS, but it has shorted windings. No one is rewinding the powerhouse armatures that I know of. Someday when I get caught up I may try to rewind one of my bad ones.

As I mentioned, I'll be glad to test it for you for free, but shipping the armature will probably be close to $10 each way.
 
Tom, Sorry for taking the thread on a tangent, have you ever seen a powerhouse with a light colored bakelite brushholder?
 
Tom Wesenberg send me a personal message with your address and will send it to you in a Flat rate Postal box. Will reimburse for return postage. If bad will start looking for another armature. Will be going on vacation for about 3 weeks so may be August before get back to you. Thank you again.
 
jrelliott said:
Tom Wesenberg send me a personal message with your address and will send it to you in a Flat rate Postal box. Will reimburse for return postage. If bad will start looking for another armature. Will be going on vacation for about 3 weeks so may be August before get back to you. Thank you again.
Click to expand...

Be sure to pack it with at least 3 layers of corrugated cardboard and firm enough to not move around in the box. Packing peanuts DO NOT work for heavy objects. Remember, the PO does everything possible to destroy the box and contents.:mad::mad:

I would pack it well, and NOT waste money on insurance.
 
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