Powerhouse generator - an inside view

[ndnchf]

Not many have seen what's inside a Ford Powerhouse generator. They are completely different than the more familiar long type generators. I just finished this one and thought you might like to see the innards before final assembly and the finished product.

Steve

 

[Will N]

Those field windings look very similar to the windings Ford used on the Model T magneto. Henry liked to use what he knew.

 

[ndnchf]

Those field windings look very similar to the windings Ford used on the Model T magneto. Henry liked to use what he knew.

They are brand new fields and do indeed look very similar to the original Powerhouse fields.

 

[al's28/33]

thanks for sharing Steve. I appreciate your postings here and on youtube.

 

[AzBob]

Thanks for the inside look.

I have always thought the Powerhouse generator looked cool. I would have one on my 1930 if it were era appropriate. Guess I will have to look for a 1928.

 

[jrelliott]

Have one on my '28 Blindback. The generator was very well made. When I rebuilt mine, the bearings still had grease in them. Did replace both bearings before reassembling. The only problem with these generators is the material holding the brushes likes to break easily, and no replacements.

 

[ndnchf]

yes, the bakelite brush rings are fragile. If it is a clean break they can often be repaired with Superglue.

 

[jrelliott]

I have part numbers for the front and rear bearings on the Powerhouse. Front *** 6204.2RSR.C3, Dayton #1ZGH4, NTN 6204LLBC3/L627 Bore 20mm Outside dia. 47mm
width 14mm. Rear *** 6203.2RSR.C3, Dayton #1ZGH3, NTN 6203LLBC3/L627, Grainger 6205 Bore 17mm Outside dia. 40mm width 12mm

 

[BlueSunoco]

That is cool Steve thank you for posting!
The late great Tom Wesenburg was a Powerhouse generator guru, he loved them and rebuilt a lot of them! Pretty sharp guy. We are running his EVR's on two of our Fords they work fantastic!

 

[ndnchf]

The Powerhouse is a very high quality and reliable generator when properly restored. The extra large bearing at the pulley end adds to its long life expectancy. On generators I've restored, the original bearing is often still in good condition. I use double sealed bearings in them which keeps the generator much cleaner inside. With virtually no new parts being made, these are a real challenge to restore. I have to make or have made the parts I need. But when completed they are a thing of beauty.

If anybody needs a restored Powerhouse. I have one listed in the For Sale section.
Steve