Powerhouse problems and solutions

Ken MA

Ken MA

Junior Member
My 5 brush powerhouse would only put out voltage at around 600 engine rpm. Any faster and voltage drops to 0. Checked all connections, brushes,, spring pressure and commutator , all ok. I connected a jumper across each of the 6 field coils one at a time. When 1 coil was shunted voltage came up at any rpm. Must be a break in that coil that opens with vibration. The question is can I run with that coil shunted permanently? I can rewind that coil but the retaining screws are staked to the case. Any suggestions on removing those screws with out damage?
 
I have removed those screws with an impact driver with good success. I had to grind the edges off of the screwdriver bit to make it narrow enough for those screws. Rod
 
Not so sure on the PH generator, but staked bolts on the long generator and starter I remove using a drill press.

I have a wooden box with "Vs" cut that hold the generator frame from turning. With this and the generator frame clamped to the DP table I use a slot driver (like you use on the pitman/tie-rod plugs on the front end but smaller) and chuck a tee handle in the drill press such that a cone headed rod held in the chuck presses down on the tee handle. Clamping the drill press quill in place, the drill press keeps the slot driver engaged and prevents "camming out" of the driver while the screw is turned with the handle.

An impact driver (which I haven't tried) uses the force and inertia of the hammer to accomplish the same end.

It really doesn't take much torque to unscrew the slot screw using a DP to prevent camming. But just about impossible to prevent camming by manual unscrewing.

I've heard of some use a large vise and a short driver to accomplish the same thing.

Joe K
 
I remove them the same as Rowdy, except I tap the upset back some by using a sharp center punch in the end of the slot. Lay the punch almost flat, then tap the upset back out of the slot.

Be sure to use the correct coil because every other one is wound the opposite direction, so you get N-S-N-S-N-S. First try to find the break. They often break right near the twist, where it can be easily resoldered.
 
I use a 1/2" impact gun. Takes 'em right out. Got rid of the pole shoe machine. A 50MT Delco starter has 12 pole shoe screws. Takes a couple of minutes and they're out. A center punch in the center of the pole shoe screw will relieve the tension on the screws head if you don't have an gun.
We use Snap-On so we do break bits, we don't care. They just replace them.
 
All good ideas. I'll try the impact driver first , repair or rewind the coil and re-secure the screws with locktite red. Thanks.
 
Use Locktite blue please. Red releases at 400F - and this an area where you don't necessarily want to heat like that.

They make Loctite down in Seabrook, NH. So there tends to be a lot of Loctite used around here. Maybe too much?

Joe K
 
The only time I've used locktite is on diesel starters, here in Oregon they take 'em out in the woods. I'm with Joe, no red.
 
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