The Ford Barn

DougVieyra · 11-19-2013, 02:58 AM

The Powerhouse Generator on my late '28 Ford died. As I have a box full of the later style ('29-'32) generators, I just pulled the Powerhouse off and installed the later style generator. It has been running fine on the car for about twenty years now.
So, now, having finally caught up on some of life's pressing demands, I am now ready to revisit the generator 'issue' on my '28. I see that none of the parts houses offer rebuilt Powerhouse generators. I presume that there is a valid issue which does not allow for easy rebuilding, but I know that it can be done.

My question is : ( ignoring what is 'proper' and 'fine point' correct ) is the later generator a better generator ? Did Henry Ford replace the Powerhouse generator with a better generator ? From a reliability and maintenance stand point, is the later generator a better generator ?

If there are Ford Barners who rebuild Model A generators I would like to get their input about the pros and cons of each type.

I would like to get feed back from users who drive and have driven their cars for years with both types of generators - enough to get a good assessment of the two generators. Before I go through the hassle and trouble of repairing my old Powerhouse generator, I would like to know that it has enough superiority over the later generator to justify the hassle.

Mike V. Florida · 11-19-2013, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

I go through the hassle and trouble of repairing my old Powerhouse generator, I would like to know that it has enough superiority over the later generator to justify the hassle.

Fordbarner Tom Wesenberg rebuilds them so you can eliminate the "hassle".

Both work find and both will last for many many years. The powerhouse, so called by how they look, does put out more then the "standard" unit, but Tom will be here soon to expand on this for you.

Steve Plucker · 11-19-2013, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Fordbarner Tom Wesenberg rebuilds them so you can eliminate the "hassle".

Both work find and both will last for many many years. The powerhouse, so called by how they look, does put out more then the "standard" unit, but Tom will be here soon to expand on this for you.

I second that...Tom W. is the GURU of Model A/AA Ford generator/starter rebuilding!

Pluck

al's28/33 · 11-19-2013, 08:34 AM

Yes Thomas is the man to discuss this with. He has rebuilt two for me already Doug and will be working on a third Powerhouse soon. He also has devised a modern voltage regulator that replaces the adjustable brush to give more reliability. I seriously recommend you might send him yours and I'm sure he can bring it back to life!

Willie Krash · 11-19-2013, 10:43 AM

I have owned a generator/alternator shop for 35 years. I agree send it to Tom.
You can't beat hands on experience.

Purdy Swoft · 11-19-2013, 11:13 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The powerhouse generator will charge a few more amps than the tube type generator but is far more complicated.

Tom Wesenberg · 11-19-2013, 12:06 PM

Thanks guys! I prefer the powerhouse since it has a little more output, larger ball bearings in a large grease pocket, and is easier to work on. The brush holder is the fragile part and it is not reproduced.

ALWAYS save your worn out brushes because the wire and terminal on them can be used to make a new brush. You can buy the larger later brushes and cut and file them to size, then carefully drill a small hole for the wire and use a small brass screw to hold the wire in place.

I like to stay period correct and both generators are good units. Powerhouse is correct up through mid 1929, the long generator with 2 ball bearings is correct for 1929 through early 1930, then the rear bushing generator is correct for the rest of production. See the J/S for more specific dates and pictures.

BTW, I believe the change to the long generator was to save money.

youngs1 · 07-21-2014, 04:24 PM

Tom, I have a side cutout Powerhouse that is original except brushes as far as I can tell. The belt tension arm to the timing cover had been missing from my car. I located the timing cover bolt at Hershey and installed both. Soon after, my generator spiked twice and went dead on the ammeter. Am I looking at a full rebuild? What does the surgery cost these days? Thanks!

Tom Wesenberg · 07-21-2014, 05:06 PM

The tension arm really isn't needed and that's why Ford dropped it in late 28. Hard to say what went wrong with the generator (or cutout). With the engine running, use a wire to jump across the two cutout terminals. If it now charges, then the cutout is bad. If it still doesn't charge, then the generator is bad.

Have you tried the "SEARCH" feature to read about powerhouse generators? I know I've said enough so you can overhaul it yourself, if you want to. Otherwise you can remove the rear cover and post pictures, so maybe we can spot the problem. It might even just be worn brushes.

11-19-2013, 02:58 AM	#1
DougVieyra Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Eureka, California Posts: 1,733	PowerHouse vs. standard generator The Powerhouse Generator on my late '28 Ford died. As I have a box full of the later style ('29-'32) generators, I just pulled the Powerhouse off and installed the later style generator. It has been running fine on the car for about twenty years now. So, now, having finally caught up on some of life's pressing demands, I am now ready to revisit the generator 'issue' on my '28. I see that none of the parts houses offer rebuilt Powerhouse generators. I presume that there is a valid issue which does not allow for easy rebuilding, but I know that it can be done. My question is : ( ignoring what is 'proper' and 'fine point' correct ) is the later generator a better generator ? Did Henry Ford replace the Powerhouse generator with a better generator ? From a reliability and maintenance stand point, is the later generator a better generator ? If there are Ford Barners who rebuild Model A generators I would like to get their input about the pros and cons of each type. I would like to get feed back from users who drive and have driven their cars for years with both types of generators - enough to get a good assessment of the two generators. Before I go through the hassle and trouble of repairing my old Powerhouse generator, I would like to know that it has enough superiority over the later generator to justify the hassle.

11-19-2013, 08:34 AM	#4
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,681	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator Yes Thomas is the man to discuss this with. He has rebuilt two for me already Doug and will be working on a third Powerhouse soon. He also has devised a modern voltage regulator that replaces the adjustable brush to give more reliability. I seriously recommend you might send him yours and I'm sure he can bring it back to life! __________________ 1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)

11-19-2013, 10:43 AM	#5
Willie Krash Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Phoenix, Oregon Posts: 661	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator I have owned a generator/alternator shop for 35 years. I agree send it to Tom. You can't beat hands on experience. __________________ Mike Stitt "A business that make nothing but money is a poor business." -Henry Ford

11-19-2013, 11:13 AM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The powerhouse generator will charge a few more amps than the tube type generator but is far more complicated.

11-19-2013, 12:06 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator Thanks guys! I prefer the powerhouse since it has a little more output, larger ball bearings in a large grease pocket, and is easier to work on. The brush holder is the fragile part and it is not reproduced. ALWAYS save your worn out brushes because the wire and terminal on them can be used to make a new brush. You can buy the larger later brushes and cut and file them to size, then carefully drill a small hole for the wire and use a small brass screw to hold the wire in place. I like to stay period correct and both generators are good units. Powerhouse is correct up through mid 1929, the long generator with 2 ball bearings is correct for 1929 through early 1930, then the rear bushing generator is correct for the rest of production. See the J/S for more specific dates and pictures. BTW, I believe the change to the long generator was to save money. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 11-19-2013 at 12:13 PM.

07-21-2014, 04:24 PM	#8
youngs1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 3	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator Tom, I have a side cutout Powerhouse that is original except brushes as far as I can tell. The belt tension arm to the timing cover had been missing from my car. I located the timing cover bolt at Hershey and installed both. Soon after, my generator spiked twice and went dead on the ammeter. Am I looking at a full rebuild? What does the surgery cost these days? Thanks!

07-21-2014, 05:06 PM	#9
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: PowerHouse vs. standard generator The tension arm really isn't needed and that's why Ford dropped it in late 28. Hard to say what went wrong with the generator (or cutout). With the engine running, use a wire to jump across the two cutout terminals. If it now charges, then the cutout is bad. If it still doesn't charge, then the generator is bad. Have you tried the "SEARCH" feature to read about powerhouse generators? I know I've said enough so you can overhaul it yourself, if you want to. Otherwise you can remove the rear cover and post pictures, so maybe we can spot the problem. It might even just be worn brushes.