The Ford Barn

marty in Ohio · 05-24-2021, 07:33 AM

A friend bought a '28 Phaeton with a powerhouse generator. The other day he asked how to oil it. Told him my 1930 has oilers on the front and back but didn't know anything about the powerhouse. We can't find anything about this. Maybe this is why Henry gave up on the powerhouse?
Marty

Steve Plucker · 05-24-2021, 08:38 AM

There are no oilers on a Powerhouse. To service you must disassemble and physically grease the bearings within.

A little time consuming but not that bad.

Pluck

psimet · 05-24-2021, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

There are no oilers on a Powerhouse. To service you must disassemble and physically grease the bearings within.

A little time consuming but not that bad.

Pluck

Any link to that process anywhere? I also asked in an earlier Powerhouse post but does anyone have a list of things I should check on mine before I go to get my engine running? It's been sitting for at least 30 years.

Steve Plucker · 05-24-2021, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psimet

Any link to that process anywhere? I also asked in an earlier Powerhouse post but does anyone have a list of things I should check on mine before I go to get my engine running? It's been sitting for at least 30 years.

These are as good as it gets:

THE MODEL A ENGINE, DISTRIBUTOR AND OIL PUMP:
By Paul and
William McRee, 2002.

THE MODEL A GENERATOR, STARTER, CUTOUT AND STARTER
SWITCH:
By Paul and William McRee, 2002.
Both of the above booklets are a must if you plan on doing your
own restoration of the Model A/
AA Ford engine, distributor, oil
pump, generator, starter, cutout
and starter switch. Filled with
technical information and photos.

Pluck

Dave in MD · 05-24-2021, 01:07 PM

The Model A Ford Restoration and Maintenance Handbook Volume two by Paul Moller has some good information on these early generators. There are two ball bearings inside and the replacements being sold by some of the vendors are sealed. You may want to check the brushes as both five and three brush units were used. The commutator should also be checked.
Dave

marty in Ohio · 05-24-2021, 03:02 PM

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Good answers all. Thanks a million guys.
Marty

psimet · 05-24-2021, 05:09 PM

Thanks for the book recommendations - both seem to be out of print.

05-24-2021, 07:33 AM	#1
marty in Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 757	Powerhouse Generator A friend bought a '28 Phaeton with a powerhouse generator. The other day he asked how to oil it. Told him my 1930 has oilers on the front and back but didn't know anything about the powerhouse. We can't find anything about this. Maybe this is why Henry gave up on the powerhouse? Marty

05-24-2021, 08:38 AM	#2
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: Powerhouse Generator There are no oilers on a Powerhouse. To service you must disassemble and physically grease the bearings within. A little time consuming but not that bad. Pluck

05-24-2021, 01:07 PM	#5
Dave in MD Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 175	Re: Powerhouse Generator The Model A Ford Restoration and Maintenance Handbook Volume two by Paul Moller has some good information on these early generators. There are two ball bearings inside and the replacements being sold by some of the vendors are sealed. You may want to check the brushes as both five and three brush units were used. The commutator should also be checked. Dave

05-24-2021, 03:02 PM	#6
marty in Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 757	Re: Powerhouse Generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Good answers all. Thanks a million guys. Marty

05-24-2021, 05:09 PM	#7
psimet Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Elgin, IL Posts: 159	Re: Powerhouse Generator Thanks for the book recommendations - both seem to be out of print.