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Old 02-03-2020, 03:06 AM   #1
Red98
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Default Powermaster alternator

I wish to purchase a Powermaster alternator for a 50 Merc flathead (the end of a 12v conversion).

Who has one mounted in front of a 4bbl Holley? I don't have that yet either and seem to recall the 4bbl mounts backwards on some intake manifolds for room.
I need verification the PM alternator isn't too long to fit. Also need to know the proper pulley diameter for proper charging.

And wonder about anything else I'm overlooking.

Thanks
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Old 02-03-2020, 05:40 AM   #2
flatheadmurre
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

They come in std and short versions.
Must be some drawings with dimension from Powermaster.
If i remember right the short clears a dual setup with margin...
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Old 02-03-2020, 06:46 AM   #3
39portlander
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

Have you considered a Ford one wire alternator, the nice thing about these is a replacement can be found @ most all of the major parts stores nationwide.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.
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Old 02-03-2020, 07:04 AM   #4
4dFord/SC
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

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Originally Posted by Red98 View Post
...seem to recall the 4bbl mounts backwards on some intake manifolds for room.
I think they're mounted backwards to line up with the stock accelerator linkage.
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Old 02-03-2020, 08:27 AM   #5
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

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Originally Posted by 4dFord/SC View Post
I think they're mounted backwards to line up with the stock accelerator linkage.
The carb. does not really have a forwards or backwards, you could even mount it sideways if needed to work for the application.
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Old 02-03-2020, 09:18 AM   #6
drolston
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

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If you are thinking of using the Powermaster that is made to look like a stock generator, think again. They squeezed a small car alternator into that generator-looking case. Mine burned out in 3000 miles. A local alternator shop found some parts that would fit and rebuilt it. We will see how long this version lasts.
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Old 02-03-2020, 12:05 PM   #7
chiefdave
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red98 View Post
I wish to purchase a Powermaster alternator for a 50 Merc flathead (the end of a 12v conversion).

Who has one mounted in front of a 4bbl Holley? I don't have that yet either and seem to recall the 4bbl mounts backwards on some intake manifolds for room.
I need verification the PM alternator isn't too long to fit. Also need to know the proper pulley diameter for proper charging.

And wonder about anything else I'm overlooking.

Thanks


I put an Offy/Holley 390 combo on my '49 and there is a clearance issue. Went with a conventional one wire alt.
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:09 PM   #8
4dFord/SC
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

Can't speak for the 8BA, but I used a 1" spacer to mount a Holley 390 on my '40 with a 221 cu. in.
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Old 02-03-2020, 01:30 PM   #9
my4dv8
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

You can slice a small amount off the back of a long powermaster without affecting looks and not loose cooling slots.
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Old 02-06-2020, 11:19 AM   #10
Automotive Stud
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

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Originally Posted by drolston View Post
If you are thinking of using the Powermaster that is made to look like a stock generator, think again. They squeezed a small car alternator into that generator-looking case. Mine burned out in 3000 miles. A local alternator shop found some parts that would fit and rebuilt it. We will see how long this version lasts.
I've had one on one of my cars since 2009. I had a problem one summer with a stuck brush, but powermaster repaired it and sent it back to me no charge. I drive my cars quite a bit also, so I would use them again.

That said, I learned about EJ Whitney generator/alternators from this forum, I've had one of theirs on another car since last summer. So far it works great and looks even more authentic than a powergen, so my vote would be to use one of them again. https://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html
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Old 02-06-2020, 08:58 PM   #11
4dFord/SC
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Default Re: Powermaster alternator

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That said, I learned about EJ Whitney generator/alternators from this forum, I've had one of theirs on another car since last summer. So far it works great and looks even more authentic than a powergen, so my vote would be to use one of them again. https://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html
I've had a Whitney conversion on my car for 15 years with no problems.
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