The Ford Barn

Great Lakes Greg · 02-19-2011, 12:54 PM

So, the generator is held in place by just the big bolt through the bottom? I have seen braces that run off a front cover bolt, but those are after-market, right? Seems like Henry and the gang would have thought of something to keep that belt tight.

wrndln · 02-19-2011, 01:00 PM

I am pretty sure the first powerhouse generators had a bracket bolted to the generator to attach a long thin bracket to a special bolt in the timing cover. The later powerhouses I believe, just relied on the large bolt in the bottom.

Steve Plucker · 02-19-2011, 01:04 PM

Tom Wesenberg may have some information on this aspect as I think there was a thread about it at one time if my memory is not failing me...Tom?

Pluck

criswellnk · 02-19-2011, 01:05 PM

The adjusting arm was used through October of 1928, and mounted to the front of the timing cover using the "special" bolt.

Steve Ciccalone · 02-19-2011, 01:08 PM

Greg from start of production through 10/28, there were two versions of the powerhouse, the first had a short "U" bracket, the second a single arm bracket attached to the front. Both styles used an adjusting arm, first a short one on the first version and a longer one on the second. The specs are in Chapter 2 of the JS. After October, the mount was the same on the third version but the adjusting arm was eliminated. It seems like it should have been kept. If you have the third type and you have a driver, I would recommend installing the long arm per version 2. These brackets that you see are not aftermarket, just not originally installed on version 3 from 10/28 to mid-29.

Jack '29 Sport Coupe · 02-19-2011, 01:16 PM

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The first two years of the powerhouse generators used a bracket. Other types
came along as well to accomodate this need-----including brackets for use on alternators. I would hate to drive on some of the "washboard" roads of "yesteryear" without a support bracket, JMHO.

Jack

Tom Wesenberg · 02-19-2011, 04:09 PM

I've seen factory photos from November 1928 assembly lines showing the powerhouse with a tension bracket. That would be about the end of them, as they aren't needed.

I'm driving my 28 Phaeton with a temporary engine and 3 brush powerhouse with no bracket. It hasn't come loose in 5 years af driving. The belt doesn't have to be very tight, and I have mine loose enough to easily push and pull at least an inch midway from the water pump to the generator.

MikeK · 02-19-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I'm driving my 28 Phaeton with a temporary engine and 3 brush powerhouse with no bracket. It hasn't come loose in 5 years of driving. The belt doesn't have to be very tight, and I have mine loose enough to easily push and pull at least an inch midway from the water pump to the generator.

That's my kind of temporary!

spike · 02-19-2011, 05:25 PM

If you run it to tight it will take the water pump bearing out. it is just a generator not an alternator so it does not have to be that tight....just my 3 cents worth.

02-19-2011, 12:54 PM	#1
Great Lakes Greg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,369	No Powerhouse gen. bracket? So, the generator is held in place by just the big bolt through the bottom? I have seen braces that run off a front cover bolt, but those are after-market, right? Seems like Henry and the gang would have thought of something to keep that belt tight.

02-19-2011, 01:00 PM	#2
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,165	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? I am pretty sure the first powerhouse generators had a bracket bolted to the generator to attach a long thin bracket to a special bolt in the timing cover. The later powerhouses I believe, just relied on the large bolt in the bottom.

02-19-2011, 01:04 PM	#3
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? Tom Wesenberg may have some information on this aspect as I think there was a thread about it at one time if my memory is not failing me...Tom? Pluck

02-19-2011, 01:05 PM	#4
criswellnk Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit Posts: 288	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? The adjusting arm was used through October of 1928, and mounted to the front of the timing cover using the "special" bolt. __________________ *"Son, there are two ways to do this, your way and the right way." Thanks dad.* Looking for a copy or reprint of 1932 A.E.A. Universal Catalog of Genuine Electrical Service Parts

02-19-2011, 01:08 PM	#5
Steve Ciccalone Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: "Live Free or Die!" Posts: 510	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? Greg from start of production through 10/28, there were two versions of the powerhouse, the first had a short "U" bracket, the second a single arm bracket attached to the front. Both styles used an adjusting arm, first a short one on the first version and a longer one on the second. The specs are in Chapter 2 of the JS. After October, the mount was the same on the third version but the adjusting arm was eliminated. It seems like it should have been kept. If you have the third type and you have a driver, I would recommend installing the long arm per version 2. These brackets that you see are not aftermarket, just not originally installed on version 3 from 10/28 to mid-29. __________________ "A wet bird doesn't fly at night."

02-19-2011, 01:16 PM	#6
Jack '29 Sport Coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 798	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The first two years of the powerhouse generators used a bracket. Other types came along as well to accomodate this need-----including brackets for use on alternators. I would hate to drive on some of the "washboard" roads of "yesteryear" without a support bracket, JMHO. Jack __________________ Cincinnati, Ohio

02-19-2011, 04:09 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? I've seen factory photos from November 1928 assembly lines showing the powerhouse with a tension bracket. That would be about the end of them, as they aren't needed. I'm driving my 28 Phaeton with a temporary engine and 3 brush powerhouse with no bracket. It hasn't come loose in 5 years af driving. The belt doesn't have to be very tight, and I have mine loose enough to easily push and pull at least an inch midway from the water pump to the generator. Last edited by Tom Wesenberg; 02-19-2011 at 04:18 PM.

02-19-2011, 05:25 PM	#9
spike Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jackson Michigan Posts: 245	Re: No Powerhouse gen. bracket? If you run it to tight it will take the water pump bearing out. it is just a generator not an alternator so it does not have to be that tight....just my 3 cents worth.