Quote:
Originally Posted by anteek
Brent,any chance of pics of the Powerhouse/Hitachi?
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Yeah but it looks just like any restored P/H generator so there is nothing to see. On the regular units, the only detection is on the band there is a 1" square hole cut to allow air to escape.
I realize some that have never seen, --nor used these units will be skeptical but here's the deal. They are very realiable for up to about 35 amps of continuous use before the housing becomes hot. Remember that the housing and the case are machined for a press-fit so the case becomes a huge heat-sink for the alternator's manufactured heat. An aftermarket scoop air deflector will take all the heat away at 35 amps where it runs cool but that is about going to be the limit. So here's the deal in my view, if you have an air conditioner compressor, a downdraft carb., an aftermarket cyl. head, an electric fan, yada-yada on your Model A engine, the look of the modern alternator does not look anymore 'out of place' than the rest of this stuff. Therefore, whats the use of going to the trouble or expense of this type unit?
The benefit of the hidden alternator IMHO is for someone who has a very stock-appearing restoration that has taken re-silvered original reflectors and mounted halogens in place of the incandescent bulbs for additional lumens. For continuous night-time driving with plenty of lighting will require an output of around 20 amps which can be a little stressful on a stock generator for prolonged periods. I put this item in the same category as someone who installs a Mitchell synchro-ed transmission. Like having the cake and eating it too, ...and not everyone likes looking at their cake.
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