I have a new Powermaster "Powergen" alternator on our '47 Mercury. You know, the one that looks like a stock Ford generator. Anyway, it's pretty noisy, sounds like bearing noise or something like that. I did a search and found the usual HAMB stuff like "Powermasters are junk" and "I've used them for years with no problems.", so let's not use this thread to rehash all that. Has anybody had one that made noise? Should it be lubricated anywhere? I don't believe I've got the belt too tight as there seems to be the right amount of flex in the side. Any ideas?
What did Powermaster say? I have two in use [not the fake generator style] with no problems for several years. I would check with them.
I talked to them back in December when I was at the PRI show and they suggested the belt was too loose (!??!). Didn't really help. I can't send it back 'cause I've had it for more than 6 months before I even had the chance to install it.
I know someone who bought one when they first came out. The bashing is from those days. His Power gen was noisy as you describe. He has been running this thing like that for 3 Years. No problem yet but still noisy. I bought one last year. Slight noise but nothing like his. My belt is tight as hell. I would return that thing anyway. For that cost they should make it good. My god it hasnt even been broke it yet. They should stand behind it.
A mechanics stethoscope should help determine which bearing/s are making the noise. If one is louder than the other then it should be replaced as defective and warrantied by the maker. IMHO
I remember reading somewhere about someone having a Powermaster squealing and cured it by improving ground from engine to frame. Might check your grounds.
Everyone I have ever sold I had to take apart and retorque the case while spinning the armeture just to quite them.
A bad bearing can make noise. Another possibility..... A bad diode can make noise too. With a bad doide the alternator may still make power, but not as much as it should. And, a bad diode often causes battery drain when not running.
Just got a Powermaster alternator from Summit. It has a fairly loud distinct noise. Sounds like a bad steering pump or supercharger. Spins freely with only slight squeak when spun by hand. Charges fine,it even came with bench testing data cards! Not contacting or s****ing against anything. Everything is well grounded with extra ground straps: motor, battery, alternator. Have tried belt tension at snug, tight and slack. Tried other alternators before and after this unit & no noise at all. Sounds like something s****ing inside alternator. Judging by online posts, getting a noisy Powermaster alternator is a fairly common occurrence! One person mentioned having to retorque the fasteners on all the Powermaster alternators he has received. I plan to try that next. I would have returned it to Summit immediately, but the make you pay the freight on returns. Hesitant to monkey with a brand new product that is supposedly still under warranty (just received it!!). Feels odd to have major issue with an brand new top of the line product! Car sounds like and old heap with a low power steering fluid!! "Sure is a pretty Alternator you got there mister, too bad it makes that terrible noise!"
Aren’t they being made in Western Chicago? Where as AC delco and delco-remy are sourced outside of the US.
If you have a mechanics stethoscope or even a length of dowel or wood broom handle you can usually tell if the noise is mechanical and pretty well isolate it. Stethoscope is a bit easier as you put the ear pieces in your ears and touch the probe to various spots on the case of the alternator (or any other mechanical item) while the engine is running. The broom handle you have to touch to the alternator and stick your ear to the other end. Still you should be able to isolate a mechanical issue pretty well. Bad diode noise will usually go away if you unplug the alternator and run the engine. You should be able to hear a mechanical noise but maybe not as loud if it is a bearing and there is no load on it.
I’m sorry to be a smart Azz , nothing is produced entirely with US parts anymore . I think even the minds producing the stuff has off shore influences . Sorry just my opinion
It is a Hot Rod. It is supposed to make noise. Especially when you push the loud pedal with your right foot. It is not a BMW or Mercedes.
Don't know about their alternators but the Powermaster starter I had on my flathead was a POS. Another option is E.J. Whitney. They convert original generators to alternators. They are located in Fullerton, CA Might be something to consider but they ain't cheap. https://www.ejwhitneyco.com/automotive.html
Most bearing problems can be heard, or felt by turning the shaft by hand. The only other contact would be the brushes against the slip rings. Possibly the brushes/slip rings are making noise. If all these are noisy, I'm wondering if it's not all bearing noise and possibly inherent design.
At ~ 400 bones, they should be as quiet as a church mouse, is what I'm thinkin'. Alternators are not ordinarily expensive.
So, called Summit and explained that made sure I installed alternator correctly (and that every other alternator used on car was quiet as a mouse). They noted the return code I would be using ( reluctantly using code "Q": "unsatisfied with product quality"). I don't like to complain about a product, especially an "American" one without being sure product is "not up to snuff". Summit Racing Equipment phone operator said she would credit my return without shipping charges! I would buy a powermaster alternator again if I bought it locally (for ease of return). The main reason I bought a powermaster alternator is because it was a "one wire" factory looking "squareback" Mopar style alternator that would maintain consistent correct voltage without involving factory wiring & voltage regulator. Think I've found a separate solution though. I was excited ( alternator pun intended) to find a factory Mopar looking voltage regulator with a mini voltage adjustment screw on the back! Note,I had already checked all wiring & bulkhead connections etc. etc. Charging was running 14.8 volts (still within range, but a little high for me). Oh well, that big shiny chrome alternator did kinda look like "lipstick on a pig" anyway - yeah I know they make "natural finish" one. Thanks for listening, guys!
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