Here’s a ‘heads up’ for those guys with the ‘push accelerator to start’ function on their classics. If your wanting to upgrade to an alternator, you really need to retain the ‘redundancy’ factor for the starter to disengage when the engine starts up. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O></O> For this ’57 Riviera we’re doing, we wanted an alternator that retained the looks of the original generator and with the same bolt up pattern. Powermaster has a one wire alternator that does exactly that and is very reasonably priced. However, there was one other feature we needed in order to duplicate the original starter performance and reliability. This related to the so called ‘push to start’ function. After contacting them and exchanging some pertinent information, they promptly came up with a modification (which can be quickly done upon request) to their one wire alternator that duplicated the function of the original stock set up. <O></O> Short Answer: <O></O> Needed the alternator to perform the same function as the original generator by providing a ground through the starter relay and then taking away the ground when the engine starts and generator is turning. This is the ‘redundant’ back up to the possible failure of the vacuum function of the steel ball in the carburetor at the accelerator switch which opens and closes the ignition to starter circuit. <O></O> <O></O> Long Answer: <O></O> Without getting too technical, the accelerator switch on the carburetor closes when you push the pedal down due to the small steel ball being forced up against the two ignition terminals (by the throttle shaft) on the carburetor, The engine starts and vacuum pulls the ball away opening the switch and the starter disengages. At the same time, the starter relay loses its ground when the OEM generator starts turning and puts current up to the ground side of the starter relay. That’s the backup (plan B if you will) in case the little steel ball ‘sticks’ or is gummed up and the starter doesn’t disengage when the engine starts pulling vacuum and begins running. It required an internal modification to the alternator itself and the addition of a simple ISO relay to the starter circuit, which when energized, took away the ground at the starter relay..just like the generator did. <O></O> We’re pleased to have the first and only one…. and excited that Powermaster had the willingness to take on this needed requirement and provided a prompt answer. Small wonder they have the fine reputation they enjoy in the field. I’m a fan…. Here's their site. Ask for Tommy http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/ Here's a few pictures of the alternator installed and data. http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/23702152 <O></O> <O></O> <O></O> <O></O>
:gp::grin:Wow, thanks for that. I'm thinking of the alternator conversion for mine. And definitely want to keep the accelerator start switch. :TU:
Yeah, really nice people to work with too. Of course, a guy can mount the relay there on the inner fender beside the starter relay and alternately, under the dash.
Oh, good tip. Maybe, I could hide the relay behind the curve of the lower dash near the ignition switch. (where did you install the relay on the 57?)
Not there yet, but thinking under the dash somewhere. Might just plastic tie it to one of the harness bundles.
Cool; - I had no idea about the double redundancy thing. Good to know, - thanks! Would you know if this was applicable to the older cars as well? I've been entertaining the idea of possibly converting the '46 over at some point.
Research and conversations with 'knowledgable' sources, indicated to me that this starter function first began on the Buick in 1934. So your car should be fine.
Starter engagement for 1932 is on the floor.(and, for all previous selfstarters) Starter engagement for 1933 is on the dash.(one year, only) Starter engagement for 1936 is in the carburetor [should have written; 1934](and, as we see in this thread, up to and including; 1957, in the carburetor). What year, was the last year, for the carburetor switch ?
I am glad I was able to help Jack. It was my pleasure working with you. I hoped that you would find the templates I made helpful along with ALL the extra parts that are so very often left out/missing, etc. Sometimes just the small left out bolts, brackets, fittings, etc. are sometimes what makes the job so much harder & frustrating. Since you mostly dealt with the Tri-Fives in the past what do you think about Buick's now???? Tom T.
Hey Tom.. The templates were right on the money! I do appreciate the appropriate bolts and brackets you sent along too. As you know, it's the details that always makes the difference in a quality restoration and then there's everything else.... I would have to say the Buick is quite a bit different in some areas, uses some parts and accessories that are hard to come by, and mostly....just bigger! This car and I are getting along pretty good though. Getting this starter/alternator situation put to bed with Powermaster was a big hurdle to clear , and they get all the credit. About all I did was provide a little information and answer a few questions. Thanks again for your assistance and I'll talk to you down the road. Jack
