Northern Lights M843NW2 Operator's Manual

OM843NW2

For Model: M843NW2

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Marine Generators | Marine Diesel Engines | Land-Based Generators

— CALIFORNIA —

Proposition 65 Warning:

Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.

Northern Lights

4420 14th Avenue N.W.

Seattle, WA 98107

Tel: (206) 789-3880

Fax: (206) 782-5455

Printed in U.S.A.

PART NO.: OM843NW2 03/05

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

for Model

M843NW2

Read this operator's manual thoroughly before starting to operate your equipment. This manual contains information you will need to run and service your new unit.

Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................	4
Models Included....................................................	4
Model Numbers.....................................................	4
Serial Numbers......................................................	4
Warranty .............................................................	5
Safety Rules ...........................................	5
Component Locations
M843NW2 Marine Generator...............................	6
CONTROL Panels ...............................................	7
Operating Procedures
Break-in Period......................................................	8
Before Starting......................................................	8
Starting..................................................................	8
Operating...............................................................	8
Stopping.................................................................	8
Shutdowns and Alarms..........................................	9
Spare Parts.............................................................	9
Servicing Schedule Chart ............	10 - 11
Servicing
Lubrication - General..........................................	12
Checking Oil........................................................	12
Oil Changes.........................................................	12
Changing Oil Filter..............................................	12
Air Filter..............................................................	13

Servicing (continued)
V-Belts.................................................................	13
Valve Clearances.................................................	13
Fuels - General....................................................	14
Fuel Filters...........................................................	14
Bleeding the Fuel System....................................	15
Injector Service............................................	16 - 17
Injection Pump....................................................	17
Cooling System - General...................................	17
Cooling System Flushing....................................	18
Heat Exchanger...................................................	18
Raw Water Pump.................................................	18
Generator Ends....................................................	18
Electrical System - General.................................	18
Glow Plugs..........................................................	19
Booster Batteries.................................................	19
Battery Care.........................................................	19
PTO Care.............................................................	19
Winterizing / Out-of-Service...............................	19
Troubleshooting
Electrical..............................................................	20
Engine..........................................................	21 - 23
Wiring Diagrams
AC Electrical.......................................................	24
DC Electrical.......................................................	25

Proprietary Information

This publication is the property of Alaska Diesel Electric, Inc.

It may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of Alaska Diesel Electric, Inc. © Alaska Diesel Electric, Inc. All rights reserved. Litho U.S.A. Publication number OM843NW2 03/05

OM843NW2 03/05

Introduction

Servicing of marine engines and generator sets presents unique problems. In many cases boats cannot be moved to a repair facility. Marine engines cannot be compared to the servicing of automobiles, trucks or even farm equipment. Failures often occur in remote areas far from competent assistance. Marine engines are taxed far more severely than auto or truck engines; therefore, maintenance schedules must be adhered to more strictly.

Failures can begin with minor problems that are overlooked and become amplified when not corrected during routine maintenance.

As operator, it is your obligation to learn about your equipment and its proper maintenance. This is not a comprehensive technical service manual. Nor will it make the reader into an expert mechanic. Its aim is to aid you in maintaining your unit properly.

Unit Identification

ModelS INCLUDED

This manual covers the operating instructions for:

M843NW2 marine generator set.

Fill in the model number of your unit in the blank space provided.

This will give you a reference whenever service or maintenance is required:

My Northern Lights generator set model number is:

Model Numbers

Model numbers give the unit's application, block model, aspiration, and RPM:

843

W and 2

M - Northern Lights marine generator set

Model number of engine block

W - New winding

Bore

Cylinders

2 - Tier 2 Compliant

84 mm

Northern Lights marine diesel generator set with

M843NW2

= an 843 engine and a PX-312K2 generator end, Tier II

compliant.

OM843NW2 03/05

Serial Numbers

Your set has three serial numbers: 1 an engine number stamped on the block, 2 a generator plate, and 3 a generator set plate.

Use the serial number on the generator set plate when ordering parts or in correspondence. The generator set plate is found on the service side of the generator and resembles the drawing at left.

Generator set serial number plate.

A warranty registration certificate is supplied

with your set. It entitles the original purchaser of our equipment to a warranty covering material

or assembly faults. The extent of coverage is described in the Limited Warranty Statement. We recommend that you study the statement carefully.

Warranty

NOTE: If the warranty is to apply, the servicing instructions outlined in this manual must be followed. If further information is needed, please contact an authorized dealer or the factory.

Safety Rules

CAUTION: Accident reports show that careless use of engines causes a high percentage of accidents.

You can avoid accidents by observing these safety rules. Study these rules carefully and enforce them on the job.

•Never leave engine without proper security.

•Turn the coolant tank cap slowly to relieve pressure before removing. Add coolant only when the engine is stopped and cool.

•Mount a fire extinguisher near engine.

•Always disconnect the battery ground strap before making adjustments.

•Operate engines in properly ventilated areas.

•Keep trash and other objects away from engine.

•Escaping fluids under pressure can penetrate your skin. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, not your hands, to search for leaks.

•Avoid wearing loose clothing without a belt when working around engines.

•Do not oil or grease engine while it is running.

•Use caution in handling fuel. Never refuel a hot or running engine. Do not smoke while filling fuel tank or servicing fuel system.

•Keep your hands, feet, hair and clothing away from power-driven parts.

•Check for any loose electrical connections or faulty wiring.

•Engines should be operated only by knowledgeable, qualified personnel.

•Look completely around engine to make sure that everything is clear before starting.

•Do not operate an engine that isn't in proper working order. If an unsafe operating condition is noted, tag the set and control panel so others will also know about the problem.

•Provide first aid kits.

CAUTION: This symbol is used throughout this book to alert you to possible danger areas. Please take special notice of these sections.

OM843NW2 03/05

Northern Lights M843NW2 Operator's Manual

Marine Generator Component Locations

Figure 1 and 2: M843NW2

1.	AC Circuit Breaker for AVR	9.	Belt Guard
2.	DC Circuit Breaker	10.	Injection Pump
3.	Coolant Recovery Tank	11.	Oil Fill (2 Places)
4.	Fuel Filter	12.	Seawater Pump

5.Air Filter (inside manifold) 13. Fresh water Block Drain

6.	Intake Manifold		(behind hoses)
7.	Crankcase Vent	14.	Fuel Inlet & Return
8.	Fuel Injector	15.	Oil Dipstick

16.	Oil Filter	23.	Expansion Tank
17.	Oil Drain
		24.	Wet Exhaust Elbow
18.	Generator Set Plate
		25.	Junction Box
19.	Control Panel Plug-in
		26.	Vibration Mount
20.	Fuel Lift Pump
		27.	Starter
21.	Heat Exchanger End Cap
		28.	DC Alternator
22.	Coolant Fill

OM843NW2 03/05

Control Panels

Figure 3-A: Series 1-B Generator Control Panel

Figure 3-B: Series 3 Generator Control Panel

Figure 3-C: Series 4 Generator Control Panel

1.SHUTDOWN BYPASS-PREHEAT SWITCH

Two functions are built into this switch: the preheating of the engine, and bypassing of the engine safety shutdown circuit. Hold switch in the ON position

10 - 20 seconds before starting the engine, and continue holding on during engine cranking. Release the switch as soon as the engine is running. Holding the switch on too long can burn out the heater element.

2.ENGINE CONTROL SWITCH

To start the engine, hold this switch in the START position until the engine is running.

Note: Excessive cranking of marine sets equipped with water lift muffler systems can cause engine damage.

See page 7.

After the engine starts, release the switch and it will return to RUN position. To stop the engine, hold the switch in the STOP position until the engine has completely stopped.

Note: The rocker switch is used on Series 1 panels only, and has a light that glows when the set is running.

3.HOUR METER

Keeps track of engine running time.

4.OIL PRESSURE GAUGE

Shows the oil pressure in the engine lubricating system.

5.ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE

Registers the temperature of the engine coolant.

6.D.C. VOLTMETER OR AMMETER

When the engine is stopped, the voltmeter indicates the condition of the battery. When the engine is running, the voltmeter indicates the voltage output of the alternator.

For Series 4 Control Panels Only:

7.A.C. VOLTMETER

Shows the generator output voltage.

8.FREQUENCY METER (Hertz)

The frequency meter indicates alternating current frequency: 60 Hz (1800 RPM), or 50 Hz (1500 RPM).

9.AMMETER/Voltmeter SELECTOR SWITCH

Used to check voltage and current of each phase.

10.A.C. AMMETER

Shows the generator load on each phase. The phase is selected with the Ammeter Selector switch (Item 9).

OM843NW2 03/05

Operating Procedures

BREAK-IN PERIOD

1.The first 100 hours on a new or reconditioned engine are critical to its life and performance.

2.Frequently check the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges (sets with Series 3 or 4 panels).

3.Oil consumption is greater during break-in as piston rings take time to seat.

4.Break-In Oil Changes: Change engine oil and filter at 50 hours. Change oil and filter again at

100 hours (consult Lubricants section for oil recommendation).

Operating Instructions:

Maintain at least a 75% load on your generator set for the first 100 hours. If this is not possible, maintain no less than a 50% load to ensure proper seating of the piston rings. Vary the load to help seat the rings.

Before Starting

1.Check the water level by removing the pressure cap from the expansion tank or radiator. In order to give the cooling water an opportunity to expand, the level should be about 1 in. (2.5 cm) below the filler cap sealing surface when the engine is cold.

CAUTION: Use protective clothing and open the filler cap carefully when the engine is warm to prevent burns.

2.Check the oil level in the crankcase with the dipstick. The oil level must be in the waffled area on the stick. Never allow the level to go below this area. Always add the same viscosity of oil as is already in the crankcase.

3.Check the fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.

4.Close the sea-cock; check, clean, and reassemble the sea strainer and re-open the sea-cock.

5.Place the battery switch in the ON position.

6.NOTE: The battery switch must always be kept ON while the engine is running. If the switch is turned OFF while the engine is running, the battery charging regulator could be ruined.

starting

1.Hold the Shutdown Bypass-Preheat switch in the ON position for 10 to 20 seconds before starting a cold engine. Holding the switch too long can burn out the glow plugs. This step is not necessary if the engine is already warm.

2.While holding the Shutdown Bypass-Preheat switch in the ON position, push the Engine Control switch to the START position.

3.As soon as the engine starts, release both switches. Do not crank the starter for more than 10 seconds consecutively. If the engine fails to start with the first attempt, be sure that it has stopped completely (wait at least 30 seconds) before re-engaging.

NOTE: Excessive cranking of the starter on Marine sets equipped with a water lift muffler can cause engine damage. If the engine does not start after three 20second cranks, remove the impeller from the raw water pump. This will prevent the muffler from filling with water and backfilling the exhaust line and engine. Once the engine starts, shut it off immediately and

re-install the impeller. Re-start the engine and check the exhaust overboard outlet for gushes of water.

Operating

1.Units with Series 3 and Series 4 Control Panels: check gauges often. Oil pressure must be above 15 PSI. The D.C. voltmeter should read between 11 and 15 volts at 80°F (25°C) ambient temperature. The water temperature gauge on Marine sets must be below 200°F (94°C). Normal coolant temperature is 167° to 194°F (75°C to 90°C). Check the A.C. voltage and frequency meters (Series 4 panel). If the gauges deviate from normal levels, shut down the generator set and investigate.

2.Let the unit run unloaded for a three to five minute warm-up period.

3.Apply electrical load.

stopping

1.Remove electrical load from the generator set.

2.Run the engine for a 3 to 5 minute cool down period.

3.Hold the Engine Control switch to the STOP position until the engine comes to a complete stop.

4.Shut off the seacock, fuel valve, and battery switch.

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