OPERATOR'S MANUAL for Northern Lights M944T & M38CR2 Diesel Generator Sets ® 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 SERVICING (Continued) INTRODUCTION ............4...
Unit Identification MODELS INCLUDED This manual covers the operating instructions for: M944T & M38CR2 marine generator sets, which use the 944 engine block. Model Numbers Model numbers give the unit's application, block model, aspiration, and RPM: T, C...
Warranty A warranty registration certificate is supplied with your NOTE: If the warranty is to apply, the servicing set. It entitles the original purchaser of our equipment instructions outlined in this manual must be followed. to a warranty covering material or assembly faults. The If further information is needed, please contact an extent of coverage is described in the Limited Warranty authorized dealer or the factory.
M944T Generator Set Component Locations Figure 2: M944T Service Side Expansion Tank Air Cleaner 15. Injection Pump Coolant Fill Junction Box 16. Lube Oil Drain 10. Lube Oil Dipstick 17. Raw Water Pump Thermostat Housing Rocker Arm Cover 11. Oil Filter 18.
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M944T Generator Set Component Locations Figure 3: M944T Non-Service Side 19. Turbocharger 24. Starter 20. Wet Exhaust Elbow 25. Oil Pan 21. Exhaust Manifold 22. Alternator 23. Belt Guard OM944T 10/08...
Control Panels 1. PREHEAT/ SHUTDOWN BYPASS This switch serves two functions: 1. Preheats air before beginning the starting process. Press switch for 10-20 seconds before attempting startup. 2. Bypasses the safety shutdown feature during the starting process. Keep switch engaged while starting engine, and for 2 to 3 seconds afterwards, allowing oil pressure to build beyond shutdown setpoint.
Operating Procedures BREAK-IN PERIOD BEFORE STARTING 1. The first 100 hours on a new or reconditioned 1. Check the water level by removing the pressure engine are critical to its life and performance. cap from the expansion tank. In order to give the cooling water an opportunity to expand, the level 2.
Operating Procedures STARTING OPERATING 1. Hold the Shutdown Bypass switch in the ON 1. Units with Series 3 and Series 4 Control Panels: position. check gauges often. Oil pressure must be above 15 PSI. The D.C. voltmeter should read between 2.
The parts are a. Generator sets have shutdown systems to stop available from your local Northern Lights dealer. the engine. They have no warning horns. Some marine models may already have “On-Board b.
Servicing Schedule Chart The Servicing Schedule Chart below shows the service schedule required for proper maintenance of your generator set. More detailed coverage of each Service Point (SP) is listed on the page noted in the ‘page’ column. DAILY: EVERY 250 HOURS cont.: Check oil level in engine Check air cleaner Check primary fuel filter...
Servicing LUBRICATION - GENERAL SP1. CHECKING OIL LEVEL 1. While the engine is stopped, check the oil 1. Use only clean, high quality lubricants level in the crankcase with the dipstick daily. stored in clean containers in a protected area. The oil level must be between the high and low marks on the stick.
Servicing SP3. CHANGING LUBE OIL FILTER SP5. V-BELTS 1. Change the lube oil filter every 250 hours. 1. Check the tension and wear on the V-belt after every 50 hours. 2. Use a filter wrench to remove old filter. Dispose of filter in approved manner.
Servicing SP7. VALVE CLEARANCES 1. Readjust valve clearance after first 50 hours of operation. Check valves every 500 hours thereafter. 2. Check the valves when the engine is cold. 3. Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise direction in the front 180 to bring each piston to the top dead center on the compression stroke.
1. Use only clean, high quality fuels of the following 1. Your generator set should have a primary fuel filter specifications, as defined by ASTM designation installed. We recommend the Northern Lights brand D975 for diesel fuels: of fuel filters.
Servicing SP11. BLEEDING THE FUEL SYSTEM CAUTION: Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin causing serious personal injury. Before disconnecting lines be sure to relieve all pressure. Before applying pressure, be sure all connections are tight and lines, pipes and hoses aren't damaged.
SP12. INJECTOR SERVICE 1. Injectors should be checked every 500 hours. This 3. Injector repair and cleaning: check should be made by a Northern Lights dealer a. Take injectors to your Northern Lights dealer or local injection repair station. or local injection repair station for testing and service.
Service of the fuel injection pump should only be f. Remove the 4 mounting nuts. done if checks indicate pump malfunction. g. Take the pump to your Northern Lights dealer or an injection repair station for testing and service. 2. Black smoke can be an indication of pump malfunction.
Servicing COOLING SYSTEM - GENERAL SP15. COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING NOTE: Be sure to close the sea-cock before working 1. Flush the cooling system every 2000 hours or every on the engine cooling system. 12 months, whichever comes first. CAUTION: The cooling water in the engine 2.
Servicing SP18. ZINC ELECTRODES SP16. HEAT EXCHANGER 1. A zinc electrode is installed in the heat exchanger 1. Clean the heat exchanger core once a year or after cooling system to protect the engine from 2000 hours of operation. electrolysis. Check it faithfully every 250 hours. If you are in warm saltwater, or where electrolysis is a 2.
Servicing BOOSTER BATTERIES GENERATOR END CAUTION: Battery gas can explode. Keep all The maintenance and operation recommendations for flames and sparks away from batteries. the generator end are in a separate Owner's Manual. If you do not have one of these manuals, contact your 1.
Servicing SP19-20. BATTERY CARE 6. Cover the terminals and openings of the 1. Check the electrolyte level every 50 hours, or once starter and alternator with adhesive fabric a month. Add distilled water to the manufacturer's tape. Cover the starter and alternator with recommended level.
Faulty connection • Clean and tighten battery and harness plug connections. Sulfated or worn out batteries • Check specific gravity and electrolyte level of each battery. If you cannot correct problems with these procedures, see your Northern Lights dealer. OM944T 10/08...
Troubleshooting ENGINE PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE RECOMMENDATION(S) Engine Hard to Start Improper starting procedure • See starting section of this manual. Take or Will Not Start special note of Bypass Switch operation. No fuel • Check level of fuel in fuel tank. Low battery condition •...
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• Fill crankcase to proper level. Improper type of oil • Drain and fill crankcase with correct oil. Partially plugged oil filter • Replace filter. If you cannot correct problems with these procedures, see your Northern Lights dealer. OM944T 10/08...
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Troubleshooting ENGINE PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE RECOMMENDATION(S) High Oil Consumption Break-in period • Oil consumption decreases after break in. Crankcase oil too light • Use proper viscosity oil. Oil leaks • Check for leaks in lines around gaskets and drain plug. Crankcase over full •...
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