Operating Procedures; Break-In Period; Before Starting; Starting - Northern Lights M844W3 Operator's Manual

BREAK-IN PERIOD

1. The first 100 hours on a new or reconditioned engine
are critical to its life and performance.
2. Operate the engine under various conditions,
particularly heavy loads with minimal idling, to
help seat engine components properly. 50% load is
required; 75% is preferred.
3. Frequently check the engine temperature and oil
pressure gauges (sets with Series 3 or 4 panels).
4. Oil consumption is greater during break-in as piston
rings take time to seat.
5. 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),
then at every 250 hours.

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
expansion tank should be full. Overflow bottle should
be half full.
DANGER
!
Do not open the filler cap when the engine is
warm. Opening a warm filler cap can cause
severe 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 crank-
case.
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.
Updated 10-11-19

Operating Procedures

STARTING

1. Hold the Shutdown Bypass-Preheat switch in the
ON position for 10 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 the start switch
and continue to hold the bypass/preheat switch for
an additional five seconds. 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 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 20-
second 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.
OM844W3 5/21
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