Northern Lights Lugger M843NW3, Operator'S Manual

OM843NW3 5/21

13

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 to help seat engine 

components properly.  50% load is required; 75% is 

preferred. 

3.  Constantly 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, then at every 200 hours (consult 

  Lubricants section for oil recommendation).

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. 

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 crankcase. Do not remove dipstick when engine is 

running. 

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

4.  Check and clean the sea strainer and reopen the sea-

cock. 

5.  Place the battery switch in the ON position.

  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 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 gen-

erator 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. 

Operating Procedures

Updated 10-3-19

!

DANGER