Home›Engines›John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250
John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 Engine
The John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 is an engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the NL445D, NL445D1, NL445T1 and NL445T2.
Also known as: John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250
Service parts for the 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250
The cheapest captured merchant offer per filter — see the full cross-reference below for every OEM/aftermarket option.
Air intake
1 requiredDDX18910Air filterfind
Oil system
1 required2401002Oil filterfind
Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Verify against your serial number before ordering.
Common problems
10- Low Oil Pressure
Cause: Low Oil Level, Improper type of oil, Partially plugged oil filter
Fix: Fill crankcase to proper level, Drain and fill crankcase with correct oil, Replace filter - Lack of Engine Power
Cause: Engine overload, Intake air restriction, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Improper type of fuel, Overheated engine, Below normal engine temperature, Improper valve clearance, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Injection pump out of time, Turbocharger malfunction
Fix: Reduce load, Service air cleaner, Clean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element, Consult supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating conditions, See “Engine Overheats” in next category, Remove and check thermostat, Reset valves (Best done by dealer), See your local dealer, Replace injectors (Best done by dealer), See your local dealer - High Oil Consumption
Cause: Break-in period, Crankcase oil too light, Oil leaks, Restricted crankcase vent tube, Engine overheats, Defective turbocharger
Fix: Oil consumption decreases after break-in, Use proper viscosity oil, Check for leaks in lines around gaskets and drain plug, Clean the vent tube, See “Engine Overheats” in previous category, See you local dealer - High Fuel Consumption
Cause: Improper type of fuel, Clogged or dirty air cleaner, Engine overload, Improper valve clearance, Injection nozzles dirty, Injection pump out of time, Engine not at proper temperature, Defective turbocharger
Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature, Service air cleaner, Reduce load, See your local dealer, See your local dealer, Check your thermostats, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary, See you local dealer - Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls Frequently
Cause: Below normal engine temperature, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Water or dirt in fuel system, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Air in fuel system, Improper type of fuel
Fix: Remove and check thermostat, Clean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element, Drain, flush, fill, and bleed system, Have your dealer check injection nozzles, Inspect clamps and hoses on suction side. of fuel pump for air leak, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating conditions - Engine Overheats
Cause: Engine overloaded, Low coolant level, Cooling system needs flushing, Defective thermostat, Defective temperature gauge/sender
Fix: Reduce load, Fill tank or radiator to proper level, Check hoses for loose connections and leaks, Flush cooling system, Remove and check thermostat, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge or sender if necessary - Engine Knocks
Cause: Insufficient oil, Injection pump out of time, Below normal engine temperature, Engine overheating
Fix: Check dipstick, Call your dealer, Call your dealer, Check your thermostat, Check water temperature to see if temperature gauge is working properly, See “Engine Overheating” section - Engine Hard to Start or Will Not Start
Cause: Improper starting procedure, No fuel, Low battery output, Excessive resistance in starting circuit, Crankcase oil too heavy, Improper type of fuel, Water, dirt, or air in fuel system, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element
Fix: See starting section of this manual. Take special note of Bypass Switch operations., Check level of fuel in fuel tank., Check electrolyte level and specific gravity of battery., Clean and tighten all battery connections., Use oil of proper viscosity., Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating conditions., Drain, flush, fill, and bleed system., Clean or replace filter element. - Engine Emits White Exhaust Smoke
Cause: Improper fuel, Cold engine, Defective thermostat, Engine out of time, Defective injection nozzles
Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature, Warm up engine to normal operating temperature, Remove and check thermostat, See your local dealer, See your local dealer - Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust Smoke
Cause: Clogged or dirty air cleaner, Defective muffler (back pressure too high), Improper fuel, Engine overload, Injection nozzles dirty, Engine out of time, Defective turbocharger
Fix: Service air cleaner, Have dealer check back pressure, Use correct fuel for temperature, Reduce load, See your local dealer, See your local dealer, See your local dealer
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250.
Maintenance schedule
Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.
Service intervals
17| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|
| Battery electrolyte level | Check | 50 hr | 1 mo | SP17 — every 50 hours or once per month |
| Valve clearances | Adjust | 50 hr | | First service — SP6 — retighten head bolts and adjust valves at 50 hours; check cold |
| Air cleaner | Check | 100 hr | | SP4 — inspect every 100 hours |
| Radiator and radiator fins | Clean | 100 hr | | SP16 — remove debris daily; clean with compressed air/steam every 100 hours in dusty applications |
| Primary filter element | Change | 200 hr | | SP8 — every 200 hours or whenever necessary |
| Battery condition | Test | 250 hr | | SP18 — check with hydrometer |
| Engine oil | Change | 250 hr | | First service — SP2 — change after first 100 hours, then every 250 hours |
| Lube oil filter | Change | 250 hr | | First service — SP3 — also at 100 hours first service |
| Turbocharger air lines and oil lines | Check | 250 hr | | SP12 — check for leakage |
| Air cleaner | Replace | 600 hr | 12 mo | SP4 — replace every 600 hours or yearly, whichever comes first |
| Crankcase vent tube | Clean | 600 hr | 12 mo | SP20 — every 12 months or 600 hours; sooner in dusty conditions |
| Injectors | Check | 600 hr | | SP10 — by Lugger-Northern Lights dealer or qualified fuel injection shop |
| Secondary fuel filter | Change | 600 hr | | SP9 |
| Turbo boost pressure | Check | 600 hr | | SP13 — by an authorized dealer |
| Cooling system | Clean | 1200 hr | 24 mo | SP15 — drain, flush, replace thermostats and refill every 24 months or 1200 hours |
| Crankshaft vibration damper (6-cylinder units only) | Check | 1200 hr | 24 mo | SP21 — every 24 months or 1200 hours; replace assembly every 4500 hours or 60 months |
| Fuel injection pump | Check | 2000 hr | | SP11 — check pump settings, max/idle speed and exhaust smoke |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Service specifications
18| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|
| Clearance | Coolant level below filler cap sealing surface | 4-5 | cm (1 3/4 in) | engine cold |
| Clearance | Vibration damper radial runout (maximum) | 1.50 | mm (0.060 in) | engine at operating temperature |
| Other | Firing order, 4-cylinder engines | 1-3-4-2 | | |
| Other | Firing order, 6-cylinder engines | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | | |
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure (minimum, running) | above 40 | PSI | running |
| Pressure | Maximum exhaust back pressure | 30 | in H2O (760 cm H2O) | |
| Pressure | Radiator cap / cooling system test pressure | 70 | kPa (0.7 bar)(10 psi) | hold pressure 10 seconds |
| Speed | Frequency / speed | 60 Hz (1800 RPM) or 50 Hz (1500 RPM) | Hz / RPM | |
| Temperature | Maximum water temperature (shutdown) | 221 | °F (105 °C) | |
| Temperature | Normal engine coolant temperature range | 82-94 | °C (180-202 °F) | operating |
| Torque | Belt tensioner spring tension | 18-22 | Nm (13-16 lb-ft) | |
| Torque | Fuel line connection at injection nozzle | 27 | Nm (20 lb-ft) | |
| Torque | Fuel return line connector at fuel injection pump | 16 | Nm (12 lb-ft) | |
| Torque | Rocker arm adjusting screw locknut | 27 | Nm (20 lb-ft) | |
| Torque | Thermostat cover cap screws | 47 | Nm (35 lb-ft) | |
| Valve clearance | Exhaust valve clearance | 0.45 | mm (0.018 in) | engine cold |
| Valve clearance | Intake valve clearance | 0.35 | mm (0.014 in) | engine cold |
| Voltage | D.C. voltmeter reading | 13-14 | volts | 60°F (16°C) ambient |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Recommended fluids
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|
| Coolant | Ethylene glycol concentrate (EGC/antifreeze) + quality water + supplemental coolant additives (SCA) | ASTM D 4985P, SAE J1941, GM Performance Specification GM1899M, or GM6038M | | | Optimum 50% distilled water / 50% antifreeze (-37°C / -34°F freeze, +109°C / +226°F boil); minimum 60% water / 40% antifreeze; maximum 40% water / 60% antifreeze. Use year round. |
| Engine oil | SAE 5-30W (multi-viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | below -23°C | | Use below -10°F (-23°C) |
| Engine oil | SAE 5W (single viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | below -23°C | | Use below -10°F (-23°C) |
| Engine oil | SAE 10-30W (multi-viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | -23°C to 0°C | | Use -10°F to 32°F (-23°C to 0°C) |
| Engine oil | SAE 10W (single viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | -23°C to 0°C | | Use -10°F to 32°F (-23°C to 0°C) |
| Engine oil | SAE 15-40W (multi-viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | above 0°C | | Use above 32°F (0°C) |
| Engine oil | SAE 30W (single viscosity) | API Service CG-4/CF-4 | above 0°C | | Use above 32°F (0°C) |
| Fuel | Grade No. 1 diesel | ASTM D975 | below 0°C | | Below freezing and for all temperatures at altitude above 5,500 ft (1500 m); cetane minimum 40; sulphur less than 0.5% |
| Fuel | Grade No. 2 diesel | ASTM D975 | above 0°C | | Above freezing 30°F (0°C); cetane minimum 40; sulphur less than 0.5% |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
12Valve Clearance Check and Adjustment adjustment
⚠ Engine valve clearance must be checked and adjusted when the engine is cold.
⚠ Always disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal before adjusting valves.
Tools: JD281A, JDG820 or JDE83 Flywheel Turning Tool, JDE81-4 Timing Pin, Feeler gauge, Torque wrench
- Disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
- Remove the rocker arm cover and crankcase ventilator tube.
- Remove the plastic plugs or cover plate from the flywheel housing timing holes.
- Rotate the engine clockwise with a flywheel turning tool to No. 1 cylinder TDC compression stroke and insert the timing pin.
- Check and adjust intake valve clearance to 0.35 mm (0.014 in) and exhaust valve clearance to 0.45 mm (0.018 in).
- Loosen the locknut on the rocker arm adjusting screw; turn the screw until a feeler gauge slips with a slight drag.
- Hold the adjusting screw and tighten the locknut to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft); recheck clearance.
- Replace the rocker arm cover and crankcase ventilator tube.
Bleeding at the Fuel Injection Pump maintenance
Tools: Open-end wrench, Torque wrench
- Slightly loosen the fuel return line connector at the fuel injection pump.
- Operate the fuel supply pump primer lever until fuel without air bubbles flows from the fuel return line connection.
- Tighten the return line connector to 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).
- Leave the hand primer in the inward position toward the cylinder block.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance
⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate the skin, causing serious personal injury. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, not your hands, to search for leaks.
- Loosen the air bleed vent screw two full turns by hand on the fuel filter base.
- Operate the supply pump primer lever until fuel flow is free of air bubbles.
- Tighten the bleed plug securely and continue operating the hand primer until pumping action is not felt.
- Push the hand primer inward (toward the engine) as far as it will go.
- Start the engine and check for leaks.
Changing the Engine Oil maintenance
- Change oil when the engine is warm.
- Remove the plug from the outlet in the base frame and screw in an owner-supplied drain hose.
- Open the valve at the oil pan outlet and drain oil into a suitable container.
- Close the valve, remove the drain hose and replace the plug.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil and dispose of waste oil in an approved manner.
Changing the Lube Oil Filter maintenance
⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.
Tools: Filter wrench
- Use a filter wrench to remove the old filter and dispose of it in an approved manner.
- Make sure the gasket from the old filter is removed and discarded.
- Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter and screw it on until the gasket meets the sealing surface.
- Using hands only, tighten the filter three-quarters to one and one-quarter turn farther.
- Fill the engine with recommended oil, start the engine and check for leakage, then stop and recheck the oil level.
Checking the Crankshaft Vibration Damper (6-Cylinder Engine Only) maintenance
Tools: Dial indicator, JD281A, JDG820 or JDE83 Flywheel Turning Tool
- Run the engine to operating temperature and stop; remove the belts.
- Grasp the vibration damper with both hands and attempt to turn it in both directions; if rotation is felt, the damper is defective and should be replaced.
- Position a dial indicator so the probe contacts the damper outer diameter.
- With the engine at operating temperature, rotate the crankshaft using a flywheel turning tool and note the indicator reading.
- Replace the damper if runout exceeds 1.50 mm (0.060 in).
Cleaning the Crankcase Vent Tube maintenance
- Remove and clean the crankcase vent tube every 12 months or 600 hours (shorter intervals in dusty conditions).
- Install the vent tube; be sure the O-ring fits correctly in the rocker arm cover for the elbow adapter.
- Tighten the hose clamp securely.
Flushing the Cooling System maintenance
⚠ Allow the engine to cool before working on the cooling system. Open the filler cap carefully using protective clothing when the engine is warm.
- Pressure test the entire cooling system and pressure cap if not previously done.
- Slowly open the filler cap to relieve pressure.
- Open the engine block drain valve on the left side of the engine and drain all coolant.
- Open the radiator drain valve and drain all coolant from the radiator.
- Remove the thermostats, install the cover and tighten cap screws to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
- Close all drain valves, fill with clean water, run the engine about ten minutes, then stop and drain before rust and sediment settle.
- Fill with clean water and a cooling system cleaner such as Fleetguard RESTORE and RESTORE PLUS; follow label directions.
- Drain cleaner, flush with water, run the engine ten minutes and drain.
- Close all drain valves and install thermostats using a new gasket.
- Add coolant to the radiator until it touches the bottom of the filler neck.
- Run the engine to operating temperature and check the coolant level and system for leaks.
Pressure Testing the Cooling System maintenance
⚠ Explosive releases of fluids from pressurized cooling systems can cause serious burns. Shut off engine and only remove filler cap when cool enough to touch with bare hands.
Tools: D05104ST Tester
- Remove the radiator cap and attach it to the D05104ST Tester.
- Pressurize the cap to 70 kPa (0.7 bar)(10 psi); the gauge should hold pressure for 10 seconds.
- If the gauge does not hold pressure, replace the radiator cap; retest the cap turned 180°.
- Allow the engine to cool and carefully remove the radiator cap.
- Fill the radiator with coolant to the normal operating level.
- Connect the gauge and adapter to the radiator filler neck and pressurize the cooling system to 70 kPa (0.7 bar)(10 psi).
- With pressure applied, check all cooling system hose connections, radiator and engine for leaks.
Replacing the Fuel Filter Element maintenance
⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate the skin. DO NOT overtighten the retaining ring.
Tools: Compressed air
- Close the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped, and thoroughly clean the fuel filter assembly and surrounding area.
- Loosen the drain plug and drain fuel into a suitable container.
- Firmly grasp the retaining ring and rotate it counterclockwise one-quarter turn; remove the ring with filter element.
- Inspect the filter mounting base for cleanliness and clean as required.
- Install the new filter element onto the mounting base, properly indexed and firmly seated.
- If equipped with a water separator, remove the element from the bowl, drain and clean the bowl, dry with compressed air, and install onto the new element.
- Install the retaining ring making certain the dust seal is in place; hand-tighten about one-third turn until it snaps into the detent.
- Open the fuel shut-off valve and bleed the fuel system; tighten the bleed plug.
Break-In Period operation
- The first 100 hours on a new or reconditioned engine are critical to its life and performance.
- Constantly check the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges.
- Oil consumption is greater during break-in as piston rings and cylinder liners take time to seat.
- Change engine oil and filter at 100 hours, and again at 250 hours.
- Retighten head bolts and adjust valves at 50 hours.
- Maintain at least a 75% load for the first 100 hours; never below 50%.
Shutdown Procedure operation
- Unload the generator.
- Run the engine for a 3 to 5 minute cool down period.
- Move the engine control switch to the STOP position until the engine stops completely.
- Put the battery switch in the OFF position.
- Shut off the fuel valve at the tank.
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Filters for this engine
- Air filter: John Deere DDX18910 John Deere AE30317S John Deere TH106445 John Deere AH115833 John Deere AZ55542 John Deere AZ55541 John Deere AL783500 John Deere AP3330
- Fuel filter: Northern Lights 2451005 John Deere AE29052 John Deere RE522688 John Deere AR50041 John Deere AE20952 John Deere R127970 John Deere RE62418 John Deere RE62419
- Oil filter: Northern Lights 2401002 John Deere RE519987 John Deere DZ112582 John Deere DZ118286 John Deere AR58956 John Deere RE538245 Donaldson P550779 Donaldson P550758
Cross-referenced via Donaldson + OEM/engine-maker interchange — options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for every exact variant.
Also used in
12- Bobcat 975 — Skid Steer Loader
- Broce Broom RJ350 — Sweeper
- Ditchwitch 7020 — Trenchers
- Gehl AL730 — Telehandler
- Gehl DL10 DYNALIFT — Telehandler
- John Deere 410 — Backhoe Loader
- John Deere 485E — Forklift
- John Deere 5620 — Tractor
- John Deere 6010 — Tractor
- John Deere 6602 — Combine
- John Deere 9760 — Combine
- Vermeer T455 — Trencher
Other equipment known to use this engine, via filter-application cross-reference — useful for sourcing parts even when your exact machine isn't listed elsewhere on this page.
Common questions
Which generators use the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 engine?
The John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 powers 5 generator set(s), including Northern Lights NL445D, Northern Lights NL445D1, Northern Lights NL445T1, Northern Lights NL445T2, Northern Lights NL668T2.
What oil filter does the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 use?
The John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 uses oil filter part numbers Northern Lights 2401002, John Deere RE519987, John Deere DZ112582.
What fuel filter does the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 use?
The John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 uses fuel filter part numbers Northern Lights 2451005, John Deere AE29052, John Deere RE522688.
What air filter does the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 use?
The John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 uses air filter part numbers John Deere DDX18910, John Deere AE30317S, John Deere TH106445.
What is a common problem with the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 engine?
A commonly reported issue on generators using the John Deere 4045D150 / 4045T150 / 4045T250 / 6068T250 is: Low Oil Pressure. Cause: Low Oil Level, Improper type of oil, Partially plugged oil filter. Fix: Fill crankcase to proper level, Drain and fill crankcase with correct oil, Replace filter.