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Northern Lights 673K Engine

The Northern Lights 673K is a 0.68 L natural engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M673K. It holds 2.8 L (0.7 gal) of oil and 1.89 L (0.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Lugger 673K

Part of the Northern Lights 673 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

0.676 L
Displacement
1800 rpm
Rated speed
2.8 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity2.8 L
Coolant capacity1.89 L
Displacement0.676 L
AspirationNatural
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

15
  • Engine Hard to Start or Will Not Start
    Cause: Improper starting procedure
    Fix: See starting section of this manual. Take special note of Bypass Switch operation.
  • Lack of Engine Power
    Cause: Intake air restriction
    Fix: Service air cleaner.
  • Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls Frequently
    Cause: Below normal engine temperature
    Fix: Remove and check thermostat.
  • High Fuel Consumption
    Cause: Improper type of fuel
    Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature.
  • Engine Overheats
    Cause: Low coolant level
    Fix: Fill tank or radiator to proper level; Check hoses for loose connections and leaks.
  • Starter Cranks Slowly
    Cause: Low battery output
    Fix: Battery is too small; Battery cables are too small; Replace battery if necessary.
  • Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust smoke
    Cause: Clogged or dirty air cleaner
    Fix: Service air cleaner.
  • Starter Inoperative
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker
    Fix: If the breaker is tripped, reset it.
  • Engine Knocks
    Cause: Insufficient oil
    Fix: Call your dealer.
  • Engine Emits White Exhaust smoke
    Cause: Improper fuel
    Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature.
  • Low Oil Pressure
    Cause: Low oil level
    Fix: Fill crankcase to proper level.
  • High Oil Consumption
    Cause: Break-in period
    Fix: Oil consumption decreases after break in.
  • Entire Electrical System Does Not Function
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker
    Fix: If breaker is tripped, reset it.
  • Battery Will Not Charge
    Cause: Loose or corroded connections
    Fix: Clean and tighten battery connections.
  • Below Normal Engine Temperature
    Cause: Thermostats not working properly
    Fix: Check thermostats.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Northern Lights 673K.

Service intervals

20
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyteCheck50 hr1 moAfter first 50 hours and every 50 hours; once per month
Cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours when cold
Engine oil and filterChange50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrAfter first 50 hours and every 50 hours
ValvesAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
Air cleanerCheck100 hrEvery 100 hours; more often in dusty conditions
Engine oil and filter (industrial)Change100 hrEvery 100 hours industrial only
RadiatorClean100 hrCheck and clean every 100 hours industrial only
Radiator finsClean100 hrRemove debris daily; clean every 100 hours in dusty applications
Engine oil and filter (marine)Change200 hrEvery 200 hours marine only
Fuel systemOther200 hrBleed every 200 hours marine only
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hr
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hr
BatteriesTest600 hrCheck state of charge with hydrometer
Cooling systemOther600 hr12 moFlush every 600 hours or 12 months
InjectorsCheck600 hr
Raw water pump impeller (marine)Change600 hr
Valve clearancesCheck600 hr
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hr
Heat exchanger (marine)Clean2400 hr12 moClean once a year or after 2400 hours

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
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherV-belt tension3/16indeflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
PressureOil pressureabove 15PSIrunning
PressureOil pressure normal reading20-60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
ResistanceGenerator A-B resistance0.25ohmat 20°C (68°F)
ResistanceGenerator J-K resistance16.6ohmat 20°C (68°F)
ResistanceGenerator U1-V2 resistance0.56ohmat 20°C (68°F)
TemperatureIndustrial shutdown temperature230°Fshut off immediately if above
TemperatureIndustrial water temperature gaugebelow 225°Foperating
TemperatureMarine shutdown temperature205°Fshut off immediately if above
TemperatureMarine water temperature gaugebelow 200°Foperating
TorqueCylinder head bolts26 - 29ft/lbscold; tighten in 2 or 3 passes
TorqueFuel injector43 or 50ft/lbs
TorqueFuel return line retaining bolts22 - 30ft/lbs
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts7.2 - 8.7ft/lbs
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.008incold, engine not running
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.2mmcold, engine not running
VoltageDC voltmeter11-15voltsat 80°F (25°C) ambient
VoltageNo load voltage setting242V or 121VVat 62 Hz with cold generator

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

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Coolant50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze mix1.89 LRecommended year-round coolant
Engine oilSAE 5W single viscosity; SAE 5-20W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SFbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 10W single viscosity; SAE 10-30W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SF-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30W single viscosity; SAE 15-40W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SFabove 0°C3.0 LAbove 32°F (0°C); capacity with new oil filter
FuelNo. 2 diesel above freezing 32°F (0°C); No. 1 below freezing and above 5,500 ftASTM D975Sulfur less than 1% (preferably less than 0.5%); cetane minimum 45

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Retightening Cylinder Head Bolts adjustment

Tools: torque wrench

  1. Retighten head bolts after first 50 hours when engine is cold.
  2. Loosen nuts and remove rocker arm cover.
  3. Tighten bolts with torque wrench in sequence shown.
  4. Tighten evenly in 2 or 3 passes, ending at specified torque.
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment
  1. Adjust after cylinder head bolts are retightened; engine cold and not running.
  2. Turn engine by hand until #1 cylinder inlet valve starts to open and exhaust starts to close.
  3. Turn crankshaft one more full turn and adjust both valves for this cylinder.
  4. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance between rocker arm and valve guide.
  5. Set clearance to 0.008 in. (0.2 mm) for both intake and exhaust.
  6. Repeat for each cylinder individually.
  7. Replace rocker arm cover and tighten cover nuts to 7.2 - 8.7 ft/lbs.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin.

Tools: cardboard or wood

  1. Loosen bleed screw A on top of filter.
  2. Pump hand primer B on fuel lift pump until pure fuel escapes from bleed screw A.
  3. Tighten bleed screw A.
  4. Loosen bleed screw C and pump until pure fuel escapes.
  5. If engine does not start, loosen a fuel line at injector, pump until pure fuel escapes, and tighten.
  6. After starting, use cardboard to check for fuel leaks.
Changing Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage filter housing.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Remove old filter with filter wrench and discard.
  2. Make sure old gasket is removed and clean mount face.
  3. Spread thin film of engine oil on new filter gasket.
  4. Screw filter on until gasket meets sealing surface.
  5. Tighten one-half turn farther by hand only.
  6. Fill engine, start, check for leakage, stop, wait 3 minutes, and check oil level.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Open sea cock before running engine on marine sets.

  1. Flush every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Marine sets: remove expansion tank cap and drain engine block.
  3. Open block drain cock and pour clean water into expansion tank until drains run clear.
  4. Let water drain completely, close drains, and refill with recommended mixture.
  5. Industrial sets: remove radiator cap and open drain cocks on radiator and engine block.
  6. Flush until water from radiator and engine drain is clear.
  7. Close drain cock and refill with recommended coolant mixture.
  8. Clean fins on radiator.
Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Never use a flushing oil.

  1. Change oil when engine is warm.
  2. Loosen clamp on oil change tube, remove cap, and drain oil.
  3. Replace cap and tube.
  4. Refill engine with recommended oil.
  5. Capacity with new oil filter is 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) for 643K and 673K.
Raw Water Pump Impeller Replacement maintenance

⚠ Place protection under screwdrivers to avoid damaging pump housing.

Tools: needle-nose pliers or two screwdrivers

  1. Change seawater pump impeller every 600 hours or as needed.
  2. Remove pump end cover.
  3. Pry out impeller using needle-nose pliers or two screwdrivers.
  4. Remove all pieces of failed impeller.
  5. Clean inside of housing.
  6. Press in new impeller and place sealing washers in outer end of impeller center.
  7. Replace cover using new gasket.
Winterizing / Out-of-Service maintenance
  1. Marine sets: drain fresh water and seawater cooling systems; shut off seacocks before opening drain cocks.
  2. Drain water supply lines and wet exhaust line.
  3. Loosen seawater pump cover and drain pump.
  4. Industrial sets: drain and flush radiator and cooling system.
  5. Fill fuel tank or add biocide.
  6. Seal air cleaner inlet, exhaust opening, crankcase breather pipe, and fuel tank vent.
  7. Store set in dry protected place.
  8. Change crankcase oil and filter.
  9. Loosen alternator belt.
  10. Disconnect and clean battery.
  11. Clean outside of unit and apply corrosion preventative.
Before Starting Checks operation

⚠ Use protective clothing and open filler cap carefully when engine is warm.

  1. Check water level about 1 in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface when cold.
  2. Check crankcase oil level with dipstick; oil must be in waffled area.
  3. Check fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.
  4. Marine sets: close sea-cock, check and clean sea strainer, reopen sea-cock.
  5. Marine sets: place battery switch in ON position.
Booster Battery Connection operation

⚠ Battery gas can explode; keep flames and sparks away.

  1. Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary.
  2. Booster and main batteries must have the same voltage rating.
  3. Connect positive terminal of booster battery to positive terminal of main battery.
  4. Connect negative terminal of booster battery to ground on engine block.
  5. Remove booster battery after starting engine.
Starting operation

⚠ Holding preheat ON too long can burn out glow plugs.

⚠ Excessive cranking on marine sets with water lift muffler can cause engine damage.

  1. Hold Shutdown Bypass-Preheat switch ON for 10 to 20 seconds before starting a cold engine.
  2. While holding preheat ON, push Engine Control switch to START.
  3. As soon as engine starts, release both switches.
  4. Do not crank starter for more than 20 seconds consecutively.
  5. If engine does not start after three 20-second cranks, remove raw water pump impeller.
Stopping operation
  1. Remove electrical load from generator set.
  2. Run engine for 3 to 5 minute cool down period.
  3. Move Engine Control switch to STOP position momentarily.
  4. Marine sets: shut off seacock, fuel valve, and battery switch.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
1201Control terminal board set to 120; output terminal board U1 to U2 and V1 to V2; output leads to U1 and V2U1, U2, V1, V2120 volt output
120/2401Control terminal board set to 240; output terminal board U2 to V1; output leads to U2 and V2; neutral to V1 (or U2); 240 volt output from U1 and V2U1, U2, V1, V2Divide 120 volt load as equally as possible between two 120 volt circuits
2401Control terminal board set to 240; output terminal board U2 to V1U1, U2, V1, V2240 volt output

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Parts cataloged across the Northern Lights 673 family

47
Part #DescriptionCategory
24-28003Air Filter ElementAir filter
24-28300Air FilterAir filter
22-68000Kit: new DST-61 regulator with fuse, fuse holder parts and two crimp lugs; includes mounting plate adaptor partsAvr
22-68035Kit similar to 22-68000 but does not include the fuse partsAvr
DST-61New DST-61 voltage regulatorAvr
M673L2Platform vibration mounts.Base
22-68304Brush assemblyBrush
24-52020Fuel FilterFuel filter
360720020Fuel Filter ElementFuel filter
052100280Gasket (Marine application only, formerly #054109013)Gasket
165996490GasketGasket
18-72004Oil Drain HoseHose
18-78009Hose Assembly 3/8" x 15" (used with oil pan 36-78006)Hose
140406570Suction FilterOil filter
24-02001Oil FilterOil filter
24-08001Oil FilterOil filter
040109059BearingService part / kit
040126210BearingService part / kit
110136445Intake Valve SeatService part / kit
115017630Piston, standard (includes key #16)Service part / kit
115104050Ring Kit, standardService part / kit
120026810Camshaft Assembly (includes keys #2 - 6)Service part / kit
120166370Intake ValveService part / kit
120456320Push RodService part / kit
198517103Bearing, Standard UpperService part / kit
198517107Bearing, undersize 0.25 mm (formerly #198517106)Service part / kit
198517112Bearing, Standard LowerService part / kit
198517116Bearing, undersize 0.25 mm (formerly #198517115)Service part / kit
198517119Bearing, undersize 0.50 mm (formerly #198517118)Service part / kit
198517312Bearing, standard (formerly #198517311)Service part / kit
198517316Bearing, undersize 0.25 mm (formerly #198517315)Service part / kit
198517319Bearing, undersize 0.50 mm (formerly #198517318)Service part / kit
198517332Bearing, Standard Upper (formerly #198517331)Service part / kit
198517336Bearing, undersize 0.25 mm (formerly #198517335)Service part / kit
198517339Bearing, undersize 0.50 mm (formerly #198517338)Service part / kit
198517342Bearing, Standard Lower (formerly #198517341)Service part / kit
198517346Bearing, undersize 0.25 mm (formerly #198517345)Service part / kit
198517349Bearing, undersize 0.50 mm (formerly #198517348)Service part / kit
198517630Bearing, undersize 0.50 mm (formerly #198517109)Service part / kit
22-48011Fuse for main circuit (M/NL 673)Service part / kit
22-68305Generator bearingService part / kit
22-68309Protective Fuse (for AVR)Service part / kit
28-68003Adaptor mounting plateService part / kit
38-08015Northern Lights standard spare parts kitService part / kit
38-08019Northern Lights world class spare parts kitService part / kit
052109078O-ring, Relief ValveSeal
052109113O-ringSeal

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Northern Lights 673K?

The Northern Lights 673K engine has an oil capacity of 2.8 liters.

What is the displacement of the Northern Lights 673K?

The Northern Lights 673K has a displacement of 0.676 liters.

Which generators use the Northern Lights 673K engine?

The Northern Lights 673K powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M673K.

What is a common problem with the Northern Lights 673K engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights 673K is: Engine Hard to Start or Will Not Start. Cause: Improper starting procedure. Fix: See starting section of this manual. Take special note of Bypass Switch operation..