Home›Engines›Northern Lights 854B

Northern Lights 854B Engine

The Northern Lights 854B is a 2.27 L natural engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M854. It holds 12 L (3.2 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Lugger 854B

Part of the Northern Lights 854 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

2.27 L
Displacement
1800 rpm
Rated speed

Engine specifications

Coolant capacity12.0 L
Displacement2.27 L
AspirationNatural
Rated speed1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

1
Northern Lights M854

How to read your Northern Lights engine serial & model number →

Common problems

15
  • Thermostats not working properly
    Fix: Check thermostats. See parts manual for location of thermostats.
  • Temperature gauge not working properly
    Fix: Check water temperature by sticking a gauge into water.
  • Starter cranks slowly
    Fix: Low battery output. Batteries too small. Battery cable too small. Check specific gravity of each battery (page 28). Check electrolyte level of each battery (page 28). Crank case oil too heavy (page 13). Loose or corroded connections. Clean and tighten loose connections.
  • Partially plugged oil filter
    Fix: Replace filter (pages 20 and 21)
  • Overheated engine
    Fix: See “Engine Overheats”
  • Low oil level
    Fix: Fill tank to proper level (page 9)
  • LACK OF ENGINE POWER
    Cause: Engine overloaded. Reduce load. Intake air restricted. Clean or replace air filter element (pages 25 and 26). Clogged primary fuel filter elemert. Clean or replace filter element (pages 20 and 21). Clogged secondary fuel filter element. Replace secondary filter element (page 21). Water, dirt, or air in fuel system. Drain, flush and bleed system (pages 21 and 22). Dirty or faulty injection nozzles. Have your dealer check injection nozzles (pages 22 - 24).
  • Injection pump out of time
    Fix: See your local dealer (page 24)
  • Improper valve clearance
    Fix: See your local dealer (page 19)
  • Improper type of oil
    Fix: Drain and fill crankcase with correct oil (pages 9, 10,13 and 14)
  • Improper type of fuel
    Fix: Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating conditions (page 13)
  • Improper propeller
    Fix: Consult your dealer.
  • High oil consumption
    Fix: Break-in period (pages 12 and 13). Crankcase oil too light. Use proper viscosity oil (pages 13). Oil leaks. Check for leaks in lines around gaskets and drain plug.
  • High fuel consumption
    Fix: Improper type of fuel (page 13). Clogged or dirty air cleaner. Engine overloaded. Grass, etc. on bottom of boat (page 12). Improper valve clearance. See your dealer (page 19).
  • Grass, etc. on bottom of boat
    Fix: Use only approved parts (page 12)

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Northern Lights 854B.

Service intervals

19
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyte levelCheck50 hr
Cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten when cold
V-beltsCheck50 hr
Valve clearanceAdjust50 hrFirst service
Air cleanerInspect100 hrReplace as necessary
Engine oilChange100 hrFirst service — Service chart; after first 50 hours during break-in
Injection pump lubricating oilChange200 hrExcept LM 753
Lubricating oil filtersChange200 hrFirst service — Service chart; text also states every 100 hours; change after first 50 hours during break-in
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrMore often if necessary
Zinc electrodesCheck200 hr
Battery state of chargeTest600 hrHydrometer
Cooling systemClean600 hr12 moCheck and clean; flush
InjectorsCheck600 hr
Secondary fuel filterChange600 hr
Valve clearanceCheck600 hr
Reverse gear oilChange1200 hr12 moWhichever comes first
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hr
Heat exchangerClean2400 hr12 mo
Reverse gear oil coolerClean2400 hr12 mo

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

30
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCoolant level1 3/4incold, below filler cap sealing surface; 4-5 cm as printed
GapV-belt deflection3/4inmidway; 17 mm as printed
OtherBattery hydrometer correction0.004per 10°F above or below 80°F (27°C)
OtherBattery specific gravity1.260fully charged, corrected
OtherBattery specific gravity charge threshold1.215charge if below
OtherBattery specific gravity cold1.280full charge reading
OtherBattery specific gravity tropical1.225full charge reading
PressureOil pressureabove 30PSIafter start
PressureOil pressure shutdown thresholdbelow 15PSIspeed higher than idling
PressureRadiator cap pressure4psipressure valve releases; 27 kPa as printed
SpeedGenerator frequency60Hz1800 RPM or 1200 RPM
SpeedLow idle650RPM
SpeedMaximum engine speed when shifting800RPMshould not be exceeded
SpeedNormal engine working range1800-2700RPMdepending on engine
TemperatureCooling water temperaturebelow 140°Finvestigate
TemperatureCooling water temperatureover 200°Fstop engine and investigate
TorqueCylinder head bolts (843, first nut group)94-98lb/ftcold; nut range OCR-garbled; model 843
TorqueCylinder head bolts 1-14 nuts33-36lb/ftcold; model 753
TorqueCylinder head bolts 1-18 nuts94-98ft/lbcold; models 854A, 854B; unit copied as printed
TorqueCylinder head bolts 1-6 nuts94-98lb/ftcold; model 892
TorqueCylinder head bolts 12-17 nuts43-47lb/ftcold; model 843
TorqueInjection pump fitting18-22lb/ft24-30 Nm as printed
TorqueInjector retaining nut43-51lb/ft
TorqueLeak-off line bolts22-30lb/ft830-41 Nm as printed
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts43-68in/lbtighten evenly
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.012inengine stopped; 0.8 mm as printed
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.012inengine stopped; 0.3 mm as printed
VoltageVoltmeter charging13.8-14.7voltsat 60°F ambient temperature
VoltageVoltmeter minimum for starting12voltsengine stopped
VoltageVoltmeter normal operating13.8-14.2voltsengine running

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
CoolantEthylene glycol with inhibitorsabove -25°CMinimum 40% and maximum 60% glycol mixture provides protection down to about -13°F (-25°C)
Engine oilRPM Delo series 100/30W or service CC 30/WBreak-in oil for first 100 hours; change at 50 and 100 hours
Engine oilSAE 5WAPI Service CC/CDbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 5W-20API Service CC/SD or MIL-L-46152below -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C); some increase in oil consumption may be expected
Engine oilSAE 10WAPI Service CC/CD-23°C to 0°C10°F-32°F (-23°C-0°C)
Engine oilSAE 10W-30API Service CC/SD or MIL-L-46152-23°C to 0°CMulti-viscosity for 10°F-32°F (-23°C-0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30W (single viscosity)API Service CC/CDabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C); multi-viscosity: Don't Use
FuelGrade No. 1-DASTM D975below 0°CUse at ambient temperatures below freezing and for all temperatures at altitudes above 5,000 ft (1,500 m); cetane 45 minimum; sulfur less than 1.0%, preferably less than 0.5%
FuelGrade No. 2-DASTM D975above 0°CUse at ambient temperatures above freezing
Gear oilATF lubricating oil or engine lubricating oilHurth and Borg Warner reverse gears. Capacities: Hurth 50 0.32 L, Hurth 100 0.37 L, Hurth 150 0.59 L, Borg Warner AS71 0.26 L

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
Adjusting valve clearance adjustment
  1. Do adjustment after cylinder head bolts are tightened and engine is stopped.
  2. Turn engine by hand until inlet valve starts to open and exhaust valve starts to close.
  3. Turn crankshaft one more turn and adjust clearance for this cylinder.
  4. Loosen nut and adjust intake and exhaust valves with adjust screw.
  5. Adjust each set of valves individually.
  6. Replace rocker arm cover and tighten nuts evenly.
Glowplug check diagnostic

⚠ Do not hold pre-heat switch on over 30 seconds; glowplugs may burn out.

Tools: Test bulb

  1. Loosen current-carrying flat wire between plug poles of glowplugs.
  2. Connect a bulb between plus-pole of battery and plus-pole of glowplug.
  3. If bulb lights up, glowplug is functioning.
  4. Check all glowplugs and replace faulty ones.
Air cleaner service maintenance

⚠ Make absolutely sure no impurities enter the engine.

  1. Remove cleaner by unscrewing center cap screw.
  2. Wipe inside of filter housing.
  3. Discard old cleaner if necessary and replace with new.
  4. New style: wash in cleaning solvent or soap and water.
  5. Make sure screen is in place before reinserting.
  6. Reinstall foam filter only when completely dry.
Bleeding the fuel system maintenance

⚠ Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate skin; use cardboard or wood, not hands, to search for leaks.

Tools: Hand primer pump

  1. Be sure there is adequate fuel in tank and open fuel shut-off valve.
  2. Open bleed screw at top of fuel filter.
  3. Pump hand primer and let air bubbles escape.
  4. Close bleed screw.
  5. For 753 open bleed cock; for other units see small pointers.
  6. Push throttle to full speed and turn engine over a few seconds.
  7. If needed, loosen fuel lines at injectors while cranking and tighten after bleeding.
Changing lubricating oil filters maintenance

⚠ Do not overtighten.

  1. Remove and discard oil filters.
  2. Make sure old gasket is removed and discarded.
  3. Oil rubber gaskets on new filters and check contact surfaces.
  4. Screw new filters until packing firmly contacts sealing surface.
  5. Tighten a further half turn but not more.
  6. Start engine and check for leakage.
  7. Check oil level.
Changing sea-water pump impeller maintenance

⚠ Place protection under screwdrivers to avoid damaging housing.

Tools: Two screwdrivers

  1. Remove pump end cover.
  2. Pry out impeller with two screwdrivers.
  3. Be sure all pieces of a failed impeller are removed.
  4. Clean inside of housing.
  5. Press in new impeller and place sealing washers in outer end of impeller center.
  6. Replace cover using a new gasket.
Checking V-belts maintenance
  1. Check tension and wear after every 50 hours.
  2. Correct tension if belts can be depressed about 3/4 in (17 mm) midway.
  3. Replace belts operating in pairs in pairs even if only one is faulty.
Checking battery electrolyte maintenance

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

Tools: Hydrometer

  1. Check electrolyte level after every 50 hours.
  2. Level should be about 3/8 in (10 mm) above cell plates.
  3. Top with distilled water if necessary.
  4. Make sure cable terminals are clean, properly fastened and greased.
  5. Check specific gravity of electrolyte in each battery cell with hydrometer.
Cleaning heat exchanger maintenance

Tools: Cleaning rod

  1. Loosen clamps holding both rubber ends to heat exchanger housing.
  2. Remove both rubber ends from housing.
  3. Pull heat exchanger core out on 753 only; on 843 and 854 clean in place.
  4. Clean passages with cleaning rod and flush with water.
  5. Clean accessible parts of housing.
  6. Reassemble, ensuring divider in 854 heat exchanger seats between lips in rubber end.
Engine oil change - Lugger maintenance

⚠ Never use flushing oil.

Tools: Hand pump

  1. Run engine until warm.
  2. Remove cap from oil tube.
  3. Attach hand pump to end of oil tube and drain by pumping.
  4. Replace cap on oil tube and tighten securely.
  5. Refill engine with recommended oil.
Engine oil change - Northern Lights maintenance
  1. Open drain cock.
  2. Remove drain plug and drain oil.
  3. Refill with recommended oil.
Retightening cylinder head bolts maintenance
  1. Retighten after first 50 hours of operation.
  2. Tighten bolts when engine is cold.
  3. Loosen nuts and remove rocker arm cover.
  4. Tighten bolts sequentially in order shown in manual.
  5. Use model-specific torque values.

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 854 family

5
Part #DescriptionCategory
753-012Exhaust valve clearance adjustment screwService part / kit
843-012Exhaust valve clearance adjustment screwService part / kit
854A-012Exhaust valve clearance adjustment screwService part / kit
854B-012Exhaust valve clearance adjustment screwService part / kit
892-012Exhaust valve clearance adjustment screwService part / kit

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 displacement of the Northern Lights 854B?

The Northern Lights 854B has a displacement of 2.27 liters.

Which generators use the Northern Lights 854B engine?

The Northern Lights 854B powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M854.

What is a common problem with the Northern Lights 854B engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights 854B is: Thermostats not working properly. Fix: Check thermostats. See parts manual for location of thermostats..