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Northern Lights 984K Engine

The Northern Lights 984K is a 4-cylinder engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M984. It holds 9 L (2.4 gal) of oil.

Also known as: 984K, Northern Lights 984K

Part of the Northern Lights 984 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
9.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity9.0 L
Cylinders4
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: Engine overloaded
    Fix: Reduce the load.
  • High Fuel Consumption
    Cause: Improper type of fuel
    Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature.
  • Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls Frequently
    Cause: Below normal engine temperature
    Fix: Remove and check thermostat.
  • Engine Overheats
    Cause: Engine overloaded
    Fix: Reduce the electrical load.
  • Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust Smoke
    Cause: Clogged or dirty air cleaner
    Fix: Service air cleaner.
  • Engine Knocks
    Cause: Insufficient oil
    Fix: Call your dealer.
  • Starter Inoperative
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker
    Fix: If the breaker is tripped, reset it.
  • Starter Cranks Slowly
    Cause: Low battery condition
    Fix: Check specific gravity of each battery; Check electrolyte level of each battery; Replace battery if necessary; If low, fill cells with distilled water.
  • High Oil Consumption
    Cause: Break-in period
    Fix: Oil consumption decreases after break in.
  • Engine Emits White Smoke
    Cause: Improper fuel
    Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature.
  • Low Oil Pressure
    Cause: Low oil level
    Fix: Fill crankcase to proper level.
  • 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 984K.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—100 hr
Fuel filter24-50002200 hr Amazon eBay
Oil filter24-05401100 hr Amazon eBay $33.15
Batterycondition with hydrometer—600 hr
BeltV-belt tension—50 hr
Coolantflush cooling system—600 hr
Oil9.0 l—100 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

22
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyte levelCheck50 hr1 moFirst service — Every 50 hours or once a month
Cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours, engine cold
Engine oil and filterChange200 hrFirst service — First 50 hours (break-in oil); use Service CC 30 weight oil during first 100 hours
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrFirst service — Every 50 hours
Valve clearanceAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours; also first 100 hours per note
Air cleanerCheck200 hrVisually inspect every 100 hours; more often in dusty conditions
Battery cables and terminalsClean100 hrCheck and clean every 100 hours
Valve clearancesAdjust100 hrFirst service — Adjust at first 100 hours
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrEvery 200 hours or as necessary
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hrEvery 200 hours
Zinc electrodesCheck200 hrMore often in warm salt water
Batteries state of chargeCheck600 hrWith hydrometer
Battery conditionTest600 hrCheck with hydrometer every 600 hours
Cooling systemClean600 hr12 moFlush every 600 hours or 12 months
Cooling systemOther600 hr12 moCheck and flush every 600 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first
InjectorsCheck600 hrEvery 600 hours
Raw water pump impellerChange600 hrEvery 600 hours or as needed
Valve clearancesCheck600 hrEvery 600 hours thereafter
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hrSettings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke
Heat exchangerClean2400 hr12 moOnce a year or after 2400 hours
Heat exchanger coreClean2400 hr12 moOnce a year or after 2400 hours
Oil cooler (reverse gear)Clean2400 hrCheck and clean

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

38
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapV-belt deflection3/8in10 - 15 mm with 22 lbs (10 kg) force at midpoint
GapV-belt deflection3/8 in (10 - 15 mm) with 22 lbs (10 kg) forceinmeasured at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
Injection timingInjection pump timing14degrees BTDCNo. 1 delivery valve fuel just begins to rise
Injection timingInjection pump timing14 degrees BTDCdegreescrankshaft pulley notch aligned with timing pointer when fuel just begins to rise in No. 1 delivery valve
PressureCooling system pressure cap7PSIreleases at approximately 7 PSI (0.5 kg/cm2)
PressureEngine oil pressure20 - 60PSInormal after a few seconds of operation
PressureEngine oil pressureabove 15PSIengine running
PressureEngine oil pressure minimumabove 15PSIoperating
PressureEngine oil pressure normal reading20 - 60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
PressureRadiator/expansion tank filler cap release pressure7PSI
SpeedRated speed1500rpm50 Hz
SpeedRated speed1800rpm60 Hz
TemperatureCoolant temperature - normalbelow 200 (94)Fengine running
TemperatureCoolant temperature - shut downabove 205 (96)Fengine running
TemperatureCoolant temperature normalbelow 200°F94°C
TemperatureCoolant temperature shutdownabove 205°F96°C; shut off engine
TemperatureEngine warm-up for valve adjustment167 - 185°F75 - 85°C
TemperatureEngine warm-up temperature for valve adjustment167 - 185 (75 - 85)Fhot engine
TorqueCylinder head bolts11.0 - 12.0kg-mengine cold
TorqueCylinder head bolts79.0 - 87.0ft/lbsengine cold, tightened in Figure 6 sequence in 2 or 3 passes
TorqueInjection line flare nuts2.5 - 3.5kg-m
TorqueInjection line flare nuts at injection pump18.2 - 25.3ft/lbsalso 2.5 - 3.5 k/gm
TorqueInjection line flare nuts at injection pump and injectors18.2 - 25.3ft/lbs
TorqueInjection line flare nuts at injectors18.2 - 25.3ft/lbsalso 2.5 - 3.5 k/gm
TorqueInjection pump mounting bolts21.7 - 32.5ft/lbs
TorqueInjection pump mounting bolts3.0 - 4.5kg-m
TorqueInjector retaining nuts16.2 - 24.3ft/lbsalso 2.24 - 3.36 k/gm
TorqueInjector retaining nuts162 - 243ft/lbs
TorqueInjector retaining nuts2.24 - 3.36kg-m
TorqueInjector return line bolts1.2 - 1.33kg-m
TorqueInjector return line bolts8.7 - 9.4ft/lbs
TorqueReturn line retaining bolts8.7 - 9.4ft/lbsalso 1.2 - 1.33 k/gm
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.013 - 0.016inhot engine 167 F - 185 F (75 C - 85 C)
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.31 - 0.41mmhot engine
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.006 - 0.009inhot engine 167 F - 185 F (75 C - 85 C)
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.15 - 0.25mmhot engine
VoltageD.C. voltmeter reading11 - 15Vat 80°F (25°C) ambient temperature
VoltageDC voltmeter reading11 - 15volts80 F (25 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

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Coolant50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreezeRecommended as a good year-round coolant
Coolant50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze mixRecommended as good year-round coolant
Engine oilSAE 10W (single viscosity) or SAE 10W-30 (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SF-23°C to 0°C-10° to 32°F (-23° to 0°C) as printed
Engine oilSAE 10W single viscosity / SAE 10-30W multi viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE (single viscosity) or CC/CD/SF (multi-viscosity)-23°C to 0°C9.0 l-10 to 32 F (-23 to 0 C)
Engine oilSAE 30W (single viscosity) or SAE 15W-40 (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SFabove 0°C9.0 litersAbove 32°F (0°C); capacity with new oil filter 2.4 gallons (9.0 liters)
Engine oilSAE 30W single viscosity / SAE 15-40W multi viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE (single viscosity) or CC/CD/SF (multi-viscosity)above 0°C9.0 lAbove 32 F (0 C)
FuelDiesel grade No. 2 above freezing 32 F (0 C); grade No. 1 below freezingASTM D975; ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1 and Part 2 Class A2; sulphur less than 1% (preferably less than 0.5%); cetane minimum 45Do not use domestic heating oils, Class B engine, Class D domestic fuels, Class E/F/G/H industrial or marine fuels, ASTM-D975-60T No. 4-D and higher
FuelGrade No. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CBelow freezing 32°F (0°C)
FuelGrade No. 2 dieselASTM D975above 0°CAbove freezing 32°F (0°C); cetane minimum 45; sulfur less than 1% preferably 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

12
Adjusting valve clearances adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, wrenches

  1. Warm the engine to 167 F - 185 F (75 C - 85 C), then shut off fuel and battery.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to set cylinder No. 1 at TDC (notch "TDC" aligns with pointer, No. 4 valves rock).
  3. Measure clearance on the valves shown adjustable at No. 1 TDC.
  4. Loosen the lock nut and turn the adjustment screw until the feeler gauge slides with a slight drag.
  5. Tighten the lock nut and recheck the clearance.
  6. Rotate the crankshaft one full turn to set cylinder No. 4 at TDC and adjust the remaining valves.
  7. Replace the rocker arm cover.
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Shut off fuel and battery before adjustment.

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrench

  1. Warm engine to 167°F - 185°F (75°C - 85°C); shut off fuel and battery.
  2. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to set cylinder No. 1 at top dead center.
  3. Confirm No. 4 valves rock and TDC notch aligns with pointer.
  4. Measure intake clearance 0.006 - 0.009 in. (0.15 - 0.25 mm).
  5. Measure exhaust clearance 0.013 - 0.016 in. (0.31 - 0.41 mm).
  6. Loosen lock nut and adjust screw until feeler gauge slides with slight drag.
  7. Tighten lock nut and recheck clearance.
  8. Rotate crankshaft one full turn to set No. 4 at TDC; adjust remaining valves.
Checking injection pump timing diagnostic

Tools: hand primer, wrenches

  1. Bleed air from the fuel system.
  2. Remove the fuel injection line from the No. 1 delivery valve on the injection pump.
  3. Pressurize the system with the hand primer pump.
  4. Slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise by hand until fuel just begins to rise in the No. 1 delivery valve.
  5. The crankshaft pulley notch for 14 degrees BTDC should align with the timing pointer; if not, the pump needs to be timed.
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Do not clean filter with diesel fuel, solvent, or gasoline.

⚠ Do not run engine with air cleaner removed.

  1. Remove plate on bottom of air intake manifold.
  2. Remove and inspect foam element.
  3. Wash dirty element in soapy water; rinse and dry thoroughly.
  4. Reinstall element and plate.
Bleeding the fuel system maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin; relieve pressure before disconnecting lines and use cardboard or wood, not hands, to search for leaks.

Tools: wrenches, cardboard

  1. Loosen the bleed nipple on top of the fuel filter.
  2. Pump the hand primer on the fuel lift pump until pure fuel with no bubbles escapes.
  3. Tighten the bleed nipple.
  4. If the engine still will not start, loosen a fuel line at the injector and crank until pure fuel escapes, then tighten; do each line one at a time.
  5. 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 dispose properly.
  2. Remove and discard old gasket; 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 and check for leaks; stop, wait 3 minutes, check oil level.
Changing engine oil maintenance

⚠ Never use a flushing oil or additives in the crankcase.

⚠ Dispose of waste oil in an approved manner.

  1. Change oil and filter after the first 50 hours; use Service CC 30 weight oil during the first 100 hours.
  2. Change oil and filter again at 100 hours, then every 100 hours.
  3. In intermittent cold weather, change every 100 hours or six weeks, whichever comes first.
  4. Change oil when the engine is warm but not hot.
  5. Loosen clamp on the oil change tube, remove cap, drain oil, replace cap and tube.
  6. Refill engine with recommended oil; capacity with new oil filter is 2.4 gallons (9.0 liters).
Changing the lube oil filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Change the lube oil filter every 100 hours.
  2. Use a filter wrench to remove the old filter and dispose of it in an approved manner.
  3. Remove and discard the old gasket; clean the mount face.
  4. Spread a thin film of engine oil on the new filter gasket and screw it on until the gasket meets the sealing surface.
  5. Using hands only, tighten the filter one-half turn farther.
  6. Fill the engine with recommended oil, start and check for leaks; stop, wait 3 minutes and recheck level.
Cleaning the heat exchanger maintenance

⚠ Be sure to open the sea-cock after working on the cooling system and starting the engine.

Tools: metal rod

  1. Clean the heat exchanger core once a year or after 2400 hours of operation; close the sea-cock.
  2. Drain the expansion tank and heat exchanger.
  3. Remove the heat exchanger end covers.
  4. Clean the inside of the core tubes using a metal rod; flush and inspect, cleaning again if necessary.
  5. Reassemble, fill the cooling system, start the engine and check for leaks.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Close sea-cock before working on cooling system.

⚠ Open sea-cock after working on cooling system before starting.

  1. Remove fill cap and open drains on engine block.
  2. Pour clean water into engine until water runs clear of discoloration.
  3. Close drains and refill with 50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze.
  4. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
  5. Start engine, check for leaks, run five minutes, then shut down.
  6. Let engine cool and check coolant level; add as needed.
Flushing the cooling system maintenance

⚠ Cooling water reaches extremely high temperature; allow the engine to cool and open the filler cap carefully with protective clothing.

  1. Flush every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first; close the sea-cock first.
  2. Remove the fill cap and open the drains on the engine block.
  3. Pour clean water into the engine until water from the engine is clear of discoloration.
  4. Close the drains and refill with 50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze mix.
  5. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
  6. Start the engine, run five minutes, shut down, let cool and recheck coolant level.
  7. Open the sea-cock after working on the cooling system.
Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Never use a flushing oil.

  1. Change oil when engine is warm but not hot.
  2. Loosen clamp on oil change tube, remove cap, and drain oil.
  3. Replace cap and tube.
  4. Refill engine with recommended oil.

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 984 family

5
Part #DescriptionCategory
24-25402Air Filter Element (Marine - see Intake Noise Reduction Assembly)Air filter
24-50002Primary fuel filter (Racor) complete unitFuel filter
24-50012Primary fuel filter elementFuel filter
24-52020Fuel FilterFuel filter
24-05401Oil FilterOil filter

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 984K?

The Northern Lights 984K engine has an oil capacity of 9.0 liters.

Which generators use the Northern Lights 984K engine?

The Northern Lights 984K powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M984.

How often should you change the oil in the Northern Lights 984K?

The Northern Lights 984K oil change interval is every 100 hours.

What is a common problem with the Northern Lights 984K engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights 984K 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..