HomeEnginesNorthern Lights L844L3

Northern Lights L844L3 Engine

The Northern Lights L844L3 is a 2.2 L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M844DW3 and M844LW3. It holds 8.2 L (2.2 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Lugger L844L3, L844L3

2.2 L
Displacement
4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
8.2 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity8.2 L
Displacement2.2 L
Cylinders4
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterWashable air cleaner in cast intake manifold
Fuel filterLarge spin-on fuel filter
Oil filterFull flow, spin-on oil filter with bypass
Battery12 volt starter motor and battery charging alternator with regulator and belt guard
BeltGear driven, seawater pump of bronze and stainless steel. Mechanical seals.
CoolantFreshwater cooling system with heat exchanger or keel cooled configuration
Oil8.6 qt (8.2 ltr)8.6 qt200 hr
Spark plug

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

Service intervals

34
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine oilChange100 hrFirst service — SP2 - first 50 hours (break-in)
Lube oil filtersChange50 hrFirst service — SP3 - with first oil change
Battery electrolyte levelCheck100 hrSP17 - every 100 hours
Battery terminals/cablesClean100 hrClean corrosion, tighten and grease terminals
Electrolyte level in batteriesCheck100 hrSP18
V-belt tensionCheck100 hrSP5 - daily per SP-5 text, 100 hours on chart
Air cleanerCheck200 hrSP4 - every 200 hours
Battery conditionCheck200 hrSP18 - check condition with hydrometer every 500 hours (chart row 200 hours)
Battery conditionTest200 hrCheck condition; hydrometer check every 500 hours
Condition of batteriesCheck200 hrSP19
Engine oil and filterChange200 hr6 moFirst service — Then every 200 hours
Exhaust elbowCheck500 hrSP16
Exhaust elbowInspect500 hrSooner if needed; replace if rust or damage
Impeller in raw water pumpChange500 hrSP15
Primary fuel filter elementChange500 hrSP8 - or as often as necessary; immediately if bowl fills with water
Raw water pump impellerChange500 hrSP15 - or as needed
Raw water pump impellerReplace500 hrOr as needed
Secondary fuel filterChange500 hrSP9 - every 500 hours
Air cleaner elementChange1000 hrSP4 - every 1000 hours
InjectorsCheck1000 hrSP12 - clean injection nozzles every 1500 hours
Valve clearanceAdjust1000 hrSP6 - after 1000 hours or as needed
Valve clearanceCheck1000 hrSP6 - also adjust after 1000 hours or as needed
Fuel nozzleClean1500 hrEPA emission standard: fuel nozzle cleaned every 1500 hours
Injection nozzlesClean1500 hr
Cooling systemCheck2500 hr24 moSP13 - flush every 2500 hours or 24 months, whichever comes first
Cooling systemOther2500 hr24 moFlush; whichever comes first
Fuel injection pumpCheck2500 hrSP13 - check settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke
Heat exchangerClean2500 hr24 moSP14 - clean core every 24 months or 2500 hours or as needed
Fuel nozzle and fuel pumpClean3000 hrClean, adjust or repair every 3000 hours; quality guarantee 1500 hours or 2 years
Fuel nozzle and fuel pumpOther3000 hrClean, adjust or repair for EPA emission standards
All maintenance itemsOther24 moPerform all maintenance every two years at minimum, even if hour level not reached
Fuel nozzle/fuel injection pumpReplace24 moQuality guarantee 1500 hours or 2 years
Siphon breakClean6 moSP17 - service/clean every six months if equipped
Winterizing / out-of-serviceOther3 moSP19 - when set will not be used for more than 3 months

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

46
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCoolant level below filler cap sealing surfaceabout 1 in. (2.5 cm)in / cmengine cold
ClearanceEnclosure left hand side and rear distance from vessel bulkheads (minimum)4in
ClearanceEnclosure left hand side and rear distance from vessel bulkheads (recommended)6in
ClearancePanel perimeter clearance (minimum) around panel perimeter, except bottom of side and front panels1/32in
ClearanceSiphon break height above vessel's loaded water line (minimum)12in
GapV-belt deflection3/16 in. (5 mm)in. (mm)at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
GapV-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys3/16in
GapV-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys3/16 in. (5 mm)in / mmthumb pressure
GapV-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys5mm
PressureCoolant filler cap relief pressureapproximately 7PSI (0.5 bar)
PressureCooling system filler cap pressure valve releaseapproximately 7 PSI (0.5 bar)PSI
PressureCooling system filler cap relief7PSI
PressureEngine oil pressure (minimum)above 15PSI
PressureEngine oil pressure (normal)20-60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
PressureMinimum oil pressure while operatingabove 15 PSIPSIunits with Series 3 and Series 4 panels
PressureNormal oil pressure20-60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
PressureNormal oil pressure20-60 PSIPSIafter a few seconds of operation
PressureOil pressure (Series 3 and 4 panels, running)above 15PSI
ResistanceGlow plug resistanceunder 1ohmbetween terminal and engine block
ResistanceGlow plug resistance (terminal to engine block)under 1ohm
ResistanceGlow plug resistance (terminal to engine block)under 1 ohmohmmeasured with high quality meter
SpeedFrequency / speed reference60 Hz (1800 RPM), 50 Hz (1500 RPM)Hz / RPM
SpeedFrequency 50 Hz1500RPM50 Hz
SpeedFrequency 60 Hz1800RPM60 Hz
SpeedRated speed at 50 Hz1500RPM
SpeedRated speed at 60 Hz1800RPM
TemperatureCoolant temperature - maximum (marine sets)below 200 F (94 C)Foperating
TemperatureCoolant temperature - normal167 to 194 F (75 to 90 C)Foperating
TemperatureCoolant temperature shutdown/overheatabove 205°F
TemperatureNormal coolant temperature167 to 194°F
TemperatureNormal coolant temperature75 to 90°C
TemperatureShutdown / alarm overheat threshold205 F (96 C)Fshutdown activated above this value
TemperatureShutdown over-temperature thresholdabove 205°F (96°C)
TemperatureWater temperature gauge limitbelow 200°F
TorqueInjector43 or 50ft/lbs
TorqueInjector return line retaining bolts22 - 30 ft/lbsft/lbs
TorqueInjector tightening43 or 50 ft/lbs (6 to 7 kgm)ft/lbs
TorqueReturn line retaining bolts22 - 30ft/lbs
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts5 - 8ft/lbs
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts5 - 8 ft/lbs (0.8 - 2.3 kg/m)ft/lbs
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valve clearance0.008in. (0.2 mm)
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valve clearance (844DW3, 844LW3)0.008 in. (0.2 mm)in / mmcold, No. 1 cylinder at TDC compression stroke
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves (rocker arm to valve guide)0.008in
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves (rocker arm to valve guide)0.2mm
VoltageD.C. voltmeter reading11 and 15 voltsVat 80 F (25 C) ambient temperature
VoltageDC voltmeter reading11 to 15voltsat 80°F (25°C) ambient temperature

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% conventional ethylene glycol antifreezelow silicateGood year round coolant; do not use methyl alcohol based antifreeze
Coolant50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze mixNot methyl alcohol based; avoid high silicate antifreeze; distilled/soft water preferred; pre-mixed 50/50 conventional ethylene-glycol heavy-duty diesel engine coolant for storage
Engine oilDiesel-rated break-in oilJohn Deere pre-packaged or equivalentUse during the first 100 hours
Engine oilSAE 5-20WAPI diesel ratedbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C); multi-viscosity
Engine oilSAE 5WAPI diesel ratedbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C); single viscosity
Engine oilSAE 5W (single viscosity) / SAE 5-20W (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/CFbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 5W single viscosity / SAE 5-20W multi-viscositybelow -23°C8.2 lBelow -10 F (-23 C)
Engine oilSAE 10-30WAPI diesel rated-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C); multi-viscosity
Engine oilSAE 10WAPI diesel rated-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C); single viscosity
Engine oilSAE 10W (single viscosity) / SAE 10-30W (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/CF-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 10W single viscosity / SAE 10-30W multi-viscosity-23°C to 0°C8.2 l-10 to 32 F (-23 to 0 C)
Engine oilSAE 15-40WAPI diesel ratedabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C); multi-viscosity
Engine oilSAE 30WAPI diesel ratedabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C); single viscosity
Engine oilSAE 30W (single viscosity) / SAE 15-40W (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/CFabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30W single viscosity / SAE 15-40W multi-viscosityabove 0°C8.2 lAbove 32 F (0 C)
FuelGrade No. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CBelow freezing and for all temperatures above 5,500 ft (1500 m)
FuelGrade No. 2 diesel above freezing 32°F (0°C); Grade No. 1 below freezing and for all temperatures above 5,500 ft (1500 m) altitudeASTM D975Low sulphur or ultra low sulphur; cetane number minimum 45. Do not use domestic heating oils, Class B, Class D, Class E/F/G/H industrial or marine fuels, or ASTM-D975-60T No. 4-D and higher
FuelGrade No. 2 dieselASTM D975above 0°CUse above freezing 32 F (0 C); low or ultra low sulphur; cetane number minimum 45
OtherRubber lubricantApplied to inside of short blue silicone hose and to exhaust hole grommet during wet exhaust tube installation

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, Wrench

  1. Bring No. 1 cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke.
  2. Align top mark of crank pulley with timing gear case mark.
  3. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance with adjustment screw.
  4. Clearance on both intake and exhaust valves: 0.008 in. (0.2 mm).
  5. Repeat for each cylinder; adjust each set of valves individually.
  6. Replace rocker arm cover and tighten cover nuts to 5 - 8 ft/lbs.
SP-6 Valve Clearances adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrench

  1. Adjust valve clearance after 1000 hours or as needed.
  2. Bring No. 1 cylinder to top dead center on the compression stroke; align top mark of crank pulley with timing gear case.
  3. Remove the rocker arm cover and turn the crankshaft forward and backward to confirm TDC.
  4. Loosen the lock nut and adjust clearance between rocker arm and valve guide with the adjustment screw.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each cylinder; adjust each valve set individually.
  6. Replace the rocker arm cover and tighten cover nuts.
Valve Clearance Adjustment (SP-6) adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrench

  1. Adjust valve clearance after 1000 hours or as needed.
  2. Bring No. 1 cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke by aligning crank pulley timing mark.
  3. Remove rocker arm cover and turn crankshaft to confirm TDC.
  4. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance between rocker arm and valve guide with the adjustment screw.
  5. Repeat for each cylinder; each set of valves adjusted individually.
  6. Replace rocker arm cover and tighten nuts.
Shutdowns and Alarms diagnostic

⚠ Do not remove the water fill cap of an overheated engine. Escaping high temperature steam can cause severe burns.

⚠ If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine; call your dealer.

  1. Engage the preheat switch to check the temperature gauge.
  2. If above 205°F (96°C), use the Trouble Shooting Guide to isolate the cause of the overheat.
  3. Make repairs; restart after the temperature gauge registers below 200°F (94°C).
  4. Watch the temperature gauge regularly and turn off the unit if temperature rises above 205°F (96°C).
  5. If shutdown activates within normal temperature, check exhaust temperature, sea water strainer and impeller.
Install base pan mounting foot pocket foam installation
  1. Insert foam block (item 20) into each of the four mounting foot pockets.
  2. Note that the upper portion lays against the angled surface of the base pan.
  3. Withdraw the block and remove only the top half of the backing paper.
  4. Reinstall the block and press firmly against the contact area for good adhesion.
Install gasket extender (M844W3 16 kW only) installation

Tools: Razor blade or box cutter

  1. Determine the sound shield model from the plaque on the right side of the generator barrel.
  2. For the M844W3 16 kW model, apply the additional gasket extender (item 24).
  3. Lay the rear panel (item 16) down on a flat, clean surface.
  4. Lay the gasket extender on top of the existing foam gasket with the black skin side facing up.
  5. Align top, sides and penetration holes; flip over and cut the paper backing with three horizontal incisions.
  6. Reposition the extender, peel backing and press down in circular motions to activate the adhesive.
  7. Do not press hard in the area shown in Fig 6c.
Install junction box support cover installation
  1. Install the junction box support cover (item 15) into place, noting the shape of the foam backing.
  2. Insert the foam block portion into the cavity of the support bracket and push until firmly engaged.
  3. When installed, the cover should have about an inch overlap on the generator junction box rear face.
Install panel retainer blocks installation
  1. Install front and left hand side panel retainer blocks (item 8) before adding the top of the enclosure frame.
  2. Anchor each block to the vertical extrusion with a single long bolting assembly (item 7).
  3. Loosely install blocks to the position and orientation shown in Fig 4.
  4. Front left corner receives two blocks; front right and left rear receive one each.
Install rear panel installation
  1. Slide the pre-installed retaining clips into the two rectangular slots in the top of the rear panel.
  2. Push the rear panel (item 16) in from the bottom until flush with the back frame and base pan.
  3. Secure the rear panel with the provided 5/16 inch flat washer and 5/16 inch bolt.
  4. Guide the intake air snorkel hose into the small hole in the rear panel without kinking or bending it.
Install siphon break (optional) installation

⚠ Generator sets with wet exhaust installed near or below the vessel's water line must use a siphon break to prevent backflow of water into the engine.

  1. Position the siphon break a minimum of 12 inches above the vessel's loaded water line.
  2. Remove white plastic hole plugs from the penetration plate and replace with two rubber grommets (item 21).
  3. Install sound foam (item 22) to the underside of the penetration plate.
  4. Pass seawater pump output hose through the front hole and expansion tank hose through the side hole.
Install sound shield panels installation
  1. Install left side panel (item 17) and front panel (item 18) by aligning bottom pins to base pan flange grommets.
  2. Slide the retaining blocks (item 8) up the vertical extrusion legs until captured by the panel slots.
  3. Tighten the bolting assembly while holding the block in position.
  4. Install the top panel (item 12) by placing the opposite side down and then pushing down the near side.
  5. Install the right panel (item 19) by striking firmly with your hand to engage the paddle latch.
Install toe brackets installation
  1. Inspect all components for damage; report any damage to the shipping company.
  2. Check the packing list at the back of this manual to be sure all parts are included.
  3. Select a mounting location per the IM1000 Installation Manual.
  4. Install toe bracket (item 1) to each corner of the genset base flanges.
  5. Use machine screws, flatwashers and nylock hex nuts (items 2, 3, 4) in the holes shown in Fig 1 and 1a.

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Northern Lights L844L3?

The Northern Lights L844L3 engine has an oil capacity of 8.2 liters.

What is the displacement of the Northern Lights L844L3?

The Northern Lights L844L3 has a displacement of 2.2 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Northern Lights L844L3 engine?

The Northern Lights L844L3 powers 2 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M844DW3, Northern Lights M844LW3.

How often should you change the oil in the Northern Lights L844L3?

The Northern Lights L844L3 oil change interval is every 200 hours.