HomeEnginesNorthern Lights L864

Northern Lights L864 Engine

The Northern Lights L864 is a 2.49 L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M864. It holds 6.5 L (1.7 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Lugger L864

2.49 L
Displacement
4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
6.5 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity6.5 L
Displacement2.49 L
Cylinders4
Aspirationnaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

5
  • Starter Inoperative
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker, Loose or corroded connections, Low battery condition, Defective electrical system ground wire
    Fix: If the breaker is tripped, reset it. Clean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection. Check specific gravity of each battery. Check electrolyte level of each battery. Repair or replace.
  • Starter Cranks Slowly
    Cause: Low battery condition, Check specific gravity of each battery, Check electrolyte level of each battery, Crankcase oil too heavy, Loose or corroded connections, Battery is too small, Battery cables are too small
    Fix: If low, fill cells with distilled water. Fill with oil of appropriate viscosity. Clean and tighten loose connections.
  • Entire Electrical System Does Not Function
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker, Faulty connection, Sulfated or worn out batteries
    Fix: If breaker is tripped, reset it. Clean and tighten battery and harness plug connections. Check specific gravity and electrolyte level of each battery.
  • Engine Hard to Start or Will Not Start
    Cause: Improper starting procedure, No fuel
  • Battery Will Not Charge
    Cause: Loose or corroded connections, Sulfated or worn out batteries, Loose or defective alternator belt
    Fix: Clean and tighten battery connections. Check specific gravity of each battery. Check electrolyte level of each battery. Adjust belt tension. Replace belt.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Northern Lights L864.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Oil6.5 ltr200 hr

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

Service intervals

24
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyte levelCheck50 hr1 moFirst service — Every 50 hours or once a month (SP19)
Electrolyte level in batteriesCheck50 hrSP19; also once a month
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrFirst service — SP5
Valve clearancesAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours (SP7)
ValvesAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours (SP7)
Batteries, cables and terminalsClean100 hrCheck and clean; tighten terminals and grease (SP19-20)
Air cleanerCheck200 hrSP4; more often in dusty conditions
Engine oil and filterChange200 hrFirst service — SP2/3; every 100 hours in intermittent cold weather
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrSP9
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hrSP10
Zinc electrodesCheck200 hrSP18; more often in warm saltwater
BatteriesCheck750 hrCheck condition of batteries with hydrometer (SP20)
Battery state of chargeCheck750 hrCheck battery condition with hydrometer (SP20)
Cooling systemClean750 hr12 moCheck and flush every 750 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first (SP15)
Impeller in raw water pumpChange750 hrSP17; or as needed
InjectorsCheck750 hrSP12
Valve clearancesCheck750 hrSP7
Injector tipsClean1500 hrFuel injectors removed and injector tips cleaned; EPA & CARB requirement (SP12)
InjectorsClean1500 hrFuel injectors removed and injector tips cleaned (SP12, EPA/CARB)
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hrCheck pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke (SP13)
Heat exchangerClean2400 hr12 moClean heat exchanger core once a year or after 2400 hours (SP16)
Oil cooler on reverse gearClean2400 hrCheck and clean oil cooler (SP22, Service Record)
InjectorsAdjust3000 hrRemove injectors for adjustment, clean & repair; EPA & CARB requirement (SP12)
InjectorsReplace3000 hrRemove injectors for adjustment, cleaning, and repair (SP12)

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
GapV-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleysabout 3/8in. (10 - 15 mm)with 22 lbs. (10 kg) force
Injection timingInjection pump timing (No. 1 fuel delivery valve)13°BTDCcrankshaft pulley notch mark aligns with the timing pointer
Injection timingInjection pump timing mark (No. 1 delivery valve begins to rise)13degrees BTDCcrankshaft pulley notch aligned with timing pointer
OtherCoolant level (cold)1in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surfaceengine cold
OtherMinimum battery capacity220 Amp/hour - 640 CCA
OtherV-belt deflection3/8in. (10 - 15 mm)with 22 lbs. (10 kg) force at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
PressureCoolant filler cap pressure valve release7PSI (0.5 kg/cm2)
PressureCooling system filler cap pressure valve release7PSI (0.5 kg/cm2)
PressureEngine oil pressure (normal reading)20-60PSI
PressureEngine oil pressure (normal running)20 - 60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
PressureMinimum oil pressure15PSIoperating
PressureMinimum oil pressure during operationabove 15PSI
SpeedRated RPM / Frequency1500/50 Hz
SpeedRated RPM / Frequency1800/60 Hz
TemperatureEngine warm-up temperature for valve adjustment167 - 185°F (75° C - 85° C)
TemperatureNormal water temperature (must be below)200F (94 C)operating
TemperatureShutdown water temperatureabove 205°F (96° C)
TemperatureShutdown water temperature (shut off immediately if above)205F (96 C)
TemperatureValve adjustment warm-up temperature167 - 185F (75 - 85 C)
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (normal, Series 3 and 4 panels)below 200°F (94° C)
TorqueInjection line flare nuts (at injection pump and at injectors)18.2 - 25.3ft/lbs (2.5 - 3.5 k/gm)
TorqueInjection line flare nuts at injection pump18.2 - 25.3ft/lbs (2.5 - 3.5 k/gm)
TorqueInjection line flare nuts at injectors18.2 - 25.3ft/lbs (2.5 - 3.5 k/gm)
TorqueInjection pump mounting bolts12 - 18ft/lbs (1.7 - 2.5 k/gm)
TorqueInjector42 - 50ft/lbs (5.8 - 6.9 k/gm)
TorqueInjector return line bolts18 - 25ft/lbs (2.5 - 3.5 k/gm)
TorqueReturn line bolts18 - 25ft/lbs (2.5 - 3.5 k/gm)
Valve clearanceExhaust (EX) valve clearance0.013 - 0.015in. (0.33 - 0.37 mm)hot engine
Valve clearanceIntake (IN) valve clearance0.007 - 0.009in. (0.18 - 0.22 mm)hot engine
VoltageDC voltmeter reading11 - 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% ethylene glycol antifreeze mix8.3 lApproximate cooling system capacity with heat exchanger: 2.2 gal (8.3 ltr) for both ratings; recommended as good year-round coolant
Engine oilSAE 10-30W (multi viscosity)API Service CC/CD/SF-23°C to 0°CAir temperature -10 to 32 F (-23 to 0 C); use Service CC 30 weight oil during first 100 hours; never use additives or flushing oil
Engine oilSAE 10-30W (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity oils-23°C to 0°CAir temperature -10° to 32° F (-23° to 0° C)
Engine oilSAE 10W (single viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity oils-23°C to 0°CAir temperature -10° to 32° F (-23° to 0° C)
Engine oilSAE 15-40W (multi viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CEabove 0°CAir temperature above 32 F (0 C)
Engine oilSAE 15-40W (multi-viscosity)API Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity oilsabove 0°CAir temperature above 32° F (0° C)
Engine oilSAE 30W (single viscosity)API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity oilsabove 0°C7.4 lAir temperature above 32° F (0° C). Crankcase capacity with new oil filter: 7.8 qts. (7.4 liters)
FuelGrade No. 2 dieselASTM D975; ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1; BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2above 0°CUse at ambient temperatures above freezing 32° F (0° C). Cetane number minimum 45. Sulphur 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
Injection Pump Timing Check adjustment

Tools: Hand primer pump

  1. Bleed air from the fuel system.
  2. Remove the fuel injection line from the No. 1 fuel delivery valve on the injection pump.
  3. Pressurize the system with the hand primer pump.
  4. Slowly rotate the crankshaft by hand clockwise until fuel just begins to rise in the No. 1 delivery valve.
  5. The crankshaft pulley notch mark for 13° Before Top Dead Center (BTDC) should align with the timing pointer; if not, the pump needs to be timed.
Ring Latch Grip Adjustment adjustment
  1. Identify the interference preventing the latch pawl from engaging the pawl slot.
  2. Verify latch pawl operates freely within the slot when latch handle rotates on removal.
  3. With latch closed, loosen the bottom nut and turn the top nut to change pawl position.
  4. Re-tighten the bottom nut fully before operating the latch.
  5. Verify pawl swings into position, pulls up, and engages the top of the slot with increasing resistance and firm seal compression.
SP7. Valve Clearances adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge

  1. Readjust valve clearance after first 50 hours; then every 750 hours.
  2. Warm up engine to 167 F - 185 F (75 C - 85 C); shut off fuel and battery.
  3. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to set cylinder No. 1 at top dead center (TDC).
  4. TDC is when the notch 'TDC' on the pulley aligns with the pointer and the two valves on cylinder No. 4 rock.
  5. Measure the valve clearance for each indicated valve.
  6. To adjust, loosen the lock nut on the adjustment screw and insert a feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem cap.
  7. Adjust until the feeler gauge slides with a slight drag; tighten lock nut and recheck.
  8. Rotate crankshaft one full clockwise turn to set cylinder No. 4 at TDC and adjust the remaining valves.
  9. Replace the rocker arm cover.
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Always disconnect the battery ground strap before making adjustments.

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrench

  1. Readjust valve clearance after first 50 hours; adjust every 750 hours thereafter.
  2. Warm up engine to 167° F - 185° F (75° C - 85° C); shut off fuel and battery.
  3. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to set cylinder No. 1 to top dead center (TDC).
  4. Measure the valve clearance for each valve; standard clearance hot: intake 0.007 - 0.009 in. (0.18 - 0.22 mm), exhaust 0.013 - 0.015 in. (0.33 - 0.37 mm).
  5. Loosen the lock nut on the adjustment screw, insert a feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem cap.
  6. Adjust until the feeler gauge slides with slight drag; tighten the lock nut and recheck clearance.
  7. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise one full turn to set cylinder No. 4 to TDC and adjust the remaining valves.
  8. Replace the rocker arm cover.
Sound Enclosure Assembly installation

⚠ Avoid positioning enclosure into corners with overhead blocked to reduce intake/exhaust air recirculation.

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

⚠ Leak alarm light will not operate if polarity is switched.

Tools: hand tools (no tools on seal bar/ring latch thumb screws)

  1. Select mounting location per IM1000 Installation Manual, on a rigid flat surface above a strong structure.
  2. Install rear panel assembly to the back face of the genset base; secure with M8 hardware.
  3. Insert genset air intake snorkel hose into the receiver on the rear panel until it hits the tab stop.
  4. Install right side lower valence panel, then left side lower valence panel.
  5. Install front lower valence, aligning holes to pins on both side valence panels.
  6. Secure front valence to base frame with M8 flatwasher, lockwasher, and hex head capscrew.
  7. Connect exhaust, sea water, fuel, DC control harness, battery leads, and AC output leads through the rear panel holes.
  8. Install non-service side panel using thumb screws A and B.
  9. Install front panel assembly, engaging pins in the front lower valence and securing with thumb screws.
  10. Install leak alarm light assembly and connecting harness before installing the service side aft panel.
  11. Connect sound shield wire harness to emergency stop switch and leak alarm light, observing lead polarity.
  12. Install float switch to the bracket on the base frame; verify leak alarm light operation.
  13. Install seal bar assembly, securing with thumb screw A at four places, hand tight only.
  14. Install top panel assembly, aligning six locating pins with corresponding holes.
  15. Install service side panel assembly, guiding nylon locator pins into slots and closing ring latch.
Soundshield Assembly and Installation installation

⚠ Backflow of water into the engine from wet exhaust installed near or below the waterline can ruin the engine and possibly sink the vessel if a siphon break is not used

Tools: extra long Phillips screwdriver

  1. Inspect all components for damage and check the packing list before assembly
  2. Select mounting location per IM1000 Installation Manual on a rigid, flat surface above a strong structure such as the vessel's stringers
  3. Install toe brackets to all four corners using machine screws, flat washers, and nylock nuts; engage firmly but do not fully tighten
  4. Install vertical corner extrusions to toe brackets using short bolting assemblies; tighten just enough to check movement
  5. Slide long bolting assemblies and nylon panel keeper blocks into the forward vertical extrusions
  6. Mount the side vertical center posts to the sub-base using machine screws, flat washers, and nylock nuts
  7. Raise and position the pre-assembled top frame over the four vertical extrusions and anchor the center bar connector brackets
  8. Install the rear panel assembly, engaging the retainer clips and rear panel gasket, then secure the bottom with capscrews and flat washers
  9. Install the stainless steel wet exhaust tube between the generator's exhaust elbow and the rear panel grommet; install four hose clamps
  10. Connect exhaust, sea water, fuel, DC control harness, battery, and AC output leads through the rear panel holes
  11. If required, install a siphon break at the penetration plate for wet exhaust near or below the vessel's waterline
  12. Start the generator set and run under load to check for leaks of fuel, water, or exhaust gas
  13. Install the remaining cover panels, adjusting for approximately 0.09 in clearance around the panel perimeter
  14. Insert foam blocks into the base pan mounting foot pockets and adhere in place
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Make absolutely sure no impurities enter the engine while changing the element; do not run the engine with the air cleaner removed.

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

  1. Visually inspect air cleaner every 200 hours; check more often in dusty conditions.
  2. Remove the plate on the side of the air intake manifold.
  3. Remove and inspect the foam element.
  4. If dirty, wash element in soapy water; rinse and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin causing serious personal injury; relieve pressure before disconnecting lines.

⚠ If injured by escaping fuel, see a doctor at once.

Tools: Cardboard or wood (for leak check)

  1. The fuel system is self-bleeding but may need manual bleeding after filter change, running out of fuel, or component removal/installation.
  2. Loosen the bleed nipple on top of the fuel filter.
  3. Pump the hand primer on the fuel lift pump until pure fuel (no bubbles) escapes from the bleed nipple; tighten the nipple.
  4. If the engine does not start, loosen a fuel line at the injector while cranking until pure fuel escapes; tighten. Do each line one at a time.
  5. After starting, use a piece of cardboard to look for fuel leaks.
Changing Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Change the lube oil filter every 200 hours.
  2. Use a filter wrench to remove the old filter; dispose of it in an approved manner.
  3. Make sure the old filter gasket is removed and discarded; 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. Tighten by hand one-half turn farther; do not use a wrench.
  6. Fill engine with recommended oil; start engine, check for leakage, stop, wait 3 minutes and check oil level.
Checking V-Belt Tension maintenance
  1. Check tension and wear on the V-belt every 50 hours.
  2. Press on the belt at the midpoint between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys with your thumb.
  3. Tension is correct if the belt can be depressed about 3/8 in. (10 - 15 mm) with 22 lbs. (10 kg) force.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Close the sea-cock before working on the engine cooling system; be sure to open the sea-cock after working on it and before starting the engine.

⚠ The cooling water reaches extremely high temperatures; allow the engine to cool before working on the cooling system.

  1. Flush the cooling system every 750 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Remove fill cap and open drains on engine block.
  3. Pour clean water into the engine until water coming from the engine is clear of discoloration.
  4. Close drains and refill with recommended coolant mixture (50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze).
  5. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
  6. Start the engine and check for leaks; run five minutes, shut down, let cool, and check coolant level.
Heat Exchanger Cleaning maintenance

Tools: Metal rod

  1. Clean the heat exchanger core once a year or after 2400 hours of operation.
  2. Drain the expansion tank and heat exchanger.
  3. Remove the heat exchanger end covers.
  4. Clean the inside of the exchanger core tubes using a metal rod.
  5. Flush, inspect, and clean again if necessary.
  6. Reassemble the heat exchanger, fill the cooling system, start the engine and check for leaks.

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 L864?

The Northern Lights L864 engine has an oil capacity of 6.5 liters.

What is the displacement of the Northern Lights L864?

The Northern Lights L864 has a displacement of 2.49 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Northern Lights L864 engine?

The Northern Lights L864 powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M864.

How often should you change the oil in the Northern Lights L864?

The Northern Lights L864 oil change interval is every 200 hours.

What is a common problem with the Northern Lights L864 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights L864 is: Starter Inoperative. Cause: Check DC circuit breaker, Loose or corroded connections, Low battery condition, Defective electrical system ground wire. Fix: If the breaker is tripped, reset it. Clean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection. Check specific gravity of each battery. Check electrolyte level of each battery. Repair or replace..