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Northern Lights LP668D Engine

The Northern Lights LP668D is a 6.8 L 6-cylinder natural engine rated at 2200 rpm. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights. It holds 19 L (5.0 gal) of oil.

Also known as: Alaska Diesel Electric LP668D

Part of the Northern Lights LP668D engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

6.8 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
2200 rpm
Rated speed
19.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity19.0 L
Displacement6.8 L
Cylinders6
AspirationNatural
Rated speed2200 rpm

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine failuresFailures often occur in remote areas far from competent assistance.
Battery charging regulator could be ruinedSwitch is turned OFF while the engine is running
Engine fails to start on first attemptDo not crank the starter for more than 15 seconds consecutively. Ensure the starter has stopped completely before re-engaging.
Engine temperature rises over 200°F (94°C)Shut down the engine and investigate the cause of overheating.
Shutdown is activated and temperature gauge shows within normal rangeCheck the engine crankcase oil level. If low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your Northern Lights or Lugger dealer for assistance.
Engine temperature rises above 205°F (97°C)Shut off the engine immediately.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Common problems

6
  • Shutdown is activated and temperature gauge shows within normal range
    Fix: Check the engine crankcase oil level. If low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your Northern Lights or Lugger dealer for assistance.
  • Engine temperature rises over 200°F (94°C)
    Fix: Shut down the engine and investigate the cause of overheating.
  • Engine temperature rises above 205°F (97°C)
    Fix: Shut off the engine immediately.
  • Engine failures
    Cause: Failures often occur in remote areas far from competent assistance.
  • Engine fails to start on first attempt
    Fix: Do not crank the starter for more than 15 seconds consecutively. Ensure the starter has stopped completely before re-engaging.
  • Battery charging regulator could be ruined
    Cause: Switch is turned OFF while the engine is running

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Northern Lights LP668D.

Repair guides

6

Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Northern Lights service manual for this engine.

Service intervals

22
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyteCheck50 hrEvery 50 hours or once per month
Air cleanerInspect100 hrInspect every 100 hours; replace every 600 hours or yearly
Batteries, cables and terminalsClean100 hrCheck and clean every 100 hours
Air cleanerCheck200 hrEvery 200 hours
Engine oilChange200 hrFirst service — Every 200 hours
Lube oil filterChange200 hrFirst service — Every 200 hours
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrEvery 200 hours
Turbocharger air, oil and cooling linesCheck200 hrCheck for leakage every 200 hours
Zinc electrodesCheck200 hrEvery 200 hours
Air cleanerReplace600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
Batteries state of chargeCheck600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
Cooling systemClean600 hr12 moCheck and flush every 600 hours or yearly
Fuel injectorsCheck600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly; by dealer
Raw water pump impellerChange600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
Secondary fuel filterChange600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
Turbocharger boost pressureCheck600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
V-beltCheck600 hr12 moEvery 600 hours or yearly
Battery conditionTest750 hrCheck with hydrometer every 750 hours
Valve clearancesAdjust1200 hrFirst service — Every 1200 hours
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hrEvery 2400 hours
Gear oil coolerClean2400 hrCheck and clean every 2400 hours
Heat exchangerClean2400 hrCheck and clean every 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

31
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherCoolant mixture optimum50% distilled water / 50% EGCoptimum
OtherFiring order, 4-cylinder engines1-3-4-2
OtherFiring order, 6-cylinder engines1-5-3-6-2-4
OtherMinimum battery capacity, 12V640CCA
OtherMinimum battery capacity, 12V800CCA
OtherSupplemental coolant additive concentration3% by volumein 50% water / 50% EGC mixture
PressureCoolant filler cap pressure7PSI (0.5 bar)
PressureEngine oil pressure minimum15PSIat speed higher than idling
SpeedLow idle700RPM
SpeedMaximum engine speed when shifting marine gear800RPM
SpeedMaximum working engine speed, continuous duty2200RPM
SpeedMaximum working engine speed, light commercial craft2400RPM
SpeedMaximum working engine speed, pleasure craft2400RPM
SpeedMaximum working engine speed, pleasure craft2500RPM
SpeedWarm-up engine speed1000RPM3 to 5 minute warm-up
TemperatureCoolant temperature maximum normal200°F (94°C)do not exceed
TemperatureCoolant temperature shutdown205°F (97°C)shut off engine immediately
TemperatureRaw water inlet maximum temperature85°F (30°C)
TorqueFuel delivery pressure lines20 foot lbs. (27 N·m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueFuel line connection at injection nozzle20 foot lb. (27 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueFuel supply line at injection pump22 ft. lb. (30 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueInjection pump cover plate cap screws1.7 lb-ft. (2 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueInjection pump drive gear retaining nut (DB2)90 lb-ft. (122 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueInjection pump drive gear retaining nut (DB4)150 lb-ft. (203 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueInjection pump mounting hex nuts20 foot lbs. (27 N·m)ft-lb/N·m
TorqueNozzle hold-down cap screws27 foot lb. (37 N•m)ft-lb/N·m
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.016-0.019 in. (0.41-0.48 mm)in/mmengine cold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.012-0.015 in. (0.31-0.38 mm)in/mmengine cold
VoltageStarting voltmeter minimum12 volts (24 volts for 24 volt systems)Vbefore starting
VoltageVoltmeter reading, 12 volt systems13 to 14voltsat 60°F (16°C)
VoltageVoltmeter reading, 24 volt systems26-28voltsat 60°F (16°C)

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 concentrate (EGC) + quality water + SCAASTM D 4985P; SAE J1941; GM1899M; or GM6038M18.9 LLP445 series; 5 US gal. Optimum 50% distilled water/50% EGC; freeze -37°C, boil +109°C.
Engine oilJohn Deere Engine Break-In Oil; API Service CE; ACEA Specification E1Use during first 100 hours of operation.
Engine oilSAE-5W; SAE5-20WAPI CC/CD, CD/CG-4/CF-4; ACEA E3/E2below -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C).
Engine oilSAE-10W; SAE10-30WAPI CC/CD, CD/CG-4/CF-4; ACEA E3/E2-23°C to 0°C-10°F to 32°F (-23°C to 0°C).
Engine oilSAE-30W (single viscosity); SAE15-40W (multi-viscosity)API CC/CD, CD/CG-4/CF-4; ACEA E3/E2above 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C).
FuelGrade No. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CBelow freezing and all temperatures above 5,500 ft (1500 m).
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
Check and Adjust Valve Clearances adjustment

Tools: JDE 820 or JDE 83 Flywheel Turning Tool, JDE 81-4 Timing Pin

  1. Remove rocker arm cover with ventilator tube.
  2. Remove plastic plugs in engine timing holes on front side of flywheel.
  3. Rotate flywheel clockwise with Flywheel Turning Tool until Timing Pin engages timing hole; No. 1 cylinder rocker arms loose at TDC.
  4. If not at TDC, remove timing pin, rotate flywheel one complete turn, and reinstall pin.
  5. Check valve clearances with engine cold.
  6. For 4-cylinder: adjust No. 1 and No. 3 exhaust and No. 1 and No. 2 intake at No. 1 TDC; rotate 360° and adjust remaining.
  7. For 6-cylinder: adjust No. 1, No. 3, No. 5 exhaust and No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 intake at No. 1 TDC; rotate 360° and adjust remaining.
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Do not run engine with air cleaner removed.

  1. Inspect air cleaner every 100 hours; replace filter every 600 hours or yearly, whichever comes first.
  2. Loosen hose clamp and attaching strip; clean rubber tube at cleaner.
  3. Ensure rubber tube is in good condition and new filter is clean and installed properly.
  4. Start engine and check for leaks.
Bleed Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin.

Tools: Backup wrench

  1. Loosen bleed plug on fuel filter.
  2. Operate primer pump lever on fuel transfer pump until air bubbles are expelled and clear fuel escapes.
  3. Tighten bleed plug.
  4. If engine will not start, loosen fuel supply pipe at pump and prime until free of air; retighten to 22 ft. lb. (30 N•m).
  5. If still not starting, loosen fuel line at injection nozzle and crank with throttle full until fuel without air flows; tighten to 20 foot lb. (27 N•m).
Change Engine Oil maintenance

Tools: Oil drain hose, Hand pump (optional drain pump)

  1. For marine generator sets, remove plug from base frame outlet and screw in owner-supplied drain hose.
  2. Open valve at oil pan outlet and drain oil into suitable container.
  3. Close valve, remove drain hose, and replace plug.
  4. Refill engine with recommended oil.
  5. For propulsion engines with optional drain pump, remove dipstick, unscrew dipstick tube, insert hand pump to bottom of oil pan, and drain by pumping.
  6. Replace dipstick tube and dipstick; refill engine with recommended oil.
Change Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage filter housing.

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Use filter wrench to remove old filter; dispose in approved manner.
  2. Make sure gasket from old filter is removed and discarded.
  3. Lubricate rubber gasket on new filter and screw on nipple until gasket meets sealing surface.
  4. Using hands only, tighten filter one-half turn farther.
  5. Fill engine with recommended oil; start engine and check for leakage; stop and check oil level.
Clean Heat Exchanger maintenance
  1. Drain the cooling system.
  2. Remove cooling water pipes between heat exchanger and water pump inlet.
  3. Disconnect hose to seawater pump.
  4. Unscrew attaching bolts holding heat exchanger to expansion tank.
  5. Remove bolts holding heat exchanger cover.
  6. Wash core inside and out; clean accessible parts of housing.
  7. Reassemble using new gaskets and sealing rings.
Flush Cooling System maintenance

⚠ Cooling water is extremely hot; allow engine to cool before working.

  1. Stop engine and allow to cool.
  2. Close seacock.
  3. Remove pressure cap from expansion tank; open cooling system air vent on turbocharger if applicable.
  4. Open drains on exhaust manifold and engine block; drain fresh water system.
  5. Pour clean water into expansion tank until drain water is clear; close drains.
  6. Fill with recommended coolant mixture; close air vent.
  7. Open seacock; start engine and check hoses and connections for leaks.
Replace Raw Water Pump Impeller maintenance

⚠ Keep extra impeller and cover gasket onboard.

Tools: Water pump pliers

  1. Remove pump end cover.
  2. Remove impeller with water pump pliers; remove all pieces of failed impeller.
  3. Clean inside of housing.
  4. Press in new impeller and place sealing washer in outer end of impeller center.
  5. Replace cover using new gasket.
Replace Secondary Fuel Filter maintenance

⚠ Dirt can be washed into fuel injection system causing severe damage.

  1. Turn off the fuel.
  2. Open filter drain plug and drain the filter.
  3. Turn filter clamp counterclockwise until cartridge slides out.
  4. Install new filter cartridge 24-51005 after ensuring mounting plate surfaces are clean.
  5. Turn on the fuel.
  6. Bleed fuel system if opened.
Service Zinc Anodes maintenance

Tools: Scraper or steel brush

  1. Drain raw water from heat exchanger.
  2. Remove zinc holders from back of tank and from front and port side of heat exchanger.
  3. Scrape or steel brush zinc electrode clean.
  4. Replace zinc if more than 50% eroded.
  5. Reinstall zinc holders with clean threads and good metal-to-metal contact.
Winterize / Out-of-Service maintenance
  1. Shut off sea cocks before opening drain cocks.
  2. Drain seawater cooling systems completely.
  3. Drain seawater supply lines and wet exhaust line.
  4. Loosen seawater pump cover and drain pump.
  5. Check freshwater antifreeze mixture; refill water if necessary.
Before Starting operation

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

  1. Check expansion tank water level; should be about 1 3/4 in. (4-5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface when cold.
  2. Check crankcase oil level; keep between the "waffled area" and the "oo".
  3. Check fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.
  4. Check reverse gear oil level per Gear Owner's Manual.
  5. Close seacock, clean strainer, and reopen seacock.
  6. Place battery switch in ON position.

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 LP668D?

The Northern Lights LP668D engine has an oil capacity of 19.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Northern Lights LP668D?

The Northern Lights LP668D has a displacement of 6.8 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Northern Lights LP668D engine?

The Northern Lights LP668D powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights LP668D.

What is a common problem with the Northern Lights LP668D engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights LP668D is: Shutdown is activated and temperature gauge shows within normal range. Fix: Check the engine crankcase oil level. If low, fill with recommended lubricating oil and restart. Watch the oil pressure gauge carefully and shut off the engine if it does not show a normal reading after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your Northern Lights or Lugger dealer for assistance..