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Northern Lights Lugger Engine

The Northern Lights Lugger is a 7.2 L 6-cylinder turbo-aftercooled engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 17.5 kW. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the M6105A1, M6105A2, M6105A3 and M843JK.

Also known as: Northern Lights, Inc. Lugger

7.2 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
17 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Displacement7.2 L
Cylinders6
AspirationTurbo-Aftercooled
Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power17 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

4
Northern Lights M6105A1Northern Lights M6105A2Northern Lights M6105A3Northern Lights M843JK

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

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: Intake air restriction
    Fix: Service air cleaner.
  • Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls Frequently
    Cause: Below normal engine temperature
    Fix: Remove and check thermostat.
  • High Fuel Consumption
    Cause: Improper type of fuel
    Fix: Use correct fuel for temperature.
  • Engine Overheats
    Cause: Low coolant level
    Fix: Fill tank or radiator to proper level; Check hoses for loose connections and leaks.
  • Starter Cranks Slowly
    Cause: Low battery output
    Fix: Battery is too small; Battery cables are too small.
  • Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust Smoke
    Cause: Clogged or dirty air cleaner
    Fix: Service air cleaner.
  • Starter Inoperative
    Cause: Check DC circuit breaker
    Fix: If the breaker is tripped, reset it.
  • Engine Knocks
    Cause: Insufficient oil
    Fix: Call your dealer.
  • 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.
  • High Oil Consumption
    Cause: Break-in period
    Fix: Oil consumption decreases after break in.
  • 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: Thermostat not working properly
    Fix: Check thermostat.

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

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCleanable dry-type air cleaner in cast aluminum, noise attenuating intake manifold.—
Fuel filterLarge spin-on fuel filter.—
Oil filter12-volt starter motor and battery charging alternator with integrated regulator and belt guard.—
Battery12-volt starter motor and battery charging alternator with integrated regulator and belt guard.—
BeltMechanical fuel lift pump with hand primer, flexible fuel lines routed to base, fuel shut-off solenoid.—
CoolantCupro-nickel tube-type heat exchanger. Jabsco gear-driven raw water pump.—
OilFull flow, spin-on oil filter with bypass.5.8 quart—
Spark plugGlow plugs for quick cold starting.—

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

Service intervals

18
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyteCheck50 hr1 moFirst service — After first 50 hours; check every 50 hours or once per month
Cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
ValvesAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
Batteries, cables and terminalsClean100 hrCheck and clean every 100 hours
Radiator finsClean100 hrIndustrial only; clean in very dusty applications
Air cleanerCheck200 hrEvery 200 hours; more often in dusty conditions
Engine oil and filterChange200 hrFirst service — Every 200 hours
Exhaust elbowInspect200 hrEvery 200 hours; check for corrosion and exhaust leakage
Primary fuel filter element (Racor)Change200 hrEvery 200 hours or as necessary
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hrEvery 200 hours
BatteriesTest600 hrCheck condition with hydrometer every 600 hours
Cooling systemClean600 hr12 moFlush every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first
InjectorsCheck600 hrEvery 600 hours by dealer or injection repair station
Raw water pump impellerReplace600 hrMarine only; every 600 hours or as needed
Valve clearancesCheck600 hrEvery 600 hours
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hrEvery 2400 hours
Heat exchangerClean2400 hr12 moMarine only; once a year or after 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

25
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceV-belt deflection3/16inmidpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
ClearanceV-belt deflection5mmmidpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
PressureCoolant filler cap pressure valve0.5bar
PressureCoolant filler cap pressure valveapproximately 7PSI
PressureOil pressureabove 15PSIoperating
PressureOil pressure after a few seconds of operation20-60PSInormal reading
TemperatureIndustrial shutdown temperatureabove 110°Cshut off engine immediately
TemperatureIndustrial shutdown temperatureabove 230°Fshut off engine immediately
TemperatureMarine shutdown temperatureabove 205°Fshut off engine immediately
TemperatureMarine shutdown temperatureabove 96°Cshut off engine immediately
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (industrial)below 107°Coperating
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (industrial)below 225°Foperating
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (marine)below 200°Foperating
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (marine)below 94°Coperating
TorqueCylinder head bolts60 - 64ft/lbscold
TorqueCylinder head bolts9.0 - 9.5kg/mcold
TorqueDelivery lines at injectors11-18ft./lbs
TorqueInjector44 - 51ft/lbs
TorqueInjector6 to 7kgm
TorqueReturn line retaining bolts22 - 30ft/lbs
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts0.8 - 2.3kg/m
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts5 - 8ft/lbs
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valve clearance0.008incold, engine not running
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valve clearance0.2mmcold, engine not running
VoltageDC voltmeter11 - 15volts80°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% distilled water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze mix4.1 litersRecommended as a good year-round coolant; approx cooling capacity HE 1.1 gal (4.1 liter)
Engine oilSAE 5-20WAPI Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscositybelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 5WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscositybelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 10-30WAPI Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 10WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 15-40WAPI Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosityabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosityabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C)
FuelNo. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CBelow freezing and all temperatures at altitude above 5,500 ft. (1500 meters)
FuelNo. 2 dieselASTM D975above 0°CAbove freezing 32°F (0°C); sulphur less than 1% (preferably less than 0.5%); cetane minimum 45

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
Valve Clearances adjustment

⚠ Engine should be cold and NOT running.

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrench

  1. Adjust valve clearance after first 50 hours and every 600 hours thereafter.
  2. Do adjustment after cylinder head bolts have been retightened; engine cold and NOT running.
  3. Turn engine by hand until inlet valve starts to open and exhaust valve starts to close; turn one more full turn.
  4. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance between rocker arm and valve guide to 0.008 in. (0.2 mm).
  5. Repeat for each cylinder; replace rocker arm cover and tighten cover nuts to 5 - 8 ft/lbs.
Air Cleaner Service maintenance

⚠ Do NOT run the engine with the air cleaner removed.

  1. Inspect air cleaner every 200 hours; check more often in dusty conditions.
  2. Marine: if dirty, wash element in soapy water; rinse and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
  3. Marine: replace element if necessary.
  4. Industrial: element cannot be cleaned; replace when necessary.
  5. Make sure no impurities enter engine while changing element.
Battery Care maintenance

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

Tools: Hydrometer

  1. Check electrolyte level every 50 hours or once per month; add distilled water to manufacturer's recommended level.
  2. Check and clean batteries, cables, and terminals every 100 hours.
  3. Clean corrosion with water and baking soda solution; flush with clean water.
  4. Tighten terminals and grease them to inhibit corrosion.
  5. Check battery condition with a hydrometer every 600 hours.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin causing serious personal injury.

⚠ Use cardboard or wood, not hands, to search for suspected leaks.

Tools: Wrench

  1. Loosen bleed bolt A on top of the filter.
  2. Pump hand primer B on fuel lift pump until pure fuel without bubbles escapes from bleed bolt A; tighten A.
  3. Loosen bleed screw C; pump hand primer B until pure fuel escapes; tighten C.
  4. If engine does not start, loosen a fuel line at the injector while cranking until pure fuel escapes; tighten connection.
  5. After engine starts, use cardboard to look for fuel leaks.
Changing Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Use a filter wrench to remove old filter; discard in approved manner.
  2. Remove and discard old filter 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 with recommended oil; start and check for leakage.
  7. Stop engine, wait 3 minutes, and check oil level; add oil if necessary.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Allow engine to cool before working on cooling system.

⚠ Open filler cap carefully using protective clothing when engine is warm.

  1. Flush cooling system every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Marine: remove expansion tank cap and drain engine block.
  3. Marine: open block drain cock and remove hose from bottom of heat exchanger tank.
  4. Marine: flush with clean water until drains are free of discoloration and sediment; drain completely and refill with recommended mixture.
  5. Industrial: remove radiator cap and open drain cocks on radiator and engine block.
  6. Industrial: flush until water is clear; drain completely and refill with recommended coolant mixture; clean radiator fins.
  7. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Never use flushing oil or additives in crankcase.

⚠ Dispose of waste oil in an approved manner.

Tools: Oil drain container

  1. Change engine oil and oil filter after first 50 hours; use Service CC 30 weight oil during first 100 hours.
  2. Change oil and filter again at 100 hours; thereafter change every 200 hours.
  3. Warm engine, loosen clamp on oil change tube, remove cap, and drain oil.
  4. Replace cap and tube; refill with recommended oil for the season.
Fuel Filter Replacement maintenance

⚠ Do not overtighten.

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Remove spin-on filter by turning counterclockwise with a filter wrench.
  2. Fill new cartridge with fuel and apply engine oil to gasket surface.
  3. Screw on until gasket surface contacts sealing surface of filter base.
  4. Tighten two-thirds of a turn by hand; do not overtighten.
Raw Water Pump Impeller Replacement maintenance

⚠ Place protection under screwdrivers so pump housing is not damaged.

⚠ Keep an extra impeller and cover gasket in reserve on board.

Tools: Needle-nose pliers or two screwdrivers

  1. Change seawater pump impeller every 600 hours or as needed.
  2. Remove pump end cover.
  3. Pry out impeller using needle-nose pliers or two screwdrivers.
  4. Remove all pieces of failed impeller and 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.
Retightening Cylinder Head Bolts maintenance

Tools: Torque wrench

  1. Tighten bolts when the engine is cold.
  2. Loosen nuts and remove rocker arm cover.
  3. Tighten head bolts with a torque wrench in the order shown.
  4. Tighten evenly in 2 or 3 passes, ending at specified torque in final pass.
Winterizing / Out-of-Service maintenance

⚠ Store set in a dry, protected place; if stored outside, protect with a cover.

  1. Marine: drain fresh water and seawater cooling systems completely; shut off seacocks before opening drain cocks.
  2. Marine: drain water supply lines and wet exhaust line; loosen seawater pump cover and drain pump.
  3. Industrial: drain and flush radiator and cooling system; leave dry or refill with antifreeze-water mixture.
  4. Industrial: fill fuel tank or add biocide; seal air cleaner inlet, exhaust opening, crankcase breather pipe, and fuel tank vent.
  5. Marine and industrial: change crankcase oil and filter; loosen alternator belt.
  6. Disconnect and clean battery; remove to warm storage if possible.
  7. Clean outside of unit; paint scratched or chipped surfaces; apply corrosion preventative to exposed metal.
Before Starting operation

⚠ Use protective clothing and open the filler cap carefully when the engine is warm to prevent burns.

⚠ The battery switch must always be kept ON while the engine is running.

  1. Check coolant level about 1 in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface when cold.
  2. Check crankcase oil with dipstick; level must be in waffled area.
  3. Check fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.
  4. Marine: close sea-cock; clean sea strainer; reopen sea-cock.
  5. Marine: place battery switch in ON position and keep it ON while running.

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 displacement of the Northern Lights Lugger?

The Northern Lights Lugger has a displacement of 7.2 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Northern Lights Lugger engine?

The Northern Lights Lugger powers 4 generator set(s), including Northern Lights M6105A1, Northern Lights M6105A2, Northern Lights M6105A3, Northern Lights M843JK.

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

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Northern Lights Lugger 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..