HomeEnginesYanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL

Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL Engine

The Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL is a 3-cylinder engine. It powers generator sets from Northern Lights, including the NL378.

Also known as: Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL

Part of the Yanmar 3TNE78A engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

3
Cylinders

Engine specifications

Cylinders3

Generator sets powered by this engine

1

This engine also powers 1 machine(s) on Power Equipment Info.

How to read your Yanmar engine serial & model number →

Common problems

2
  • Temperature gauge shows temperature within normal range but shutdown is activated
    Fix: Check the engine crankcase oil level. If the oil level is 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 (20-60 PSI) after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your dealer for assistance.
  • Temperature gauge shows temperature above 205°F (97°C)
    Fix: Shut off the engine immediately. Use the Trouble Shooting Guide in this manual to isolate the cause of the overheat.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL.

Service intervals

21
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Electrolyte level in batteriesCheck50 hr
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
ValvesAdjust50 hrFirst service — Adjust after first 50 hours
battery electrolyteCheck50 hr1 moAdd distilled water to recommended level
RadiatorClean100 hrIn dusty applications; clean in reverse direction of airflow
air cleanerCheck100 hrMore often in dusty conditions
batteries, cables and terminalsClean100 hrClean corrosion with water and baking soda; tighten and grease terminals
engine oil and filterChange100 hrFirst service — First change at 50 hours, then 100 hours; every 100 hours or six weeks in cold weather
Fuel systemOther200 hrBleed the fuel system
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hr
primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrAs often as necessary
BatteriesTest600 hrCheck state of charge with hydrometer
Cooling systemOther600 hrCheck and flush
InjectorsCheck600 hr
Valve clearancesCheck600 hr
cooling systemClean600 hr12 moFlush every 600 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first
injectorsInspect600 hrCheck by Northern Lights dealer or injection repair station
valve clearancesAdjust600 hrFirst service — Readjust after first 50 hours, then every 600 hours
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hrCheck pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke
fuel injection pumpTest2400 hrCheck pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke
cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours with engine cold

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

44
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceV-belt deflection3/8in
GapV-belt deflection10 - 15mmcorrect tension
GapV-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys3/8inchcorrect tension
OtherCompression ratio18:0
OtherCompression ratio23:0
PressureEngine oil pressure (normal reading)20 - 60PSIrunning
PressureMaximum exhaust back pressure48in (1200 mm) H2O
PressureMinimum oil pressure15PSIrunning, Series 3 and 6 panels
PressureOil pressure (minimum)above 15PSI
PressureOil pressure (normal operating)20-60PSI
PressureRadiator filler cap release pressure0.9kgm/cm2
PressureRadiator filler cap release pressure12PSI
PressureRadiator pressure cap release0.9kg/cm2pressure valve
PressureRadiator pressure cap release12PSIpressure valve
TemperatureMaximum exhaust temperature1022deg F
TemperatureMaximum exhaust temperature550deg C
TemperatureWater temperature (normal)below 200°F
TemperatureWater temperature (shut down immediately)above 205deg Frunning
TemperatureWater temperature (shutdown)above 205°F
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (normal, maximum)below 200deg Frunning
TorqueCylinder head bolts10.5 - 11.5kgf-mcold
TorqueCylinder head bolts27.5 - 30.5ft/lbengine cold; bolt size 8mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts3.8 - 4.2kgf-mengine cold; bolt size 8mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts44 - 47ft/lbengine cold; bolt size 9mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts49 - 52ft/lbengine cold; bolt size 9mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts49.0 - 52.0ft-lbcold
TorqueCylinder head bolts6.0 - 6.5kgf-mengine cold; bolt size 9mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts6.8 - 7.2kgf-mengine cold; bolt size 9mm
TorqueCylinder head bolts63 - 67ft/lbengine cold; bolt size 10mm (printed 384)
TorqueCylinder head bolts63.0 - 67.0ft-lbcold
TorqueCylinder head bolts76.0 - 83.0ft-lbcold
TorqueCylinder head bolts8.7 - 9.3kgf-mengine cold; bolt size 10mm (printed 384)
TorqueGlow plugs1.5 - 2.0kgf-mnew glow plugs
TorqueGlow plugs11 - 14ft/lbsnew glow plugs
TorqueInjector (screw-in)36 - 39ft-lbsNL368 and NL374, new copper sealing washer
TorqueInjector (screw-in)5.0 - 5.4kgf-mNL368 and NL374
TorqueInjector hold down bracket nuts0.7 - 0.9kgf-mNL378, NL484, NL488
TorqueInjector hold down bracket nuts5 - 6.5ft-lbsNL378, NL484, NL488
TorqueInjector hold-down nuts0.7 - 0.9kgf-m
TorqueInjector hold-down nuts5 - 6.5ft-lbs
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.006 - 0.010inengine cold and not running
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.15 - 0.25mmengine cold and not running
VoltageD.C. voltmeter reading11 - 15voltsat 80 deg F (25 deg C) ambient
VoltageDC voltmeter11 - 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 antifreezeRecommended as good year-round coolant
Engine oilAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity oilsAPI Service CC/CD/CEUse proper weight for average ambient temperature
Engine oilAPI Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity oilsAPI Service CC/CD/SF
Engine oilSAE 5-20W (multi-viscosity)below -23°CBelow -10 deg F (-23 deg C); more oil consumption with SAE 5W and 5-20W
Engine oilSAE 5WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscositybelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 5W-20WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscositybelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE-5W (single viscosity)below -23°CBelow -10 deg F (-23 deg C)
Engine oilSAE 10WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 10W-30WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 15-40W (multi-viscosity)above 0°CAbove 32 deg F (0 deg C); also listed 5-40W in printed chart
Engine oilSAE 15W-40WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosityabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30WAPI Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosityabove 0°CAbove 32°F (0°C)
Engine oilSAE-30W (single viscosity)above 0°CAbove 32 deg F (0 deg C)
FuelGrade No. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CBelow freezing and for all temperatures above 5,500 ft (1500 m) altitude
FuelISO-8217-DMA / BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1 / BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869International fuel specifications; sulphur less than 1% (preferably less than 0.5%); cetane number minimum 45
FuelNo. 1 dieselASTM D975below 0°CUse below freezing and for all temperatures at altitude above 5,500 ft. (1500 meters)
FuelGrade No. 2 dieselASTM D975above 0°CAbove freezing 32 deg F (0 deg C)
FuelNo. 2 dieselASTM D975; ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1; BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2above 0°CUse above freezing 32°F (0°C); less than 1% sulphur (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
Adjusting Valve Clearances adjustment

⚠ Adjust valves after cylinder head bolts have been tightened

Tools: feeler gauge

  1. Adjust after first 50 hours, then every 600 hours.
  2. Do adjustment with engine cold and not running; remove rocker arm cover.
  3. Turn engine by hand until valves rock, then one more full turn.
  4. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance with adjustment screw.
  5. Set both intake and exhaust to 0.006-0.010 in (0.15-0.25 mm).
  6. Repeat for each cylinder and replace rocker arm cover.
V-Belt Tension Adjustment adjustment
  1. Press belt with thumb at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
  2. Tension is correct when belt depresses about 3/8 inch (10-15 mm).
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

Tools: thickness gauge, wrench

  1. Readjust valve clearance after first 50 hours of operation; adjust valves every 600 hours thereafter.
  2. Do adjustment after cylinder head bolts have been re-tightened; engine should be cold and not running.
  3. Remove the rocker arm cover.
  4. Turn engine by hand until inlet valve starts to open and exhaust valve starts to close (valves rocking), then turn crankshaft one more full turn and adjust clearance on both valves for this cylinder.
  5. Insert thickness gauge between rocker arm and valve cap; loosen lock nut and adjust with adjustment screw.
  6. Clearance on both intake and exhaust valves should be 0.006 - 0.010 in. (0.15 - 0.25 mm).
  7. Repeat for each cylinder.
  8. Replace the rocker arm cover.
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.

  1. Check dust trap on bottom of air cleaner daily; squeeze rubber cap lips to let dirt fall out.
  2. Visually inspect air cleaner every 100 hours; check more often in dusty conditions.
  3. An element cannot be cleaned; replace dirty elements when necessary.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury

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

  1. Loosen bleed screw on top of fuel filter.
  2. Pump hand primer on fuel lift pump until pure fuel with no bubbles escapes.
  3. Tighten bleed screw.
  4. Loosen bleed screw on injection pump, pump primer until bubble-free, tighten.
  5. If engine will not start, loosen a fuel line at the injector and crank until pure fuel escapes.
Break-In Period maintenance
  1. First 100 hours on a new or reconditioned engine are critical to life and performance.
  2. Constantly check engine temperature and oil pressure gauges.
  3. Oil consumption is greater during break-in as piston rings take time to seat.
  4. Change engine oil and filter at 50 hours.
  5. Change oil and filter again at 100 hours.
  6. Retighten head bolts at 50 hours.
  7. Maintain at least a 75% load for the first 100 hours; if not possible, no less than 50% load.
  8. Vary the load to help seat the rings.
Changing Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.

⚠ Do not use a wrench to tighten the filter.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Use a filter wrench to remove old filter; dispose of filter in approved manner.
  2. Make sure gasket from old filter is removed and discarded; clean mount face.
  3. Spread a thin film of engine oil on the new filter rubber gasket.
  4. Screw filter on nipple until gasket meets the sealing surface.
  5. Tighten filter one-half turn farther using hands only.
  6. Fill engine with recommended oil.
  7. Start engine and check for leakage.
  8. Stop engine, wait 3 minutes, and check oil level; add oil if necessary.
Changing Lube Oil and Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage filter housing

⚠ Never use a flushing oil

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Loosen plug in oil pan and drain oil; dispose of waste oil properly.
  2. Remove old filter with a filter wrench; discard old gasket.
  3. Clean mount face and oil the new filter gasket.
  4. Screw filter on until gasket meets sealing surface, then 1/2 turn by hand.
  5. Fill engine with recommended oil.
  6. Start engine, check for leakage, stop, wait 3 minutes, check level.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance
  1. Flush the cooling system every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Remove radiator cap and open drains on radiator and engine block.
  3. Pour clean water into radiator until water coming from radiator is clear of discoloration.
  4. Close radiator drain and continue flushing until water from engine drain is clear.
  5. Open all drains and drain engine and radiator completely.
  6. Close drains and refill radiator with recommended coolant mixture (50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze).
  7. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
  8. Start engine and check for leaks; run engine for five minutes, then shut it down.
  9. Let engine cool, then check coolant level and add as needed.
Flushing the Cooling System maintenance

⚠ Allow engine to cool before working on cooling system

⚠ Open filler cap carefully using protective clothing

  1. Flush every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Remove radiator cap and open radiator and engine block drains.
  3. Flush until water from both drains is clear of discoloration.
  4. Drain completely and refill with recommended coolant mixture.
  5. Check hoses and connections and repair any leakage.
  6. Start engine, run 5 minutes, shut down, let cool, check coolant level.
Servicing the Air Cleaner maintenance

⚠ Do not run engine with air cleaner removed

⚠ Ensure no impurities enter engine while changing element

  1. Check dust trap daily; squeeze rubber cap lips to empty dirt.
  2. Visually inspect air cleaner every 100 hours.
  3. Replace element when necessary; an element cannot be cleaned.
Winterizing / Out-of-Service maintenance

⚠ Store the set in a dry, protected place

  1. Drain and flush radiator and cooling system; leave dry or refill with antifreeze mixture.
  2. Fill fuel tank or add biocide per manufacturer instructions.
  3. Seal air cleaner inlet, exhaust opening, crankcase breather pipe and fuel tank vent.
  4. Change crankcase oil and filter.
  5. Loosen the alternator belt.
  6. Disconnect and clean battery; remove to warm storage if possible.
  7. Clean outside of unit and put corrosion preventative on exposed metal.

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 Yanmar 3TNE78A family

62
Part #DescriptionCategory
129619-12520Housingair_filter
119831-42290Drive Beltbelt
6-1001Control panelcontrol_panel
119810-55650Elementfuel_filter
104200-59170Gasketgasket
119813-12110Intake Manifold Gasketgasket
119813-13110Exhaust Manifold Gasketgasket
119818-01330Cylinder Head Gasketgasket
119865-11310Bonnet Gasketgasket
121000-13201Silencer Gasketgasket
124240-01883Gasketgasket
124465-44950Gasketgasket
129150-32020Gasketgasket
129150-35041Gasketgasket
129150-35111Gasketgasket
129150-42020Cooling Water Pump Gasketgasket
129150-49811Gasketgasket
129150-77511Gasketgasket
129155-52020Gasketgasket
129795-49551Gasketgasket
23414-100000Gasketgasket
719989-92600Gasket Setgasket
977770-01212Liquid Gasketgasket
119820-44560Hose, Radiator Inlethose
129619-12210Hosehose
171301-49010Hose, Radiator Inlethose
171301-49020Hose, Radiator Outlethose
41-0101274" Hose 5/16" ID Push-Onhose
119818-53000Nozzle Assemblyinjector
719800-53100Fuel Injectorinjector
24-07301Lube oil filter (all models)oil_filter
22-40018Circuit Breaker 10 Ampother_service
22-42047Relay, 12 Volt SPDTother_service
119810-42001Coolant Pumppump
129001-32001Oil Pump Assemblypump
129100-52100Fuel Feed Pumppump
719989-51310Injection Pumppump
102103-55520O-Ringseal
119810-01780Oil Sealseal
121850-51960O-Ringseal
124160-11340SEAL, VALVE STEMseal
124950-11340SEAL, VALVE STEMseal
129129-77350O-Ringseal
129150-42320O-Ringseal
129795-01800Oil Sealseal
15-01001Sealing Washerseal
22190-080002Seal Washerseal
22190-220002Seal Washerseal
24311-000120O-Ringseal
24311-000160O-Ringseal
24311-000320O-Ringseal
24311-240100O-Ringseal
24341-000240O-Ringseal
24341-000280O-Ringseal
24341-000500O-Ring, 1A S-50.0seal
719810-01650Rear Main Seal Assemblyseal
119600-34800Oil Pressure Switchsensor
121250-44901Temperature Switch 110°Csensor
121460-39450Pressure Switchsensor
22-41016Pressure Sender, 0-80 PSI, 1/8 NPTsensor
22-45201Temperature Sender 250°F Standard Groundsensor
129155-49800Thermostatthermostat

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

11

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Also used in

4
  • Antonio Carraro 4400HST — Tractor
  • John Deere 4115 — Tractor
  • John Deere 4200 — Tractor
  • John Deere 855 — Tractor

Other equipment known to use this engine, via filter-application cross-reference — useful for sourcing parts even when your exact machine isn't listed elsewhere on this page.

Common questions

Which generators use the Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL engine?

The Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights NL378.

What is a common problem with the Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL is: Temperature gauge shows temperature within normal range but shutdown is activated. Fix: Check the engine crankcase oil level. If the oil level is 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 (20-60 PSI) after a few seconds of operation. If the oil level is normal, DO NOT restart the engine. Call your dealer for assistance..