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.
| Cylinders | 3 |
|---|
This engine also powers 1 machine(s) on Power Equipment Info.
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolyte level in batteries | Check | 50 hr | ||
| V-belt tension | Check | 50 hr | First service — After first 50 hours | |
| Valves | Adjust | 50 hr | First service — Adjust after first 50 hours | |
| battery electrolyte | Check | 50 hr | 1 mo | Add distilled water to recommended level |
| Radiator | Clean | 100 hr | In dusty applications; clean in reverse direction of airflow | |
| air cleaner | Check | 100 hr | More often in dusty conditions | |
| batteries, cables and terminals | Clean | 100 hr | Clean corrosion with water and baking soda; tighten and grease terminals | |
| engine oil and filter | Change | 100 hr | First service — First change at 50 hours, then 100 hours; every 100 hours or six weeks in cold weather | |
| Fuel system | Other | 200 hr | Bleed the fuel system | |
| Secondary fuel filter | Change | 200 hr | ||
| primary fuel filter element | Change | 200 hr | As often as necessary | |
| Batteries | Test | 600 hr | Check state of charge with hydrometer | |
| Cooling system | Other | 600 hr | Check and flush | |
| Injectors | Check | 600 hr | ||
| Valve clearances | Check | 600 hr | ||
| cooling system | Clean | 600 hr | 12 mo | Flush every 600 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first |
| injectors | Inspect | 600 hr | Check by Northern Lights dealer or injection repair station | |
| valve clearances | Adjust | 600 hr | First service — Readjust after first 50 hours, then every 600 hours | |
| Fuel injection pump | Check | 2400 hr | Check pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke | |
| fuel injection pump | Test | 2400 hr | Check pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke | |
| cylinder head bolts | Adjust | 50 hr | First 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.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance | V-belt deflection | 3/8 | in | |
| Gap | V-belt deflection | 10 - 15 | mm | correct tension |
| Gap | V-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys | 3/8 | inch | correct tension |
| Other | Compression ratio | 18:0 | ||
| Other | Compression ratio | 23:0 | ||
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure (normal reading) | 20 - 60 | PSI | running |
| Pressure | Maximum exhaust back pressure | 48 | in (1200 mm) H2O | |
| Pressure | Minimum oil pressure | 15 | PSI | running, Series 3 and 6 panels |
| Pressure | Oil pressure (minimum) | above 15 | PSI | |
| Pressure | Oil pressure (normal operating) | 20-60 | PSI | |
| Pressure | Radiator filler cap release pressure | 0.9 | kgm/cm2 | |
| Pressure | Radiator filler cap release pressure | 12 | PSI | |
| Pressure | Radiator pressure cap release | 0.9 | kg/cm2 | pressure valve |
| Pressure | Radiator pressure cap release | 12 | PSI | pressure valve |
| Temperature | Maximum exhaust temperature | 1022 | deg F | |
| Temperature | Maximum exhaust temperature | 550 | deg C | |
| Temperature | Water temperature (normal) | below 200 | °F | |
| Temperature | Water temperature (shut down immediately) | above 205 | deg F | running |
| Temperature | Water temperature (shutdown) | above 205 | °F | |
| Temperature | Water temperature gauge (normal, maximum) | below 200 | deg F | running |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 10.5 - 11.5 | kgf-m | cold |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 27.5 - 30.5 | ft/lb | engine cold; bolt size 8mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 3.8 - 4.2 | kgf-m | engine cold; bolt size 8mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 44 - 47 | ft/lb | engine cold; bolt size 9mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 49 - 52 | ft/lb | engine cold; bolt size 9mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 49.0 - 52.0 | ft-lb | cold |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 6.0 - 6.5 | kgf-m | engine cold; bolt size 9mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 6.8 - 7.2 | kgf-m | engine cold; bolt size 9mm |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 63 - 67 | ft/lb | engine cold; bolt size 10mm (printed 384) |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 63.0 - 67.0 | ft-lb | cold |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 76.0 - 83.0 | ft-lb | cold |
| Torque | Cylinder head bolts | 8.7 - 9.3 | kgf-m | engine cold; bolt size 10mm (printed 384) |
| Torque | Glow plugs | 1.5 - 2.0 | kgf-m | new glow plugs |
| Torque | Glow plugs | 11 - 14 | ft/lbs | new glow plugs |
| Torque | Injector (screw-in) | 36 - 39 | ft-lbs | NL368 and NL374, new copper sealing washer |
| Torque | Injector (screw-in) | 5.0 - 5.4 | kgf-m | NL368 and NL374 |
| Torque | Injector hold down bracket nuts | 0.7 - 0.9 | kgf-m | NL378, NL484, NL488 |
| Torque | Injector hold down bracket nuts | 5 - 6.5 | ft-lbs | NL378, NL484, NL488 |
| Torque | Injector hold-down nuts | 0.7 - 0.9 | kgf-m | |
| Torque | Injector hold-down nuts | 5 - 6.5 | ft-lbs | |
| Valve clearance | Intake and exhaust valves | 0.006 - 0.010 | in | engine cold and not running |
| Valve clearance | Intake and exhaust valves | 0.15 - 0.25 | mm | engine cold and not running |
| Voltage | D.C. voltmeter reading | 11 - 15 | volts | at 80 deg F (25 deg C) ambient |
| Voltage | DC voltmeter | 11 - 15 | volts | at 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.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant | 50% water / 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze | Recommended as good year-round coolant | |||
| Engine oil | API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity oils | API Service CC/CD/CE | Use proper weight for average ambient temperature | ||
| Engine oil | API Service CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity oils | API Service CC/CD/SF | |||
| Engine oil | SAE 5-20W (multi-viscosity) | below -23°C | Below -10 deg F (-23 deg C); more oil consumption with SAE 5W and 5-20W | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 5W | API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity | below -23°C | Below -10°F (-23°C) | |
| Engine oil | SAE 5W-20W | API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity | below -23°C | Below -10°F (-23°C) | |
| Engine oil | SAE-5W (single viscosity) | below -23°C | Below -10 deg F (-23 deg C) | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 10W | API 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 oil | SAE 10W-30W | API 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 oil | SAE 15-40W (multi-viscosity) | above 0°C | Above 32 deg F (0 deg C); also listed 5-40W in printed chart | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40W | API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity | above 0°C | Above 32°F (0°C) | |
| Engine oil | SAE 30W | API Service CC/CD/CE single viscosity or CC/CD/SF multi-viscosity | above 0°C | Above 32°F (0°C) | |
| Engine oil | SAE-30W (single viscosity) | above 0°C | Above 32 deg F (0 deg C) | ||
| Fuel | Grade No. 1 diesel | ASTM D975 | below 0°C | Below freezing and for all temperatures above 5,500 ft (1500 m) altitude | |
| Fuel | ISO-8217-DMA / BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1 / BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2 | ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 | International fuel specifications; sulphur less than 1% (preferably less than 0.5%); cetane number minimum 45 | ||
| Fuel | No. 1 diesel | ASTM D975 | below 0°C | Use below freezing and for all temperatures at altitude above 5,500 ft. (1500 meters) | |
| Fuel | Grade No. 2 diesel | ASTM D975 | above 0°C | Above freezing 32 deg F (0 deg C) | |
| Fuel | No. 2 diesel | ASTM D975; ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1; BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2 | above 0°C | Use 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.
⚠ Adjust valves after cylinder head bolts have been tightened
Tools: feeler gauge
Tools: thickness gauge, wrench
⚠ Make absolutely sure no impurities enter the engine while changing the element.
⚠ Do not run the engine with the air cleaner removed.
⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious injury
⚠ Use cardboard or wood, not hands, to search for leaks
⚠ Overtightening can damage the filter housing.
⚠ Do not use a wrench to tighten the filter.
Tools: filter wrench
⚠ Overtightening can damage filter housing
⚠ Never use a flushing oil
Tools: filter wrench
⚠ Allow engine to cool before working on cooling system
⚠ Open filler cap carefully using protective clothing
⚠ Do not run engine with air cleaner removed
⚠ Ensure no impurities enter engine while changing element
⚠ Store the set in a dry, protected place
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 129619-12520 | Housing | air_filter |
| 119831-42290 | Drive Belt | belt |
| 6-1001 | Control panel | control_panel |
| 119810-55650 | Element | fuel_filter |
| 104200-59170 | Gasket | gasket |
| 119813-12110 | Intake Manifold Gasket | gasket |
| 119813-13110 | Exhaust Manifold Gasket | gasket |
| 119818-01330 | Cylinder Head Gasket | gasket |
| 119865-11310 | Bonnet Gasket | gasket |
| 121000-13201 | Silencer Gasket | gasket |
| 124240-01883 | Gasket | gasket |
| 124465-44950 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-32020 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-35041 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-35111 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-42020 | Cooling Water Pump Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-49811 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129150-77511 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129155-52020 | Gasket | gasket |
| 129795-49551 | Gasket | gasket |
| 23414-100000 | Gasket | gasket |
| 719989-92600 | Gasket Set | gasket |
| 977770-01212 | Liquid Gasket | gasket |
| 119820-44560 | Hose, Radiator Inlet | hose |
| 129619-12210 | Hose | hose |
| 171301-49010 | Hose, Radiator Inlet | hose |
| 171301-49020 | Hose, Radiator Outlet | hose |
| 41-01012 | 74" Hose 5/16" ID Push-On | hose |
| 119818-53000 | Nozzle Assembly | injector |
| 719800-53100 | Fuel Injector | injector |
| 24-07301 | Lube oil filter (all models) | oil_filter |
| 22-40018 | Circuit Breaker 10 Amp | other_service |
| 22-42047 | Relay, 12 Volt SPDT | other_service |
| 119810-42001 | Coolant Pump | pump |
| 129001-32001 | Oil Pump Assembly | pump |
| 129100-52100 | Fuel Feed Pump | pump |
| 719989-51310 | Injection Pump | pump |
| 102103-55520 | O-Ring | seal |
| 119810-01780 | Oil Seal | seal |
| 121850-51960 | O-Ring | seal |
| 124160-11340 | SEAL, VALVE STEM | seal |
| 124950-11340 | SEAL, VALVE STEM | seal |
| 129129-77350 | O-Ring | seal |
| 129150-42320 | O-Ring | seal |
| 129795-01800 | Oil Seal | seal |
| 15-01001 | Sealing Washer | seal |
| 22190-080002 | Seal Washer | seal |
| 22190-220002 | Seal Washer | seal |
| 24311-000120 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24311-000160 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24311-000320 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24311-240100 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24341-000240 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24341-000280 | O-Ring | seal |
| 24341-000500 | O-Ring, 1A S-50.0 | seal |
| 719810-01650 | Rear Main Seal Assembly | seal |
| 119600-34800 | Oil Pressure Switch | sensor |
| 121250-44901 | Temperature Switch 110°C | sensor |
| 121460-39450 | Pressure Switch | sensor |
| 22-41016 | Pressure Sender, 0-80 PSI, 1/8 NPT | sensor |
| 22-45201 | Temperature Sender 250°F Standard Ground | sensor |
| 129155-49800 | Thermostat | thermostat |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.
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.
The Yanmar 3TNE78A-ADCL powers 1 generator set(s), including Northern Lights NL378.
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..