Northern Lights M38C3 — Specs, Engine, Parts & Maintenance

Service parts for the M38C3

Grouped by system, with how many of each the parts manual calls for.

Air intake

1 required

24-01201Air filter$21.57NAPA

Fuel system

1 required

24-51201Fuel filter (secondary)$21.81NAPA

Oil system

1 required

24-51201Oil filter$21.81NAPA

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Confirm against your serial number before ordering.

Specifications

Fuel	diesel
Frequency	60.0 Hz
Standby power	38 kW
Prime power	36 kW
Emissions	US EPA Tier III
Oil capacity	10.0 L
Alternator	PX-300K2 / PX-332K2 series
Voltage options	120/208 V, 120/240 V
Phase	3 Phase: 120/208 VAC, 132 A,1 Phase: 120/240 VAC, 150 A
Power factor	['Std: 3/0.8 (Opt 1/1.0)']
Circuit breaker	105 A
Coolant capacity	11.4 L
Dimensions (L×W×H)	1519×655×1042 mm
Dry weight	680 kg

Engine

Northern Lights L944T3F

Oil capacity	10.0 L
Displacement	3.3 L
Aspiration	dry turbocharged overhead valve
Rated speed	1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Northern Lights L944T3F

Item	Spec	Capacity	Part #	Interval
Air filter			24-01201	250 hr	Amazon eBay $44.99 NAPA $21.57
Fuel filter	Secondary fuel filter		24-51201	2000 hr	Amazon eBay $33.57 NAPA $21.81
Oil filter	Secondary fuel filter		24-51201	2000 hr	Amazon eBay $33.57 NAPA $21.81
Battery	Check state of charge with hydrometer		—	500 hr
Belt	Tension: 10-12 mm deflection with 10 kg (22 lbs.) force		—	2000 hr
Coolant	50% water / 50% (maximum) ethylene glycol antifreeze; soft water pH 6.5 to 8.5; antifreeze without amine, silicate, or borate	11.4 liters	—	2000 hr
Oil	API Service CD, CE, and CF-4; SAE 15-40W above 32°F (0°C); SAE 10-30W -10° to 32°F (-23° to 0°C)	10.0 liters	—	2000 hr
Spark plug	Glow plug		—	500 hr

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
Battery electrolyte level	Check	100 hr	1 mo	First service — Every 50 hours, or once a month (SP20)
Engine oil	Change	1000 hr	6 mo	First service — SP2; after first 50 hours.
Lube oil filter	Change	50 hr		First service — SP3; after first 50 hours.
Valve clearance	Adjust	50 hr		First service — Readjust after first 50 hours
Valve clearances	Adjust	50 hr		First service — Readjust after first 50 hours (SP6)
Batteries, cables and terminals	Clean	100 hr		Check and clean every 100 hours (SP20)
Batteries, cables, and terminals	Check	100 hr		Check and clean every 100 hours (SP21)
Batteries, cables, terminals	Clean	100 hr		Clean corrosion with water and baking soda solution; tighten and grease terminals
Battery cables and terminals	Clean	100 hr		Every 100 hours
Battery electrolyte	Check	100 hr	1 mo	First service — SP20; every 100 hours.
V-belt	Check	100 hr		First service — SP5; every 100 hours.
V-belt tension	Check	100 hr		First service — Every 100 hours (SP5)
Air cleaner	Check	250 hr		Visually inspect every 250 hours
Air cleaner	Inspect	250 hr		Every 250 hours
Secondary fuel filter	Change	500 hr		SP9; every 250 hours.
Zinc electrodes	Check	250 hr		SP19; every 250 hours.
Batteries	Check	500 hr		Every 500 hours: Check state of charge of batteries (SP21)
Batteries	Test	500 hr		SP21; check state of charge/condition of batteries.
Battery	Test	500 hr		Check state of charge with hydrometer
Battery condition	Test	500 hr		Hydrometer every 500 hours
Battery condition (hydrometer)	Test	500 hr		EVERY 500 HOURS (SP20)
Battery state of charge	Check	500 hr		Every 500 hours
Cooling system	Check	500 hr		SP14-15 listed under EVERY 500 HOURS
Cooling system	Other	2000 hr	12 mo	SP15 in chart; listed as SP14 in text. Check and flush cooling system.
Crankcase vent filter	Check	500 hr		Change element when service indicator pops up
Fuel injectors	Check	500 hr		SP11 in chart; listed as SP10 in text.
Fuel system	Other	500 hr		SP10 in chart; listed as SP9 in text. Bleed the fuel system.
Fuel system bleeding	Other	500 hr		Every 500 hours
Impeller in raw water pump	Replace	500 hr		EVERY 500 HOURS (SP17)
Injectors	Check	500 hr		Every 500 hours; emission intervals at 1500 and 3000 hours
Primary fuel filter element	Change	500 hr		Schedule chart summary lists 500 hours; SP-8 text says every 200 hours or as necessary
Raw water pump impeller	Change	500 hr		SP17 in chart; listed as SP16 in text.
Raw water pump impeller	Replace	500 hr		Or as needed
Valve clearance	Check	500 hr		SP6; every 500 hours.
Valve clearances	Check	500 hr		Every 500 hours (SP6)
Turbocharger	Check	600 hr		SP13 in chart; listed as SP12 in text.
Fuel injectors	Clean	1500 hr		Emission maintenance: remove injectors and clean tips at 1500 hours
Air cleaner	Change	2000 hr		SP4; every 2000 hours or as needed.
Cooling system	Clean	2000 hr	12 mo	Flush every 2000 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first
Cooling system	Drain	2000 hr	12 mo	Flush every 2000 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first; footnote: or every 2 years (SP15)

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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Clearance	Coolant level	1	in.	below filler cap sealing surface when engine cold; also 2.5 cm
Clearance	Coolant level, cold	about 1	in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface	cold engine
Clearance	Exhaust valve clearance, cold	0.0098	in. (0.25 mm)	cold engine
Clearance	Intake valve clearance, cold	0.0098	in. (0.25 mm)	cold engine
Clearance	V-belt deflection	10-12	mm	with 10 kg (22 lbs.) force at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
Clearance	V-belt deflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys	.39 to .47 in. (10 - 12 mm)	in. (mm)	with 22 lbs. (10 kg) force
Gap	V-belt deflection	.39 to .47	in. (10 - 12 mm) at 22 lbs. (10 kg) force
Other	Antifreeze concentration	30 to 50	% antifreeze solution	maximum 50%
Other	Coolant capacity	11.4	liters	approximately; also 3 gal.
Other	Coolant level	about 1	in. (2.5 cm)	below filler cap sealing surface when engine is cold
Other	Coolant level (cold, at expansion tank filler)	1	in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface	engine cold
Other	Coolant pH	6.5 to 8.5	pH	soft water combined with antifreeze
Other	Coolant water pH	6.5 to 8.5	pH	soft water mixed with antifreeze in 30% to 50% maximum solution
Other	Engine oil capacity with new filter	10	liters	also 2.64 gallons
Other	Engine oil level	between high and low marks		dipstick
Other	Exhaust back pressure at engine exhaust elbow (F Series installation)	15	in. (381 mm) of water	maximum allowed
Other	Firing order	1-3-4-2		valve clearance measurement and adjustment
Other	Fuel cetane number	45	cetane number	or higher
Other	Fuel cetane number	45 or higher
Other	Fuel particulate contaminant	5.0	mg/l	or lower
Other	Fuel sulfur content	less than 0.2	% by weight	less than 0.05% recommended
Other	Fuel sulphur	less than 0.2% of weight (less than 0.05% recommended)
Other	Injector expected service life	5,000	hours
Other	Preheat time	10-20	seconds	before attempting startup
Other	Starter cranking time	not more than 10	seconds	consecutive cranking
Pressure	Engine oil pressure	20-60	PSI	normal operation
Pressure	Engine oil pressure	above 15	PSI	engine running
Pressure	Engine oil pressure - minimum during operation	15	PSI	gauges checked often while operating
Pressure	Engine oil pressure - normal operating range	20-60	PSI	engine running
Pressure	Engine oil pressure minimum	above 15	PSI	operating
Pressure	Engine oil pressure normal reading	20-60	PSI	after a few seconds of operation
Pressure	Engine oil pressure while operating	above 15	PSI	check gauges often
Pressure	Exhaust back pressure	27	in. water	maximum; also 685 mm water at engine exhaust elbow
Pressure	Exhaust back pressure	not greater than 15	in. water (381 mm)	measured at engine exhaust elbow
Pressure	Fuel injection valve opening pressure	11.77	MPa (120 kgf/cm2)
Speed	Frequency meter reference	60 Hz (1800 rpm) or 50 Hz (1500 rpm)	rpm
Temperature	Battery charging minimum temperature	16	°C (60°F)	battery must warm to before charging
Temperature	Battery charging minimum warm-up temperature	at least 16	°C	before charging a frozen battery; also 60°F
Temperature	Overheat shutdown	above 205	°F	shutdown activation (96°C)
Temperature	Overheat shutdown investigation threshold	205	°F (96° C)
Temperature	Shutdown temperature	above 205	°F (96° C)
Temperature	Water temperature gauge	below 200	°F	normal operation (94°C)
Temperature	Water temperature gauge maximum	200	°F (94° C)	normal operation
Temperature	Water temperature gauge normal	below 200	°F (94° C)
Temperature	Water temperature normal	below 200	°F	also below 94°C
Temperature	Water temperature shutdown	above 205	°F	shut off engine immediately; also above 96°C
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injection pump	19.5 to 23.9	ft/lbs	also 26.5 to 32.4 N·m; 2.7 to 3.3 kgf·m
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injection pump	19.5 to 23.9 ft/lbs (26.5 to 32.4 N·m), or 2.7 to 3.3 kgf·m	ft/lbs
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injectors	14.5 to 17.4	ft/lbs	also 21.0 to 23.0 N·m; 2.0 to 2.4 kgf·m
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injectors	14.5 to 17.4 ft/lbs (21.0 to 23.0 N·m), 2.0 to 2.4 kgf·m	ft/lbs	after bleeding the injection lines
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injectors	15.2 to 18.1	ft/lbs (20.6 to 24.5 N·m), 2.1 to 2.45 kgf·m
Torque	Injection line flare nuts at injectors	15.2 to 18.1 ft/lbs (20.6 to 24.5 N·m), 2.1 to 2.45 kgf·m	ft/lbs	after bleeding the injection lines
Torque	Injection pump mounting bolts	13.0 - 18.1	ft/lbs	also 17.7 to 24.5 N·m; 1.8 to 2.5 kgf·m
Torque	Injection pump mounting bolts	13.0 - 18.1 ft/lbs (17.7 to 24.5 N·m), 1.8 to 2.5 kgf·m	ft/lbs
Torque	Injector flare nuts after bleeding	14.5 to 17.4	ft/lbs (21.0 to 23.0 N•m; 2.0 to 2.4 kgf•m)
Torque	Injector flare nuts after bleeding	15.2 to 18.1	ft/lbs (20.6 to 24.5 N•m; 2.1 to 2.45 kgf•m)
Torque	Injector retaining nuts	18.1 to 25.3	ft/lbs	also 24.5 to 34.3 N·m; 2.5 to 3.5 kgf·m
Torque	Injector retaining nuts	18.1 to 25.3 ft/lbs (24.5 to 34.3 N·m), or 2.5 to 3.5 kgf·m	ft/lbs	evenly tighten, do not overtighten
Torque	Injector retaining nuts	39.1 to 47.7	ft/lbs (53.0 to 64.7 N•m; 5.4 to 6.6 kgf•m)
Torque	Injector retaining nuts	39.1 to 47.7 ft/lbs (53.0 to 64.7 N·m), or 5.4 to 6.6 kgf·m	ft/lbs	evenly tighten, do not overtighten

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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Ambient	Capacity	Notes
Coolant	50% water / 50% (maximum) ethylene glycol antifreeze	Antifreeze should not contain amine, silicate, or borate		11.4 liters	Soft water pH 6.5 to 8.5; 30% to 50% antifreeze solution.
Coolant	50% water / 50% (maximum) ethylene glycol antifreeze mix	Soft water with pH about 6.5 to 8.5; antifreeze must not contain amine, silicate or borate		11.4 liters	Coolant capacity approximately 3 gal. (11.4 liters); distilled/deionized water preferred
Coolant	Distilled, deionized, soft water	Maximum chlorides 40 ppm; sulfates 100 ppm; dissolved solids 340 ppm; total hardness 170 ppm; pH 5.5 to 9.0			Tap water should not be used unless tested; do not use reverse osmosis water unless pH neutralized.
Engine oil		API FA-4 or CK-4 (low ash for diesel particulate filters)			For units with DPF ('F' Series models). Use only low ash lubricating oil; no additives or flushing oil
Engine oil	SAE 10-30W	API Service CD, CE, and CF-4	-23°C to 0°C	10.0 liters	-10° to 32°F (-23° to 0°C). Use diesel-rated break-in oil during first 100 hours.
Engine oil	SAE 10W-30	API FA-4 or CK-4 for DPF 'F' models; CH-4 or higher for 'W' models	-23°C to 0°C	10.0 L	For average operation temperature -10° to 32°F (-23° to 0°C)
Engine oil	SAE 15-40W	API Service CD, CE, and CF-4	above 0°C	10.0 liters	Above 32°F (0°C). Use diesel-rated break-in oil during first 100 hours.
Engine oil	SAE 15W-40	API FA-4 or CK-4 for DPF 'F' models; CH-4 or higher for 'W' models	above 0°C	10.0 L	For average operation temperature above 32°F (0°C)
Fuel		JIS K2204; ISO-8217-DMA; BS 2869 Part 1 Class A1; BS 2869 Part 2 Class A2			International fuel specifications listed.
Fuel	Grade No. 1 diesel	ASTM D975	below 0°C		Use at ambient temperatures below freezing.
Fuel	Grade No. 2 diesel above freezing 32° F (0° C); Grade No. 1 below freezing	ASTM designation D975			Sulphur less than 0.2% by weight (less than 0.05% recommended); cetane number 45 or higher; particulate contaminate 5.0 mg/l or lower
Fuel	No. 1 diesel	ASTM D975; cetane 45 or higher; sulfur less than 0.2% by weight (less than 0.05% recommended)	below 0°C		Use below freezing
Fuel	Grade No. 2 diesel	ASTM D975	above 0°C		Use at ambient temperatures above freezing 32°F (0°C). Sulfur less than 0.2% by weight; cetane 45 or higher; particulate 5.0 mg/l or lower.
Fuel	No. 2 diesel	ASTM D975; cetane 45 or higher; sulfur less than 0.2% by weight (less than 0.05% recommended)	above 0°C		Use above freezing 32°F (0°C)

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

Adjust valve clearance adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, wrench

Readjust after first 50 hours; check every 500 hours thereafter.
Check valves when engine is cold.
Rotate crankshaft clockwise to bring No. 1 piston to TDC compression.
Align pulley notch with pointer; confirm No. 1 valves rock.
Measure clearance with feeler gauge in firing order 1-3-4-2.
Loosen lock nut, adjust screw until feeler gauge has slight drag.
Tighten lock nut, recheck clearance, and replace rocker cover.

SP-5 V-Belt Tension Check adjustment

Check tension and wear on the V-belt after every 50 hours.
Press belt with thumb at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
Tension is correct if belt can be depressed about .39 to .47 in. (10 - 12 mm) with 22 lbs. (10 kg) force.

SP-6 Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge

Readjust valve clearance after first 50 hours; check every 500 hours thereafter.
Check the valves when the engine is cold.
Rotate crankshaft clockwise to bring each piston to top dead center on compression stroke in firing order 1-3-4-2.
Loosen lock nut on adjustment screw and insert feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem cap.
Adjust until feeler gauge slides with slight drag; tighten lock nut and recheck clearance.
Adjust remaining valves and replace rocker arm cover.

V-Belt Tension adjustment

Check tension and wear after first 50 hours and every 50 hours.
Press belt at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys with thumb.
Correct tension is about 10-12 mm deflection with 10 kg (22 lbs.) force.
Adjust or replace belt if tension or wear is incorrect.

Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Feeler gauge, Wrenches

Check valves when engine is cold.
Rotate crankshaft clockwise to bring each piston to top dead center on compression stroke.
Align pulley notch with pointer and confirm No. 1 valves rock.
Measure each valve clearance with feeler gauge in firing order 1-3-4-2.
Loosen lock nut on adjustment screw.
Insert feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem cap.
Adjust until gauge slides with slight drag; tighten lock nut and recheck.
Replace rocker arm cover.

Bleed fuel system diagnostic

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

Tools: cloth

Loosen air vent plug on fuel filter about 1-1/2 turns.
Operate priming pump plunger until no air bubbles appear.
Close air vent plug.
For injection pump, loosen its air vent plug about 1-1/2 turns.
Pump feed pump until no bubbles; lock priming pump cap.
If engine will not start, loosen injector line and crank until fuel escapes.

Shutdowns and Alarms diagnostic

⚠ Do not remove water fill cap of overheated engine; allow to cool and remove slowly.

Units have shutdown systems for high water temperature or low oil pressure.
Generator sets have shutdown systems, no warning horns.
Optional alarms and shutdowns are available.
When activated, engage preheat switch to check temperature gauge.
If above 205°F (96°C), use Troubleshooting Guide to isolate overheat cause.
Make repairs and restart after temperature gauge registers below 200°F (94°C).
If shutdown activated but temperature normal, check exhaust temperature/impeller/strainer.
Check crankcase oil level; if low, fill with recommended oil and restart.
If oil level normal, do not restart; call dealer.

Air Cleaner maintenance

⚠ Do not clean filter with diesel fuel, solvent, or gasoline. Serious engine damage can result.

Visually inspect air cleaner every 250 hours.
Take off hose clamp on bracket and hump hose to detach air cleaner.
Ensure hump hose and new filter element are clean.
Install new filter element properly.
Do not clean filter with diesel fuel, solvent, or gasoline.
Do not run engine with air cleaner removed.

Bleeding Fuel System maintenance

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

Loosen air vent plug on fuel filter about 1-1/2 turns; cover vent with cloth.
Turn priming pump cap counterclockwise to unlatch it.
Move priming pump plunger up and down.
Close air vent plug when no air bubbles are seen.
To bleed injection pump, loosen its air vent plug about 1-1/2 turns.
Pump feed pump cap up and down until no air bubbles appear.
Push down priming pump cap and turn clockwise to lock.
If engine does not start, loosen fuel line at injector and crank until pure fuel escapes.

Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin causing serious personal injury. Relieve pressure before disconnecting lines and use cardboard or wood to check for leaks.

Tools: Cloth

Loosen air vent plug on fuel filter about 1-1/2 turns, covering vent with cloth.
Unlatch priming pump cap and move priming pump plunger up and down.
Close air vent plug when no more air bubbles are seen.
To bleed injection pump, loosen its air vent plug about 1-1/2 turns and pump feed pump.
Lock priming pump cap in place before closing air vent plug.
If engine does not start, loosen a fuel line at an injector and crank until pure fuel escapes; tighten.

Break-In Period maintenance

First 100 hours on new or reconditioned engine are critical.
Operate engine under various conditions, including heavy loading and minimal or no load.
Constantly check engine temperature and oil pressure gauges.
Change engine oil and filter at 50 hours and again at 100 hours.
Maintain at least 75% load for first 100 hours; if not possible, maintain no less than 50% load and vary load.

Change engine oil and filter maintenance

Tools: filter wrench

Change engine oil and oil filter after first 50 hours.
Use diesel-rated break-in oil during first 100 hours.
Change oil and filter again at 100 hours.
Thereafter change oil and filter every 250 hours.
Warm engine, drain oil, replace plug, refill with recommended oil.

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 power rating of the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 is rated 38 kW standby.

What engine is in the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 is powered by the Northern Lights L944T3F engine.

Is the Northern Lights M38C3 diesel or gas?

The Northern Lights M38C3 runs on diesel.

What is the oil capacity of the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights L944T3F engine in the Northern Lights M38C3 has an oil capacity of 10.0 liters.

What is the cooling system capacity of the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 cooling system holds 11.4 liters (3.0 US gallons) for the radiator system including the engine, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

What is the continuous rating of the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 is rated 36 kW prime, against 38 kW standby.

What is the dry weight of the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 has a dry weight of 680 kg (1499 lb).

What voltages is the Northern Lights M38C3 available in?

The Northern Lights M38C3 is offered in 120/208 V, 120/240 V, 3 Phase: 120/208 VAC, 132 A,1 Phase: 120/240 VAC, 150 A-phase.

What alternator does the Northern Lights M38C3 use?

The Northern Lights M38C3 uses a PX-300K2 / PX-332K2 series alternator.

Which oil filter part number does the Northern Lights M38C3 take?

The Northern Lights M38C3 uses oil filter part number 24-51201.

What fuel filter fits the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 uses fuel filter part number 24-51201.

What air filter fits the Northern Lights M38C3?

The Northern Lights M38C3 uses air filter part number 24-01201.

Repair guides

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

Parts

Part #	Description	Qty	System
24-01201	Lube oil filter	1	Oil filter	Amazon eBay $44.99 NAPA $21.57
24-21202	Air filter	1 / 2	Air filter	Amazon eBay
24-51201	Fuel filter	2	Fuel filter	Amazon eBay $33.57 NAPA $21.81
38-01200	Northern Lights standard spare parts kit: primary fuel filters, oil filters, air filter element, drive belt, thermostat and seal ring, rocker arm cover gasket, raw water pump impellers, zinc anodes		Air filter	eBay
38-01201	Northern Lights world class spare parts kit: primary fuel filters, oil filters, air filter element, drive belt, thermostat and seal ring, rocker arm cover gasket, raw water pump impellers, zinc anodes, fuel injector, glow plug, raw water pump, O-ring, 12VDC 50A relay, gasket kit, workshop manual		Air filter	eBay

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Fuel consumption

Rating	Load	L/h	gal/h
Prime		12.34	6.05
Prime	50%	10.0	3.5
Standby		12.34	6.05
Standby	50%	10.0	3.5

Available documents

Spec sheet — B178-M38C3F (Northern Lights)Operator's manual — OM944F (Northern Lights)Operator's manual — OM944T3-1 (Northern Lights)

This page was generated from the 3 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.

Northern Lights M38C3 Generator Set

Service parts for the M38C3

Air intake

Fuel system

Oil system

Specifications

Engine

Maintenance & consumables

Service intervals

Service specifications

Recommended fluids

Procedures

Common questions

Repair guides

Parts

Fuel consumption

Available documents