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Northern Lights M673K Generator Set

The Northern Lights M673K is a diesel generator set powered by a Northern Lights 673K engine. It is available at 120 V, 240 V and 120/240 V, single-phase and 60 Hz. It holds about 2.8 L (0.7 gal) of oil and 1.89 L (0.5 gal) of coolant, with a maximum ambient rating of 40 °C. Starting uses battery rated 440 CCA at 12 V. The set measures 688×437×496 mm (27.1×17.2×19.5 in) and weighs about 161 kg (355 lb).

0.676 L
Displacement
2.8 L
Oil capacity
1
Document types

How to read your Northern Lights serial & model number →

Service parts for the M673K

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

Fuel system

1 required
360720020Fuel filter (secondary)$11.00eBay

Oil system

1 required

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

Specifications

Fueldiesel
Frequency60.0 Hz
ControllerSeries 4 / Series 7
Oil capacity2.8 L
AlternatorTF276K (4-pole, Class F insulation)
Voltage options120 V, 240 V, 120/240 V
Phase1
Circuit breaker20 A
Battery cranking440 CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Starting system12 V DC
Coolant capacity1.89 L
Max ambient40 °C
Dimensions (L×W×H)688×437×496 mm
Dry weight161 kg

Engine

Northern Lights 673K
Oil capacity2.8 L
Coolant capacity1.89 L
Displacement0.676 L
AspirationNatural
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Northern Lights 673K
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Fuel filterSecondary fuel filter element360720020 Amazon eBay $11.00 FridayParts $10.20
Oil filterLube oil filter24-02001 Amazon eBay $23.45 NAPA $9.09

Service intervals

20
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Battery electrolyteCheck50 hr1 moAfter first 50 hours and every 50 hours; once per month
Cylinder head boltsAdjust50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours when cold
Engine oil and filterChange50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
V-belt tensionCheck50 hrAfter first 50 hours and every 50 hours
ValvesAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours
Air cleanerCheck100 hrEvery 100 hours; more often in dusty conditions
Engine oil and filter (industrial)Change100 hrEvery 100 hours industrial only
RadiatorClean100 hrCheck and clean every 100 hours industrial only
Radiator finsClean100 hrRemove debris daily; clean every 100 hours in dusty applications
Engine oil and filter (marine)Change200 hrEvery 200 hours marine only
Fuel systemOther200 hrBleed every 200 hours marine only
Primary fuel filter elementChange200 hr
Secondary fuel filterChange200 hr
BatteriesTest600 hrCheck state of charge with hydrometer
Cooling systemOther600 hr12 moFlush every 600 hours or 12 months
InjectorsCheck600 hr
Raw water pump impeller (marine)Change600 hr
Valve clearancesCheck600 hr
Fuel injection pumpCheck2400 hr
Heat exchanger (marine)Clean2400 hr12 moClean 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

18
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherV-belt tension3/16indeflection at midpoint between crankshaft and alternator pulleys
PressureOil pressureabove 15PSIrunning
PressureOil pressure normal reading20-60PSIafter a few seconds of operation
ResistanceGenerator A-B resistance0.25ohmat 20°C (68°F)
ResistanceGenerator J-K resistance16.6ohmat 20°C (68°F)
ResistanceGenerator U1-V2 resistance0.56ohmat 20°C (68°F)
TemperatureIndustrial shutdown temperature230°Fshut off immediately if above
TemperatureIndustrial water temperature gaugebelow 225°Foperating
TemperatureMarine shutdown temperature205°Fshut off immediately if above
TemperatureMarine water temperature gaugebelow 200°Foperating
TorqueCylinder head bolts26 - 29ft/lbscold; tighten in 2 or 3 passes
TorqueFuel injector43 or 50ft/lbs
TorqueFuel return line retaining bolts22 - 30ft/lbs
TorqueRocker arm cover nuts7.2 - 8.7ft/lbs
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.008incold, engine not running
Valve clearanceIntake and exhaust valves0.2mmcold, engine not running
VoltageDC voltmeter11-15voltsat 80°F (25°C) ambient
VoltageNo load voltage setting242V or 121VVat 62 Hz with cold generator

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 antifreeze mix1.89 LRecommended year-round coolant
Engine oilSAE 5W single viscosity; SAE 5-20W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SFbelow -23°CBelow -10°F (-23°C)
Engine oilSAE 10W single viscosity; SAE 10-30W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SF-23°C to 0°C-10 to 32°F (-23 to 0°C)
Engine oilSAE 30W single viscosity; SAE 15-40W multi-viscosityAPI Service CC/CD/CE or CC/CD/SFabove 0°C3.0 LAbove 32°F (0°C); capacity with new oil filter
FuelNo. 2 diesel above freezing 32°F (0°C); No. 1 below freezing and above 5,500 ftASTM D975Sulfur 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
Retightening Cylinder Head Bolts adjustment

Tools: torque wrench

  1. Retighten head bolts after first 50 hours when engine is cold.
  2. Loosen nuts and remove rocker arm cover.
  3. Tighten bolts with torque wrench in sequence shown.
  4. Tighten evenly in 2 or 3 passes, ending at specified torque.
Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment
  1. Adjust after cylinder head bolts are retightened; engine cold and not running.
  2. Turn engine by hand until #1 cylinder inlet valve starts to open and exhaust starts to close.
  3. Turn crankshaft one more full turn and adjust both valves for this cylinder.
  4. Loosen lock nut and adjust clearance between rocker arm and valve guide.
  5. Set clearance to 0.008 in. (0.2 mm) for both intake and exhaust.
  6. Repeat for each cylinder individually.
  7. Replace rocker arm cover and tighten cover nuts to 7.2 - 8.7 ft/lbs.
Bleeding the Fuel System maintenance

⚠ Escaping diesel fuel under pressure can penetrate skin.

Tools: cardboard or wood

  1. Loosen bleed screw A on top of filter.
  2. Pump hand primer B on fuel lift pump until pure fuel escapes from bleed screw A.
  3. Tighten bleed screw A.
  4. Loosen bleed screw C and pump until pure fuel escapes.
  5. If engine does not start, loosen a fuel line at injector, pump until pure fuel escapes, and tighten.
  6. After starting, use cardboard to check for fuel leaks.
Changing Lube Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Overtightening can damage filter housing.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Remove old filter with filter wrench and discard.
  2. Make sure old gasket is removed and 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, start, check for leakage, stop, wait 3 minutes, and check oil level.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Open sea cock before running engine on marine sets.

  1. Flush every 600 hours or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
  2. Marine sets: remove expansion tank cap and drain engine block.
  3. Open block drain cock and pour clean water into expansion tank until drains run clear.
  4. Let water drain completely, close drains, and refill with recommended mixture.
  5. Industrial sets: remove radiator cap and open drain cocks on radiator and engine block.
  6. Flush until water from radiator and engine drain is clear.
  7. Close drain cock and refill with recommended coolant mixture.
  8. Clean fins on radiator.
Engine Oil Change maintenance

⚠ Never use a flushing oil.

  1. Change oil when engine is warm.
  2. Loosen clamp on oil change tube, remove cap, and drain oil.
  3. Replace cap and tube.
  4. Refill engine with recommended oil.
  5. Capacity with new oil filter is 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) for 643K and 673K.
Raw Water Pump Impeller Replacement maintenance

⚠ Place protection under screwdrivers to avoid damaging pump housing.

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.
  5. Clean inside of housing.
  6. Press in new impeller and place sealing washers in outer end of impeller center.
  7. Replace cover using new gasket.
Winterizing / Out-of-Service maintenance
  1. Marine sets: drain fresh water and seawater cooling systems; shut off seacocks before opening drain cocks.
  2. Drain water supply lines and wet exhaust line.
  3. Loosen seawater pump cover and drain pump.
  4. Industrial sets: drain and flush radiator and cooling system.
  5. Fill fuel tank or add biocide.
  6. Seal air cleaner inlet, exhaust opening, crankcase breather pipe, and fuel tank vent.
  7. Store set in dry protected place.
  8. Change crankcase oil and filter.
  9. Loosen alternator belt.
  10. Disconnect and clean battery.
  11. Clean outside of unit and apply corrosion preventative.
Before Starting Checks operation

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

  1. Check water level about 1 in. (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface when cold.
  2. Check crankcase oil level with dipstick; oil must be in waffled area.
  3. Check fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.
  4. Marine sets: close sea-cock, check and clean sea strainer, reopen sea-cock.
  5. Marine sets: place battery switch in ON position.
Booster Battery Connection operation

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

  1. Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if necessary.
  2. Booster and main batteries must have the same voltage rating.
  3. Connect positive terminal of booster battery to positive terminal of main battery.
  4. Connect negative terminal of booster battery to ground on engine block.
  5. Remove booster battery after starting engine.
Starting operation

⚠ Holding preheat ON too long can burn out glow plugs.

⚠ Excessive cranking on marine sets with water lift muffler can cause engine damage.

  1. Hold Shutdown Bypass-Preheat switch ON for 10 to 20 seconds before starting a cold engine.
  2. While holding preheat ON, push Engine Control switch to START.
  3. As soon as engine starts, release both switches.
  4. Do not crank starter for more than 20 seconds consecutively.
  5. If engine does not start after three 20-second cranks, remove raw water pump impeller.
Stopping operation
  1. Remove electrical load from generator set.
  2. Run engine for 3 to 5 minute cool down period.
  3. Move Engine Control switch to STOP position momentarily.
  4. Marine sets: shut off seacock, fuel valve, and battery switch.

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

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
1201Control terminal board set to 120; output terminal board U1 to U2 and V1 to V2; output leads to U1 and V2U1, U2, V1, V2120 volt output
120/2401Control terminal board set to 240; output terminal board U2 to V1; output leads to U2 and V2; neutral to V1 (or U2); 240 volt output from U1 and V2U1, U2, V1, V2Divide 120 volt load as equally as possible between two 120 volt circuits
2401Control terminal board set to 240; output terminal board U2 to V1U1, U2, V1, V2240 volt output

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 engine does the Northern Lights M673K use?

The Northern Lights M673K is powered by the Northern Lights 673K engine.

What fuel does the Northern Lights M673K use?

The Northern Lights M673K runs on diesel.

How much oil does the Northern Lights M673K take?

The Northern Lights 673K engine in the Northern Lights M673K has an oil capacity of 2.8 liters.

What is the cooling system capacity of the Northern Lights M673K?

The Northern Lights M673K cooling system holds 1.89 liters (0.5 US gallons) for the radiator system including the engine, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

How much does the Northern Lights M673K weigh?

The Northern Lights M673K has a dry weight of 161 kg (354 lb).

What voltages is the Northern Lights M673K available in?

The Northern Lights M673K is offered in 120 V, 240 V, 120/240 V, 1-phase.

How many cold cranking amps does the Northern Lights M673K require?

The Northern Lights M673K uses 12 V each, 440 CCA, per the manufacturer specification sheet. The starting system is 12 V DC.

What alternator does the Northern Lights M673K use?

The Northern Lights M673K uses a TF276K alternator. It has 4 poles. Insulation class F.

What oil filter fits the Northern Lights M673K?

The Northern Lights M673K uses oil filter part number 24-02001.

What fuel filter does the Northern Lights M673K use?

The Northern Lights M673K uses fuel filter part number 360720020.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Battery Will Not ChargeLoose or corroded connectionsClean and tighten battery connections.
Battery Will Not ChargeSulfated or worn out batteriesCheck specific gravity of each battery; Check electrolyte level of each battery.
Battery Will Not ChargeLoose or defective alternator beltAdjust belt tension; Replace belt.
Starter InoperativeCheck DC circuit breakerIf the breaker is tripped, reset it.
Starter InoperativeLoose or corroded connectionsClean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection.
Starter InoperativeLow battery outputCheck specific gravity of each battery; Check electrolyte level of each battery.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Northern Lights M673K troubleshooting guide (73 entries) →

Repair guides

2

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

Parts

4
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
22-68304Brush assembly1Brush Amazon eBay
24-02001Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay $23.45 NAPA $9.09
360720020Fuel Filter Element1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $11.00 FridayParts $10.20
22-68305Generator bearing1Service part / kit Amazon 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

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Prime100%15.05.3
Standby75%10.03.5
Standby100%0.310.43

Available documents

Operator's manual — O643-673K (Northern Lights)

This page was generated from the 1 manufacturer document above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.

Full service, cheapest listings

Priced items from this model's own parts manual.

Fuel filter (secondary) 360720020$11.00
Oil filter 24-02001$9.09
2 priced items$20.09