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Northern Lights NL374 Generator Set

The Northern Lights NL374 is a diesel generator set powered by a Northern Lights NL368 engine. It operates at 60 Hz. It holds about 2.4 L (0.6 gal) of oil and 2.8 L (0.7 gal) of coolant. The set measures 1100×476×821 mm (43.3×18.7×32.3 in) and weighs about 229 kg (505 lb).

3.5 L
Displacement
2.4 L
Oil capacity
1
Document types

How to read your Northern Lights serial & model number →

Service parts for the NL374

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

Air intake

1 required

Fuel system

2 required
24-S50002Fuel filter (primary)see priceAmazon
24-50012Fuel filter (secondary)$65.23NAPA

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
Oil capacity2.4 L
AlternatorNL368 (4-pole, Class F insulation)
Battery voltage12 volt, negative ground V
Coolant capacity2.8 L
Dimensions (L×W×H)1100×476×821 mm
Dry weight229 kg

Engine

Northern Lights NL368
Oil capacity3.5 L
Coolant capacity10.0 L
Displacement3.5 L
Aspirationnaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Northern Lights NL368
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterAir cleaner element24-27301 Amazon eBay $44.91
Fuel filterPrimary fuel filter / water separator - complete unit24-S50002200 hr Amazon eBay
Fuel filterSecondary fuel filter24-50012200 hr Amazon eBay NAPA $65.23
Oil filterLube oil filter (all models)24-07301 Amazon eBay NAPA $13.92
BatterySAE 5 w/C107 drive—50 hr
BeltSAE 5 w/C107 drive—50 hr
OilSAE 5 w/C107 drive3.5 qts—100 hr
Spark plugSAE 5 w/C107 drive—600 hr

Service intervals

13
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
V-belt tensionCheck50 hr
battery electrolyteCheck50 hr1 moAdd distilled water to recommended level
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 change at 50 hours, then 100 hours; every 100 hours or six weeks in cold weather
primary fuel filter elementChange200 hrAs often as necessary
secondary fuel filterChange200 hr
batteriesTest600 hrCheck condition with hydrometer
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 pumpTest2400 hrCheck pump settings, maximum speed, idle speed and exhaust smoke
cylinder head boltsAdjustFirst 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

30
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
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
PressureRadiator pressure cap release0.9kg/cm2pressure valve
PressureRadiator pressure cap release12PSIpressure valve
TemperatureMaximum exhaust temperature1022deg F
TemperatureMaximum exhaust temperature550deg C
TemperatureWater temperature (shut down immediately)above 205deg Frunning
TemperatureWater temperature gauge (normal, maximum)below 200deg Frunning
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 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 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
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

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-5W (single viscosity)below -23°CBelow -10 deg F (-23 deg 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-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
FuelGrade No. 2 dieselASTM D975above 0°CAbove freezing 32 deg F (0 deg 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

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).
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.
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.
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.
Before Starting operation

⚠ Open the filler cap only when the engine is cold

  1. Check water level; about 1 in (2.5 cm) below filler cap sealing surface when cold.
  2. Check crankcase oil level between high and low marks on dipstick.
  3. Check fuel tank level and open fuel valves at tank and secondary filter.
  4. Turn on optional battery switch if installed.
Starting operation

⚠ Holding preheat switch on too long can burn out heater elements

⚠ Excessive cranking may cause engine damage

  1. Hold Shutdown Bypass-Preheat Switch ON 10 to 20 seconds before starting a cold engine.
  2. While holding the switch ON, push Engine Control Switch to START.
  3. Release both switches as soon as engine starts.
  4. Do not crank starter more than 20 seconds.
Stopping operation
  1. Remove electrical load from generator set.
  2. Run engine 3 to 5 minute cool down period.
  3. Move engine control switch to STOP until engine stops completely.
  4. Shut off fuel valve at tank.
Injector Removal and Installation (NL368, NL374) repair

⚠ Do not use pry bars to remove injectors from cylinder head

⚠ Overtightening can damage injector

⚠ DO NOT use hand to check for leaks

Tools: 20mm wrench or socket

  1. Clean loose dirt from around injectors and fuel lines.
  2. Relieve high pressure by loosening delivery line flare nuts at each injector.
  3. Remove delivery lines as an assembly; keep ends covered.
  4. Remove return line clamps and return lines.
  5. Unscrew injector with a 20 mm wrench or socket.
  6. Install new copper sealing washer and screw injector in to 36-39 ft-lbs (5.0-5.4 kgf-m).
  7. Install return and delivery lines; leave loose at injectors for bleeding.
Retightening Cylinder Head Bolts repair

Tools: torque wrench

  1. Retighten head bolts after first 50 hours with engine cold.
  2. Remove rocker arm cover.
  3. Tighten bolts in the torque sequence in 2 or 3 passes.
  4. End at specified torque on final pass and replace rocker arm cover.

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

Which engine powers the Northern Lights NL374?

The Northern Lights NL374 is powered by the Northern Lights NL368 engine.

What fuel does the Northern Lights NL374 use?

The Northern Lights NL374 runs on diesel.

What is the oil capacity of the Northern Lights NL374?

The Northern Lights NL368 engine in the Northern Lights NL374 has an oil capacity of 3.5 liters.

What is the coolant capacity of the Northern Lights NL374?

The Northern Lights NL374 cooling system holds 2.8 liters (0.7 US gallons) for the radiator system including the engine, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

How much does the Northern Lights NL374 weigh?

The Northern Lights NL374 has a dry weight of 229 kg (504 lb).

What alternator does the Northern Lights NL374 use?

The Northern Lights NL374 uses a NL368 alternator. It has 4 poles. Insulation class F.

Which oil filter part number does the Northern Lights NL374 take?

The Northern Lights NL374 uses oil filter part number 24-07301.

What fuel filter does the Northern Lights NL374 use?

The Northern Lights NL374 uses fuel filter part numbers 24-S50002, 24-50012.

What air filter fits the Northern Lights NL374?

The Northern Lights NL374 uses air filter part number 24-27301.

Troubleshooting

2

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomRemedy
Temperature gauge shows temperature above 205°F (97°C)Shut off the engine immediately. Use the Trouble Shooting Guide in this manual to isolate the cause of the overheat.
Temperature gauge shows temperature within normal range but shutdown is activatedCheck 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.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Repair guides

2

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

Parts

46
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
124550-55700Secondary fuel filter, spin-on type (later date)Fuel filter Amazon Amazon eBay eBay KuduParts $11.00 FridayParts $13.48
129100-55650Fuel Element1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $9.90 NAPA $17.33 FridayParts $9.70
129408-01330Cylinder Head Gasket1Gasket Amazon eBay FridayParts $43.99
129795-01780Rear Main Seal1Seal Amazon eBay
185046210Alternator Assembly1Alternator Amazon eBay FridayParts $79.00
22190-220002Seal Washer1Seal Amazon eBay
24-07301Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay NAPA $13.92
24-27301Air cleaner elementAir filter Amazon eBay $44.91
24-27302Element1Air filter Amazon eBay
24-50012Primary fuel filter element1Fuel filter Amazon eBay NAPA $65.23
24-S50002Primary fuel filter / water separator - complete unitFuel filter Amazon eBay
36-77300Oil Drain Valve with 5/8" Hose Barb1Hose Amazon eBay
020210010Nut1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
026100010Washer1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
027100010Spring washer1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
040126210Bearing2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
119640-01640Drain Plug M22 x 1.51Service part / kit Amazon eBay
124550-21600Ring Gear (127 Teeth)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $79.25
129001-02800Main Bearing, Standard5Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129002-22081Piston with Rings, Standard4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129002-22500Piston Ring Set, Standard4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129002-22900Piston with Rings, Over-sized 0.25 mm4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129002-22950Piston Ring Set, Over-sized 0.25 mm1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129150-01200Cylinder Head Bolt18Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $94.69
129150-02020Bearing Cap Bolt10Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129150-02450METAL, THRUST1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129150-02870Main Bearing, Under-sized 0.25 mm5Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129150-02930Thrust Bearing, Standard2Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $56.96
129150-02940Oversized thrust metal assy 0.25 DS, TNV84~882Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129150-21200Crankshaft Gear1Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $124.99
129150-23600Bearing, Standard4Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $56.96
129150-23610Bearing, Under-sized 0.25 mm4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129202-22300Piston Pin4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129400-01770Oil Sump Assembly1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129407-21000Crankshaft Assembly1Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $450.00
129550-21650Crankshaft Pulley1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
129795-02411Camshaft Bush1Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $26.34
171420-01600Flywheel Housing1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
171420-21590Flywheel Assembly1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
185446217Plate, complete1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
185446218Stator, complete1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
185446219Flywheel, complete1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
185446220Clamp1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
185716200Plate1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
729402-23100Con-Rod Assy4Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $89.50
729408-01560Cylinder Block Assembly1Service part / kit Amazon eBay FridayParts $1784.37

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
50%1.00.26
75%1.50.39
100%1.90.52

Available documents

Owner's manual — O210 (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.

Air filter 24-27301$44.91
Fuel filter (secondary) 24-50012$65.23
Oil filter 24-07301$13.92
3 priced items$124.06