HomeNorthern LightsNorthern Lights NL488

Northern Lights NL488 Generator Set

The Northern Lights NL488 is a 20 kW (16 kVA) Diesel standby generator set powered by a Yanmar 4TNE88 engine. It is available at 120 V and 110 V, 1-phase, 60 Hz and rated 166 A. It holds about 7.9 L (2.1 gal) of oil and 5.7 L (1.5 gal) of coolant, with a maximum ambient rating of 95 °C. The set measures 1201×512×922 mm (47.3×20.2×36.3 in) and weighs about 396 kg (873 lb).

20 kW
Standby
2.189 L
Displacement
7.9 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

Specifications

FuelDiesel
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power20 kW
Prime power12 kW
EmissionsTier II
ControllerAutomatic Voltage Regulator
Oil capacity7.9 L
Voltage options120 V, 240 V, 83 V, 166 V
Phase1
Rated current[166, 145.4, 166] A
Power factor1
Battery voltage12 V
Coolant capacity5.7 L
Max ambient95 °C
Dimensions (L×W×H)1201×512×922 mm
Dry weight396 kg

Engine

Yanmar 4TNE88
Oil capacity7.9 L
Coolant capacity5.7 L
Displacement2.189 L
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Yanmar 4TNE88
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter1000 hr find
Fuel filter find
Oil filter250 hr find
Belt50 hr find
Coolant5.7 qts
Oil500 hr

Compatible filters for the Yanmar 4TNE88 — cross-referenced via Donaldson. Options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for this exact unit.

  • Air filter: Yanmar 12993512520J Yanmar 12908712510 Yanmar 12906212560L Yanmar 12905112530 Donaldson P532410
  • Fuel filter: Yanmar 12910055650 Yanmar 11900055602 Yanmar 12185755710 Donaldson P502161 Donaldson P550048
  • Oil filter: Yanmar 12915035151 Yanmar 12915035170 Yanmar 12935035150 Donaldson P502007 Donaldson P550162

Common questions

What is the power rating of the Northern Lights NL488?

The Northern Lights NL488 is rated 20 kW standby.

What engine does the Northern Lights NL488 use?

The Northern Lights NL488 is powered by the Yanmar 4TNE88 engine.

What fuel does the Northern Lights NL488 use?

The Northern Lights NL488 runs on Diesel.

What is the oil capacity of the Northern Lights NL488?

The Yanmar 4TNE88 engine in the Northern Lights NL488 has an oil capacity of 7.9 liters.

Troubleshooting

16

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Temperature gauge shows temperature within normal temperature rangeCheck 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.
Battery Will Not ChargeLoose or corroded connections Sulfated or worn out batteries Loose or defective alternator belt* Clean and tighten battery connections. * Check specific gravity of each battery. * Check electrolyte level of each battery. * Adjust belt tension. * Replace belt.
Starter InoperativeCheck DC circuit breaker Loose or corroded connections Low battery output Defective electrical system ground wire:* If the breaker is tripped, reset it. * Clean and tighten loose battery and harness plug connection. * Check specific gravity of each battery. * Check electrolyte level of each battery. * Repair or replace.
Starter Cranks SlowlyLow battery output Check specific gravity of each battery Check electrolyte level of each battery Crankcase oil too heavy* Battery is too small. * Battery cables are too small. * If low, fill cells with distilled water. * Fill with oil of appropriate viscosity. * Clean and tighten loose connections.
Entire Electrical System Does Not FunctionCheck DC circuit breaker Faulty connection Sulfated or worn out batteries* If breaker is tripped, reset it. * Clean and tighten battery and harness plug connections. * Check specific gravity and electrolyte level of each battery.
Engine Hard to Start or Will Not StartImproper starting procedure No fuel Low battery output Excessive resistance in starting circuit Crankcase oil too heavy Improper type of fuel Water, dirt or air in fuel system Clogged primary fuel filter element — Clogged secondary fuel filter element Dirty or faulty injection nozzles* See starting section of this manual. Take special note of Bypass Switch operation. * Check level of fuel in fuel tank. * Check electrolyte level and condition. * Clean and tighten all battery connections. ° Use oil of proper viscosity. ° Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition. ¢ Drain, flush, fill and bleed system. ¢ Clean or replace
Engine Runs irregularly or Stalis FrequentlyBelow normal engine temperature, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Water or dirt in the fuel system, Dirty or faulty injection nozzles, Air in fuel system, Improper type of fuelClean or replace filter element, Replace secondary filter element, Drain, flush, fill and bleed system, Inspect clamps and hoses on suction side of fuel pump for air leak, Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition
Lack of Engine PowerIntake air restriction, Clogged primary fuel filter element, Clogged secondary fuel filter element, Improper type of fuel, Overheated engine, Below normal engine temperature, Dirty or faulty injection nozzlesService air cleaner, Clean or replace filter element, Replace filter element, See “Engine Overheats” in next category, Reset valves. Best done by dealer, Replace injectors. Best done by dealer
Engine OverheatsLow coolant level, Cooling system needs flushing, Defective thermostat, Defective temperature gaugeFill tank or radiator to proper level, Check hoses for loose connections and leaks, Flush cooling system, Remove and check thermostat, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary
Engine KnocksInsufficient oil, Injection pump out of time, Below normal engine temperature, Engine overheatingCall your dealer, Call your dealer, Check your thermostats, Check water temperature to see if temperature gauge is working properly, See “Engine Overheating” section
High Fuel ConsumptionImproper type of fuel, Clogged or dirty air cleaner, Improper valve clearance, Injection nozzles dirty, Injection pump out of time, Engine not at proper temperatureUse correct fuel for temperature, Service air cleaner, See your dealer, See your dealer, See your dealer, Check your thermostats, Check water temperature with thermometer and replace gauge if necessary
Low Oil PressureLow oil level, Improper type of oil, Partially plugged oil filterFill crankcase to proper level, Drain and fill crankcase with correct oil, Replace filter
High Oil ConsumptionBreak-in period, Crankcase oil too light, Oil leaksOil consumption decreases after break in, Use proper viscosity oil, Check for leaks in lines around gaskets and drain plug
Engine Emits Black or Gray Exhaust SmokeClogged or dirty air cleaner, Defective muffler (back pressure too high), Improper fuel Injection nozzles dirty, Engine out of timeService air cleaner, Have dealer check back pressure, See your dealer, See your dealer
Engine Emits White SmokeCold engineWarm up engine to normal operating temperature
Defective thermostat, Engine out of timeEngine out of timeRemove and check thermostat, See your dealer

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

Parts

5
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
SP10Change secondary fuel filterSecondary fuel filter kuduparts $185.00
SP12Check injectorsInjectors eBay $4500.00
SP16Check and clean radiatorRadiator eBay $43.00
SP18Check condition of batteries with hydrometerBatteries eBay $19.00
SP20Check fuel injection nozzle pressureFuel injection nozzle pressure eBay $130.00

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
Prime6.01.3
Prime100%6.52.7
Standby

Available documents

Spec sheetOperator's manualParts manual