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Old 12-07-2018, 08:26   #1
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Genset overhall

Hi all

Looking for some advice about my genny. I have a 4.5kw Northern Lights that was installed in 2001 and currently has 350 hours on the clock.

It is currently sitting on my deck as I go through an engine install so I would like to take the opportunity to give it a thorough going over while access is easy as a preemptive strike against future issues. If I were to assume that the genny has done 1000 hours can anyone suggest which parts should be replaced/refurbed as standard? (the manual gives little info other than normal service items).
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Old 12-07-2018, 11:18   #2
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Genset overhall

Water pump impeller and I’d have the injectors serviced. Beyond that I’d borescope the cylinders before I did anything else or maybe pull the head. So long as no water has gotten inside there should be no reason to do anything to the engine, certainly not overhaul.
Look at belts and hoses of course, flush the fresh water cooling side, clean heat exchanger, and any other maintenance chores that may be difficult where you install it.
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Old 13-07-2018, 07:23   #3
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Re: Genset overhall

Thakns A64. Ive already serviced the basic items, but will get a boroscope to have a proper look round inside.
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Old 13-07-2018, 12:36   #4
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Re: Genset overhall

With that few hours, that Lugger isn’t really even fully broken in.
Assuming it has no real corrosion, I’d change its oil, then once I got it running, run it an hour or so and change it again, then put it under a sustained hard load. To reseat the rings, it’s possible that if you baby or too much they won’t seat and you have an oil burner for ever. Not much oil likely but a little.
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Old 13-07-2018, 13:01   #5
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Re: Genset overhall

Hell its only got 350 hours! I would just change the impeller, oil, zinc,, belt, and adjust the valves (just because it's out on deck).

Oh, and check the damn capacitor. No take the opportunity to replace it and move it to a location that it will stay cool.
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Old 13-07-2018, 15:51   #6
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Re: Genset overhall

Quote:
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Oh, and check the damn capacitor. No take the opportunity to replace it and move it to a location that it will stay cool.

Newb question: Which capacitor? Where?

Thanks
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Old 13-07-2018, 16:27   #7
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Re: Genset overhall

If it “ain’t” broke, why in the world do you want to “fix it?”
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Old 13-07-2018, 16:31   #8
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Re: Genset overhall

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Newb question: Which capacitor? Where?

Thanks
Steve
I'm glad someone asked!
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Old 13-07-2018, 16:33   #9
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Re: Genset overhall

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Originally Posted by foggysail View Post
If it “ain’t” broke, why in the world do you want to “fix it?”
Because access to it in the engine room can only be described as awful, so while its on the deck why not do some preemptive maintenance......
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Old 13-07-2018, 16:33   #10
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Genset overhall

I don’t think a Northern Lights is capacitor regulated are they?
I believe without trying to insult anyone, that is usually less expensive generators like mine.
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Old 13-07-2018, 16:34   #11
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Re: Genset overhall

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigNut View Post
Newb question: Which capacitor? Where?

Thanks
Steve
Don’t know, maybe it doesn’t have one for voltage control
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Old 13-07-2018, 17:25   #12
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Re: Genset overhall

OK, thanks. I just thought there was ANOTHER spare we don’t have on board! [emoji85][emoji15]No mention in the manual.
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Old 13-07-2018, 17:45   #13
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Re: Genset overhall

I think that engine uses a diaphragm lift pump. If you can buy the diaphragm separately you might change it. Another option would be an electric fuel pump that makes bleeding the injector pump easier.
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Old 13-07-2018, 18:32   #14
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Re: Genset overhall

Carry an electric pump as a spare, it can replace either the generator pump or the propulsion pump.
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Old 13-07-2018, 18:35   #15
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Re: Genset overhall

I’d suggest changing the exhaust elbow. On mine, the salt water rusted through the cast channel that keeps the exhaust separate from the water in the upper section. A few shutdowns when healed over will result in salt water on top of the valves and an eventual loss of compression. Required a head job. Both the valves and head were damaged and the head does not have replaceable valve seats. So the head had to be machined to accept aftermarket seats. The elbow looked totally fine from the outside even upon removal and was not carboned up. A sister ship found theirs cracked upon removal. At the time it was under $200 for the elbow. Failure was around 1000hrs I think it is time dependent as well as hrs.
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