The Northern Lights M984W is a 33 kW diesel prime generator set. It is available at 120 V, 1-phase, 60 Hz and rated 137 A. It holds about 9 L (2.4 gal) of oil, with a maximum ambient rating of 50 °C. The set measures 1386×594.6×766.4 mm (54.6×23.4×30.2 in) and weighs about 553 kg (1219 lb).
Loose 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 Inoperative
Check DC circuit breaker Loose or corroded connections Low battery condition 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 Slowly
Low battery condition Check specific gravity of each battery Check electrolyte level of each battery Crankcase oil too heavy Loose or corroded connections 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 Function
Check 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 Start
Improper starting procedure No fuel Low battery condition 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 filter element. Replace filter element. Have your dealer check injection nozzles.
Engine Runs Irregularly or Stalls Frequently
Below normal engine temperature Clogged primary fuel filter element Clogged secondary fuel filter element
Dirty or faulty injection nozzles
Have your dealer check injection nozzles.
Air in fuel system
Inspect clamps and hoses on suction side of fuel pump for air leak.
Improper type of fuel
Consult fuel supplier and use proper type of fuel for operating condition.
Lack of Engine Power
Engine overloaded
Reduce the load.
Engine Overheats
Engine overloaded
Reduce the electrical load.
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
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.