Northern Lights OM150C12 Operator's Manual - page 12
10
OM150C12 11/11
Operating Procedures
BEFORE STARTING
1. Check the water level by removing the pressure
cap from the expansion tank. In order to give the
cooling water room to expand, the level should be
about 1 3/4 in. (4-5 cm) below the filler cap sealing
surface when the engine is cold. When filling with
coolant, the venting cock on top of the turbocharger
should be opened to ensure that no air pockets form
in the cooling system (see Service Point #14)
.
CAUTION: Use protective clothing and open
the filler cap carefully when the engine is warm
to prevent burns.
2. Check the oil level in the crankcase with the dipstick.
The oil level should be between the “waffled area”
and the “oo”. Never allow the level to go below
the “oo”. Always add the same viscosity of oil as is
already in the crankcase (see Service Point #1).
3. Check the fuel tank level and open any fuel valves.
4. Disengage clutch, if equipped.
5. Close the seacock, check and clean the strainer and
reopen the seacock.
6. Place the battery switch in the ON position.
NOTE: The battery switch must always be kept ON
while the engine is running. If the switch is turned
OFF while the engine is running, the battery charging
regulator could be ruined.
Starting
1. While holding the Shutdown Bypass switch in the
ON position, push the Engine Control switch to the
START position.
2. As soon as the engine starts, release both switches.
Do not crank the starter for more than 20 seconds.
3. If the engine fails to start the first time, be sure the
starter has stopped before re-engaging. Wait 2 min-
utes before starting engine again.
NOTE: If there is a governor locked at a specific
speed on the generator set, there may not be a slow
idle function, so in that case operate the engine at
high idle for 1 to 2 minutes before adding load. If
the stand-by generator set is loaded as soon as it
reaches rated speed, this procedure would not apply.
Operating
1.Check Gauges Often: Oil pressure must be above
29 PSI (if not above 15 PSI within 5 seconds of
starting, the engine should be stopped and the
problem should be explored). Normal oil pressure
is 50 PSI at rated load speed (1800 to 2500 RPM).
Oil temperature should be 115
0
C (240
0
F) for normal
operating temperature. The D.C. voltmeter should
read between 13 and 14 volts (26-28 volts, 24 volt
systems).
2. Check AC voltage and frequency meters (Series 4
Panel). If gauges deviate from normal levels, shut
down the set and investigate.
3. Check belt for good alignment.
4. Let the unit run unloaded for a three to five minute
warm-up period before applying load.
5. Do not add full electrical load until engine is at
maximum operating temperature.
NOTE: If engine dies while under load, immediately
remove load and restart engine. Turbocharger parts
could overheat if the oil flow stopped.
Shutdown
1. Turn the Engine Control Switch to the OFF position.
2. Close the sea cock and fuel valves, and put the
battery switch in the OFF position if the unit will be
off for an extended period.
NOTE: Do not turn the battery switch to OFF while
the engine is running.
SHUTDOWNS AND ALARMS
1. Your unit is fitted with a system to protect it from
high water temperature or low oil pressure.
a. Generator sets have shutdown systems to stop the
engine. They have no warning horns.
b. Other alarms and shutdowns are available as
optional equipment.
NOTE: Do not rely on your warning or shutdown
system to the exclusion of careful gauge monitoring.
Watching your gauges can prevent damage to the unit
and dangerous power losses.