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Northern Lights 12kW Generator shutting down

Discussion in 'Generators' started by SplashFl, Aug 1, 2025 at 2:31 PM.

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  1. SplashFl, Aug 1, 2025 at 2:31 PM
    #1
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    12kw generator shutting down, after loss of the coolant. Finger turns black when inserted after cap removed and tank appears empty. Noticed the small hose from the top of the valve cover had hot fluid running out of the hose and after about 10 min. before shut down, had filled a quart jug about 1/2. Liquid appears to be blackish colored water that was steaming as it entered the jug 175 F so I suspect the coolant. Oil on dip stick remains on the full line. Thoughts ???
  2. Capt Ralph, Aug 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Let it cool down. Fill with water. Pressure test if you can. Check impeller.

    I have witnessed strange cooling problems with the Later NL heat exchangers. Usually after somebody worked on them.
    If not positioned correctly in the exhaust manifold, coolant and sea water combine and will eventually overheat.
  3. SplashFl, Aug 1, 2025 at 5:54 PM
    #3
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    The gen had been running fine until it just shut down, initially having me think a failed water temp sensor till discovering the lack of water. No one had touched it. Although I suspect the previous owner once replaced the electric end, it's 1996 vintage and ready to have a pro investigate soon as current mechanic finished with the Hynautic. It just never ends. :(
  4. SplashFl, Aug 2, 2025 at 9:54 AM
    #4
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Update! DEFINITELY has water in the oil for some reason.
  5. Capt Ralph, Aug 2, 2025 at 11:03 AM
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Uh Oh !!
  6. Capt Ralph, Aug 2, 2025 at 11:14 AM
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Is your model 12 with the heat exchanger in the exhaust manifold or over the front of the engine?
  7. SplashFl, Aug 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM
    #7
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Here's a photo. Current plan is to pay a visit to the local Phaser distributer after the weekend and learn if it has a Kubota engine. With only 3800 hrs. showing extremely disappointed in this Lugger.
    Imgp0010.jpg

    Imgp0011.jpg
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2025 at 12:18 PM
  8. Capt Ralph, Aug 2, 2025 at 12:28 PM
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Ah, another Shibaura block. Between the models I was thinking of.
    That is usually a good block.
    If you replace it; May we deal over this old one? :D I'll wash your car..:)
  9. SplashFl, Aug 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
    #9
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    LOL Car is black so even in garage always needs wash.
    Found the coolant pressure cap was 16 lbs. but specs call for 7 lbs. like the spare I have. Wondering if the excess pressure messed it up and pushed the water into the oil.
  10. Capt Ralph, Aug 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
    #10
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    There is not much to those head gaskets.
    You can re-torque the head and pressure test the system to around 10PSI. If the gasket is not scored, put some water in there and run it a bit.
    Still runs good, drain, re-charge the coolant and go fishing.

    Water can also get pushed by the piston rings into the sump.
    Until you get it running again, you need to keep turning that engine over daily before rust forms on the liners and valve seats .
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2025 at 2:18 PM
  11. SplashFl, Aug 2, 2025 at 3:01 PM
    #11
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Senior Member

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    Hope the mechanic working on the Hynautic can deal with it after the weekend. Certainly sounds like a repair is a LOT easier then replacing it but new is attractive, especially not having a back up nor room in there for one. Previous Bert had an 8kw under aft deck where they typically turn into piles of rust but I had a soft sided sound shield made that kept it rust free, and that one had GREAT access on all sides and was easy to lift out with the small wave runner davit on dock. This one would have to be taken apart as would the replacement and muscled out & in by a mini king Kong.
    Capt Ralph likes this.