Replacing Northern Lights Generator Starter (MV Dirona Channel)

Our Northern Lights 12kW generator is just a slight bit slower to start. In this video, we check the likely possibilities for slow to start, including air filters, fuel filters, voltage at battery, and voltage at starter during cranking and determine that the starter is at fault. We then show the process of changing the starter and bringing the system back on line.
You can read more about our travels at mvdirona.com, including a live map with our current location.

[@steve_bailey]

James!!! Fond memories from SQL Server days!

[@MVDirona]

Hey Steve, it's 'good hearing from you. We did have a great time on SQL Server. All the best!

[@jsking306]

Yours has to be the cleanest engine room ever!

[@MVDirona]

I appreciate that. I'm currently at war with the generator rear main oil seal. It's throwing an annoying amount of oil around. I'll need to get that fixed. Unfortunately that means jacking up and removing the entire generator end and flywheel to get access to the rear main oil seal. The best way for me to keep it clean is to keep the oil inside the engines :-).

[@jsking306]

@@MVDirona Good luck! Should make an interesting video.

[@MVDirona]

The first challenge is getting the parts. They have been in the UK for a week and UPS has been struggling to get them delivered. The current estimate is tomorrow morning.

[@johnshefferly8383]

Captain my Captain, you are a source of knowledge and inspiration. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@MVDirona]

Thanks John. We appreciate the feedback on the video.

[@thomasmcclellan1466]

Videos like these are so entertaining to watch. Thank you. James is an excellent teacher.

[@MVDirona]

We appreciate the feedback and will do another video on resolving the valve and/or seat problem we currently have.

[@twinchartersllc1797]

I see you are now in Norway. With short days and high latitude “night cruising” I Has to be your normal cruising. Great stuff and a wonderful cruise schedule.

[@MVDirona]

Yes, exactly. With daylight not until 10am and there only be just a bit more than 4 hours of light on the shortest day, you either travel at night or give up the entire day to travel. So we often travel at night or at least part of the time at night. This morning we got underway at 4:45 and it's 8:30am now and it's still dark But, we'll have daylight to enjoy exploring the ara.

[@cbwagner7269]

As a Nordhavn dreamer, and one with essentially zero experience in anything mechanical, these videos are invaluable to me. Thank you for continuing to create and share.

[@MVDirona]

We appreciate the feedback. Video is a time consumptive format to produce but knowing its useful to others makes it worth doing.

[@rkspdx]

There are parts of boating I don’t miss! Our last boat was a Carver 430 and depending on what was broken usually no room and always numerous blood spills! Plus your language is a major improvement over what I would be saying...

[@MVDirona]

Yes, you are right that the maintenance work is a price one has to pay to enjoy the freedom of boating all over the world. For us, the equation pencils out nicely but there are times when the work is annoying, the space too small, or there just seems to be too much of it. But, on the whole, the boat offers an amazing lifestyle. Yesterday, we changed the cylinder head on the generator which is a big job but, in looking back, it's only a day of work and it's great to see the generator back to running well.

[@Breen3642]

I can’t thank you enough for making these informative videos. You’ve taken a lot of the mystery away from the maintenance and troubleshooting of these engines. The fact that you had a video rolling as you attempted this acrobatic repair is quite a testament to your generosity! I hope we share an anchorage one day and we can thank you in person. Bob & Lisa - MV Indiscretion/N4339.

[@MVDirona]

Thanks to you both.

[@its_dmarks]

Thank you, this is a great video on debugging the start system of the NL genset. I'm going to use this as a guide this weekend when I try to debug my own NL that is blowing DC fuses during start.

[@MVDirona]

We hope your weekend project goes well. Thanks for the feedback on the video.

[@tomrichter244]

I truly enjoy these videos. They are educational as well as interesting. My only problem is that my mom, God rest her soul, had the same hair style that James has. I have trouble not seeing my mom when I watch these videos.

[@James-seafan]

interesting video it's like been in engineering collage watching these videos

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@donvito7616]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. God bless!

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for feedback on the video.

[@pogump]

:) :) :) It’s so very very nice to sit here in our little garden here in Sweden with about 26 degrees, sunshine and enjoy your latest tutorial about maintenance on your Nordhavn Jennifer and James,the way you explain every step of what you do,and with Jennifer behind the camera it’s just so nice to see your fantastic teamwork, James aka Harry Houdini :) :) :) I did not see Mr.Spitfire coming down and supervise the whole operation,but maybe next time,until then be safe out there. :) :) :)

[@MVDirona]

Yeah, your right. Spitfire appears to have slept through that job. He normally comes down to check on the work. Your garden sounds very nice. The weather here in Stornoway Scotland is also quite good right now. All the best.

[@renerichter7296]

So far I did two refits on steel boats, a 1949 tug boat and a 1965 trawler. I wish your really great tech vids came out earlier. A lot to learn and great presentation! Thumbs up, cheers from Germany.

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback. With your experience, you will be way ahead of me on some jobs. But, as you have found, if you invest in thinking through a job and are careful and patient, most jobs are solvable. In my opinion, most of the battle is figuring out exactly what is wrong.

[@10bbremer]

I just dig watching James work.

[@MVDirona]

Unfortunately (at least for me), there is more work coming. This weekend I expect to take delivery on a new cylinder head so there will be a top end engine overhaul to be done soon.

[@fryfrysk]

Great video : technically not a too complicated job , but with logic and detailed diagnostic steps and a clear explanation of the job , combined with your J&J relaxing teamwork. Loved to watch it !

[@MVDirona]

Your right, that one is comparatively simple when it comes to the change. In the next video, we are going to diagnose the lack of engine power problem that we believe to be a failed exhaust valve seat. We'll have to take the cylinder head off to confirm or diagnosis but that's what it's looking like at this point.

[@fryfrysk]

@@MVDirona Looking forward for the video on that challenging job !

[@MVDirona]

It's running! We put the new cylinder head on yesterday and it's running well. We will post a video of the work.

[@TheRemyRomano]

Nice job. Like a real pro.

[@MVDirona]

We appreciate the feedback.

[@soaredfish45]

Great video, when we go cruising we won't need manuals...Just the internet and your channel will do the job.

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@terrymjinks]

Excellent entertainment while being instructive at the same time. Well done.

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the video feedback.

[@bradbusch9585]

Must be great to be able to handle all the mechanical problems yourself Great job guys looking forward to seeing more

[@MVDirona]

The downside is many if not most jobs only get done once so you don't get an opportunity to get good at it and super efficient. But the upside is I know the boat well and I don't charge much :-).

[@captainrick9379]

Love the "How to Videos" Thanks for sharing!

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback. We have another one in progress where we diagnose a lack of diesel engine power problem.

[@BenDoverII]

Great vid!!! Very informative and even lil entertaining at times.

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback on the video.

[@classicraceruk1337]

Feels great when a plan comes together well done you two that was an awkward job

[@MVDirona]

It is tight on the outside of the generator but the starter is fairly easy to remove and replace on the Northern Lights 12kw.

[@BB-kx6bb]

Keep it up that helped me with my maintenance you earned a subscriber. safe travels

[@MVDirona]

Great! Thanks for the feedback.

[@aobeka]

Thank you. I put some grease inside the groove of the seawater pump, It does not leak sea water.

[@MVDirona]

We grease the impeller with a Silicone based lubricant on replacement not so much to avoid leaks as to make the impeller easy to install and to ensure it primes quickly. We have never had any leaks to correct in the raw water system.

[@dalsie105]

If my option was to have a life raft or James on my boat I would bin the raft. So was James a automobile mechanic by trade? And if you are still in Scotland Stonehaven has a stunning little marina that I visited on my last trip to Scotland. Not a negative but the wait between videos is hell its like waiting for the next episode of Games Of Thrones. This is a great detailed breakdown of eliminating the issue with the generater Cheers from the UK

[@casaMariaPT]

Hit the nail on the head there Darren...started life as a motor mechanic and more recently has been responsible for developing the software platform that created the global success that is "Amazon". Bit of a stride there even for James.

[@MVDirona]

You are both too kind. Your right, I did spend 6 years as an auto mechanic and that background is helpful around the boat. I worked on exotic Italian cars and never touched a diesel and it was 30 years ago but I'm sure that history helps a bit. At Amazon, we all like to feel we are part of the company's success but there are 800,000 others who have contributed greatly. We've all done a small part and, in the end, the success of the company is really driven millions of happy customers rather than all of us. Thanks for the feedback on the video. We both appreciate it.

[@dalsie105]

@@MVDirona Thanks James not only have you been successful in your trades you also have a great talent of explaining how things work that a idiot me can understand. Your wife also does a great job of asking you questions as you are explaining things that I would be asking if I was there. As a team I can see how you both have travelled the world without having to employ people to help. Not just a saving of money but not having to share your living space. You are both living my dream and I appreciate you sharing it and keeping my dream alive cheers Darren

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback Darren. Much appreciated.

[@steveharvey1876]

Nice work! Cheers!

[@MVDirona]

Thanks!

[@johnmorey5893]

That was terrific. Thank you. Perhaps I am not alone in saying I am a new Northern Lights owner. 16kw. Would so appreciate two inputs from you: #1 is there a Northern Lights owners place somewhere in social media? #2 do you have a list of suggestion online Northern Lights videos? I have watched a few...and yours is phenomenal...but I do not think I have found them all. Regardless, thank you so very much. What you have posted will help me and also help to keep all of my family aboard happy and safe. Thank you

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for the feedback on the video. We have posted 8 Northern Lights/Lugger videos at kzbin.info (scan the row under "MV Dirona Maintenance Videos) and you can find lots more here: kzbin.info?search_query=northern+lights+generator.

[@56Spookdog]

You two do such a good job with your videos. James I think my 6 volt 6 cylinder 1926 Oakland would bother you with how slow it cranks, I always cross my fingers when I step on the starter.

[@MVDirona]

I've worked on some old cars but your 1926 has me beat by a couple of decades. I had to look up 1926 Oakland to see what it was. Awesome! Really nice looking car. No complaining about slow to crank. Your lucky the previous owner ordered the electric start option :-).

[@Colinpark]

Is there a reason you don't bother to remove the enclosure support beam? I hear you on the starter story, 24v electrical problems are like a welder going haywire! The two oddest things I have seen is a distributor assembled 180 degrees out and battery post connector that would not conduct electricity, despite being cleaned thoroughly. I am a Landrover nut, so been doing battle with "Lucas the Prince of Darkness" all my life. Also on a Landrover, your problems start when it stops leaking oil...... Great video. love the little starter cheat and "Only $100" for brand name reference!

[@MVDirona]

What I ended up doing is remove the light above the generator permanently and, wow, what a difference it makes. It's so much easier to do all generator service. I should have done that years ago. For bigger jobs like replacing the cylinder head, having that light gone was wonderful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2mWqYZ_lLOantU.

[@ClivehWright]

Excellent video, thanks guys. I see you have a non standard decent sized fan fwd of the genset. Do you have an article on your website regarding air cooling in the engine room of the N52? Cheers, Clive

[@MVDirona]

Observant catch. Yes, we covered our approach to engine room cooling here: mvdirona.com/2015/05/engine-room-cooling/.

[@ClivehWright]

@@MVDirona excellent article thanks for that. We are in the hard process of trying to decide between a N52 or a N55! We have only been on the 52 and it's beautiful especially with the longer cockpit. Huge amount of living space on the 55 though by the looks of it.

[@MVDirona]

Tough decision. We like the floor plan of the N55 greatly but like the price and profile of the N52 better. I think if we were to make the purchase today we might end up with a N60 that has the N55 floor plan with larger cockpit and the slightly longer height to length ratio that we prefer. But both boats are capable ocean crossers so there won't be a "bad decision."

[@MrBillm14]

I have a huge complaint! You are not producing enough videos! :) Please increase your production ASAP! Thanks!

[@MVDirona]

Thanks! We need to get better and faster at producing videos. They end up taking a big time investment to bring together but feedback like yours is motivating.

[@darz3]

Thank you both, is the starter motor able to be rebuilt?

[@MVDirona]

Yes, the starter motor can be rebuilt and these 24v starters are surprisingly expensive (~USD$1,000) so it should be rebuilt.

[@slochmiller]

Tell me, can I get a discount if I order 50 of those special relays from Scotland? Thank you for an excellent video. Entertaining and informative.

[@MVDirona]

We do have a volume discount available for this high quality tool exported directly from the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The Islands were previously most well known for Harris Tweed but I sense this remote starter is going to take over that lead position soon! :-)

[@Skysailor1000]

💙 Sorry for a probably stupid question, but why is the generator shielded in a box and not open like a wing engine? Maybe just because of the noise it makes while at anchor or in the marina? Thanks in advance for your reply 💙

[@MVDirona]

Exactly. It's a sound reduction enclosure and these are quite common on generators. Some chose not to run them to get better generator cooling but most most do.

[@Skysailor1000]

@@MVDirona Thank You

[@simonhantler8062]

very thorough. can you answer a few questions for me. do you have forward angled helm windows, if so do you find they cut down glare at night? is that a stidd helm seat, whats your opinion?

[@MVDirona]

yes, we do have reverse rake windows in the forward half of the pilot house. We like them because the help distribute the force of a green water strike and we think they look more commercial or "shippy", and because they are quite thick. We don't have glare problems so they may contribute to that as well. The Stidd seat is excellent. Perhaps a bit on the expensive side but an excellent seat and they provide good service. After 9 years of use, we ordered all new padding and covers for ours, they offered them for a reasonable price, and they were easy to install. At 10 years and 11,000 main engine hours most of which had someone sitting in that seat, it looks great.

[@vailclewley5354]

This is the ceramic seal that does not work well , take out the impeller and the back plate , behind the back plate is a seal , change this seal for a seal that seals on the sharft and it’s housing job done .

[@MVDirona]

Thanks for pointing out that other seals are available. I probably should rebuild those pumps since they are rebuildable but I tend to install them, change impellers until the pumps start to leak oil or water. When they do, I replace the entire pump assembly.

[@vailclewley5354]

MV Dirona This seal is not a Northern Lights part you need to sauce them i had to replace my pumps every 250 hours just change this seal no more problems if you look at your pump when generator is running you will see the ceramic seal is turning when it should not ! Sharft size 1/2 inch measure od diameter of the old seal it’s not the price why not just cure the problem .

[@MVDirona]

Perhaps your waters are more silty than we have been seeing but we always get more than 1,000 on a pump and usualy more than 2,000. Generaly, the seals haven't been a big problem for us but thanks for passing on your findings that better pump seals are available.

[@Colinpark]

Do you notice any differences in European vs North American spec diesel fuel?

[@MVDirona]

I'm not positive but, yes, I think we see impact from the low sulfur spec. Our main engine oil turns black fairly quickly but after 6 months in Europe, I noticed that it takes far longer. I'm not 100% sure but I suspect it's related to the fuel since engines seldom get cleaner operating with time :-).

[@daleolson3506]

You must have a large inventory of spares

[@MVDirona]

Yes, your 100% right. We do have a lot of parts. Our goal is to be 100% self sufficient and to be able to operate without help and without redirecting to port to order parts.

[@10bbremer]

Couldn't a sliding amount be made for the generator so one could pull it away from the hull and get at the other side easier?

[@MVDirona]

I think you are right. The 1.5" exhaust hose is heavy wire reinforced hosing which will limit the movement somewhat but, even if the hose had to come off, being able to slide it out would be wonderful. Some RV have done this where the generators slide out from the chassis and it really allows them to minimize space wastage while, at the same time, providing service clearance. It's a great idea but hard to retrofit.

[@santiagoboggi1510]

Is not beter to have more batteries and panels, to reduce the generator use?

[@MVDirona]

We run the boat like a small apartment and we'll average 30 to 60 kw per day. It's hard to add enough solar panels to support that load. Certainly, it's possible to run more economically but this is our home so we run it like most homes and aren't wasteful but there are computers running, music playing, HVAC system running etc. It would be challenging to support the full load on solar panels but panels could help support some of the load but we haven't done it. More batteries will reduce the frequency that the generator runs but it is of no impact on the amount of power that needs to be generated. If we are consuming 30 to 60 kw per day then we will need to generate this much power regardless of the size of the house battery banks. With small banks, we'll need to run the generator frequently for short periods. With very large banks, we'll need to run the generator rarely but for a long time. But, either way, the generator will need to produce the same amount of power.

[@santiagoboggi1510]

Thanks a lot!!

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

its always a big smile ,and a yeahhh Haaaa,when the problem is solved first time with a little thought,half a crank of engine said it all ,neat solution with relay imagine running back a forth to turn over engine when doing service work .now for that awkward crank seal maybe should engineer a little hoist frame like goal posts put a lift chain round gen unit take the strain slide it out ways get at flywheel and seal i.m like you that oil spraying and dripping would annoy me ocd bigtime

[@MVDirona]

It is annoying to have oil spraying around in there so we will have to go after it. Our plan it to first get the engine back to full power. It appears to have a valve/valve seat problem. If that works well, we'll do the rear main oil seal and be done. It's kind of weird we have had this engine in use for 10 years and it's run without issue and then nearly at the same time there are three, apparently unrelated problems. We're looking forward to our generator returning to 100% healthy. As you suggest, we will need to come up with some way to lift the generator housing away from the engine. It's a big heavy assembly.

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

@@MVDirona maybe when you dismantle the sound box around it a simple little car trolley jack will slide under gen unit once mounts are off slide unit back ,valve stem seals ,maybe have a leak,that could be easy job a regrind and new seals ,once you get the cover sound box off you be surprised how easy the access to it all is these jobs are fun ,relish it ,i would start using lucas oil stabiliser in those engines they will run smoother quieter and be more efficient

[@MVDirona]

The valve problem is with the valve seat rather than valve seals. The valve lash closes up in 20 to 30 hours. I have the parts coming for that job and the are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. For the generator end, I'm thinking of installing a hook in the ceiling if I can find a secure enough purchase and then using a hoist to lift the generator end but, failing that, I'll try build slides below to slide it along. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

@@MVDirona long term 2 inch by 1 inch box sections bolt together gusset plates on the end and feet sections that slip i all easy to store and can be used on any the engines and drive systems be real handy now the overhaul routines increase with age

[@MVDirona]

Could you say more about the design you have in mind or send it to [e-mail]? I'm not quite following your approach.

[@faramarzsalimi4458]

Please tell me how to remove a 12kw NL generator

[@MVDirona]

It varies boat to boat and is more dependent upon the boat than the generator design.

[@faramarzsalimi4458]

@@MVDirona hi thanks a million for your reply the generator was running fin . I shut it down . 2 weeks later the engine will not turn . Removed the starter that was not the problem . I am thinking that may by the generator is frozen and by separating it from the engine we can be be sure . Boat is a 1978 58 Hatters yacht fisher

[@MVDirona]

First thing to do is to take off the alternator drive belt cover and see if you can rotate the engine with a large socket on the large nut that attached the front pulley to the crankshaft. If you don't have a socket big enough, I find that you can turn the engine pretty easily with a small pry bar between the pulley and the crank nose nut. If you can rotate the engine by hand but it won't rotate on the starter, you likely have starter or electrical system problem. If you can't rotate the engine, it may be seized. If it was running fine two weeks ago, likely it's water ingress. Try removing all three glow plugs, injecting oil into the cylinders, and then see if you can free the motor up and get it rotating with a socket on the crank nose nut as described above. Once you get it turning, don't start it until you change the engine oil since there may be water in it. Once started, run it for a bit and change the oil again.

[@faramarzsalimi4458]

@@MVDirona I did that it is frozen

[@MVDirona]

Most likely issue is corrosion if it was running a couple of weeks ago. If there isn't obvious signs of leakage onto the engine and generator, water ingress through the exhaust is the mostly likely. Remove the glow plugs and fill all three cylinders with oil. If you have reason to believe the generator end is at fault, you can remove the ventilation grill between the gen and the engine and then undo the bolts that attach the gen to the flywheel to disconnect the gen from the engine. The gen housing is attached to the generator all around the bell housing. If you un do those and the bolts under the grill connecting the gen to the flywheel, then you can undo the wiring harness from the sensors for clearance and separate the gen from the engine. The generator end bearing can be replaced without removing the generator if you find the gen

[@ManSingh-hu8ux]

Awesome learnings. Is this process of diagnosis learnt over time or do you have a guide from somewhere?

[@MVDirona]

A little bit of both. I'm an ex-automotive mechanic so I know these systems fairly well and most of the manufactures of the equipment we have installed on the boat know us and are generous enough with their time to answer questions so we get good advice as well. Bob Senter (Lugger Bob!) and Scott Dyball at Northern Lights are absolutely amazing. So partly experience and partly advice from experts.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Would a seal conditioner perhaps be worth a try??? Cheers from westcoast Canada

[@MVDirona]

I was born in Victoria and Jennifer and I wrote a West Coast cruising guide (mvdirona.com/WaggonerSecretCoast/index.html). That's super nice part of the world. On seal conditioners, I'm pretty sure they are not effective on lip seals but thanks for the thoughts. I must admit I'm not super excited about pulling the back half of the generator apart to do that job.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

@@MVDirona I too was born in St. Joseph"s Hospital in Vic. in 1952.We lived in the James Bay section of Victoria. Now living in Sooke 25miles west of Vic. Enjoy your vids and my grandparents came from Glasgow. CHEERS

[@MVDirona]

Cool I was born in Vic General and we lived in Oak Bay not far from where you grew up. We're currently hanging out in Stornoway Scotland.

[@classicraceruk1337]

I would never fit in that small space

[@MVDirona]

You'll laugh but I was thinking the same thing and decided to remove the light above the generator. We replaced that large fluorescent light with a couple of LED fixtures that opens up much more space above the generator. And, the light is brighter and whiter so I prefer it all around. We should have made that change a decade back.

[@10bbremer]

If only that light wasn't in the way ...

[@MVDirona]

You have been reading ahead!!!! You're right, in fact, I was thinking about needing more space for when I do the cylinder head change and I had some time on my hands. Down came that light to be replaced by three LED lights and it's amazing. Much nicer and more white light and way more space. It's a great change we should have made 10 years back.