NorthStar M165939M.2 Owner'S Manual Download Page 20

Installation / Initial Set-Up 

 

 

 

20

 

Never place the generator immediately adjacent to a building or other 
structure – allow at least a 7’ clearance. 

 

Do not run the generator in close proximity to other heat-generating 
equipment, such as another generator.  The combined heat that is 
generated may raise air temperature in the immediate area and there will 
not be adequate cooling ventilation. 

 

Do not allow debris to accumulate and block airflow. 

 

Do not operate with a tarp, blanket, or cover surrounding the generator. 

 

No wet conditions  Choose a location where the generator will NOT be exposed to rain, 

snow, or direct sunlight.

  Exposure to water can cause electric shock.   

 

You 

may

 operate the generator under an outdoor, canopy-like structure of 

heat-resistant material that is open on all sides.  Make sure that all parts of 
canopy are at least 7’ from exhaust, and allow for adequate clearance above 
generator so that heat does not build up. 
 

Hot exhaust 
clearance 

The exhaust gas from your generator is extremely hot and can cause 
combustible materials to catch on fire.   

 

 

Make sure your generator’s exhaust system is at least 7 feet from all 
combustible materials and buildings/structures. 

 

Equip the engine with a spark arrestor if the generator will be used near 
any ignitable forest, brush, or grassy land.  (See the “Specifications” 
section of this manual to determine if your generator is already equipped.)  
Make sure you comply with applicable local, state, and federal codes. 

 

Keep a fire extinguisher rated “ABC” nearby.  Keep it properly charged 
and be familiar with its use. 

 

Away from 
dust/dirt 

Do not use the generator in extremely dusty or dirty conditions.

  

Excessive dust and dirt can cause premature failure of the machine. 
 

Hearing 
protection 

Generators can produce noise levels of up to 95 dB in close proximity, 
which can be dangerous to human hearing with prolonged exposure.   

 

Hearing protection may be required for persons working within 15-20 feet of 
the running generator for an extended period of time. 

 

    WARNING: 

Never attempt to attach ductwork to the muffler system to lower noise 
levels. This could cause hot air deflection, heat build-up, and 
increased exhaust backpressure, resulting in possible exhaust leakage 
or damage to the generator. 
 

Summary of Contents for M165939M.2

Page 1: ...ounded extension cords of proper size NEVER plug the generator directly into a wall outlet ANY connection to a building s electrical system MUST ISOLATE THE GENERATOR FROM UTILITY POWER via a UL approved transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician Otherwise back feed from the generator into the power grid could kill utility workers Fire Explosion DO NOT overload generator per rated capacit...

Page 2: ...Hazard Signal Word Definitions 2 ...

Page 3: ...ower Source 16 5 Selecting a Suitable Site 19 6 Grounding the Generator 21 7 Battery Installation 22 8 Spark Arrester Installation 22 Operation 1 General Safety Rules for Operation 23 2 Preparing for Operation 26 3 Starting the Engine 30 4 Checking Generator Output 32 5 Connecting Loads 33 6 Switching Fuels during operation 34 7 Stopping the Engine 34 8 Storage Exercise 35 Maintenance Repair 37 Tr...

Page 4: ...erator is designed so that it is easy to switch between fuel sources However there are special initial hook up requirements for natural gas and propane See the Specifications section of this manual with regard to specific gas flow and pressure requirements In addition note the following Natural gas The standard delivery pressure provided to your building by your utility company may not match the r...

Page 5: ...e generator For detailed engine operation and maintenance information always refer to the engine Owner s Manual furnished with the generator NorthStar is constantly improving its products The specifications outlined herein are subject to change without prior notice or obligation The purchaser and or user shall assume liability for any modification and or alterations of this equipment from original...

Page 6: ...lumn 4 6 oz Min Flow Range LPG NG 2 2 Gal Hr LPG 3 25 CFM NG Fuel Capacity 10 0 Gallons 38 0 L Oil Capacity See Honda Manual Starting Method Electric 120V Receptacle 20 Amp A duplex NEMA 5 20R 30 Amp A locking device NEMA L5 30R 120 240V Receptacle 30 Amp A locking device NEMA L14 30R 50 Amp A straight blade NEMA 14 50R Circuit Breaker 1 50 Amp A thermal magnetic 1 30 Amp A thermal magnetic 1 30 A...

Page 7: ...an cause blindness or severe burns NO smoking sparks or flames NEVER touch both battery terminals at the same time with your hand or any non insulated tools FLUSH immediately with water if battery acid contacts eyes skin or clothing CONNECT cables in correct sequence FIRST RED to POSITIVE terminal then BLACK to NEGATIVE terminal When disconnecting DISCONNECT BLACK cable first then RED NEVER charge...

Page 8: ...PT Gas Inlet 19 Oil Level Dip Stick 6 120 240V 50A Circuit Breaker 20 Engine Oil Fill Port 7 120 240V 50A Receptacle 21 Engine Key Switch 8 120 240V 30A Receptacle 22 Engine Choke Lever 9 120 240V 30A Circuit Breaker 23 Vibration Isolation Mount 10 120V 30A Receptacle 24 Engine Oil Filter 11 120V 30A Circuit Breaker 25 Muffler 12 120V 20A Circuit Breaker 26 Generator Head 13 120V 20A Duplex Recept...

Page 9: ...t breaker This circuit breaker is the main line circuit breaker and will sever power to the control panel receptacles when in the off or tripped position To reset this circuit breaker move the circuit breaker handle to the OFF position Then move the breaker handle to the ON position If the circuit breaker continues to trip reduce load to the generator If nuisance tripping continues one or more ele...

Page 10: ... Reference 17 Demand Regulator Assembly Controls the flow of LP or NG gas into the engine carburetor Reference 18 Oil Drain Plug Refer to your Honda engine manual for oil change recommendations Reference 19 Oil Level Dip Stick Refer to your Honda engine manual for proper oil level recommendations Reference 20 Engine Oil Fill Port Remove the oil fill cap to add engine oil Reference 21 Engine Key Sw...

Page 11: ...ate If wattage is not given on the device s nameplate the wattage may be calculated by multiplying the nameplate voltage by nameplate amperage Watts Volts X Amps Example conversion to watts 120 Volts X 5 Amps 600 Watts If only the running voltage is given on the nameplate for a device with an electric motor the starting wattage can be approximated to be three to five times the running wattage Esti...

Page 12: ...ng at the same time with the generator 2 List the greater of the running or starting wattage next to each device as obtained from the devices nameplate or Table 1 If only the running wattage for a device with an electric motor is known the starting wattage can be estimated to be at least 3 times the running wattage 3 Add the wattages for all devices on your list This total must be lower than the c...

Page 13: ...e generator 6 Grounding 7 Battery installation electric start models only Each of these steps is discussed in detail below 1 Unpacking Delivery Inspection You should inspect the generator immediately after you receive delivery See the Machine Component Identification section of this manual for a diagram of the generator and its components If you have missing components contact Product Support at 1...

Page 14: ...wer than the required 4 6 ounces per square inch 7 11 of water column o If your standard delivery pressure exceeds 4 6 ounces per square inch 7 11 water column you will need a pressure reducing regulator installed Excessive gas pressure will permanently damage this product and void the warranty if the generator is not installed correctly with a pressure reducing regulator as needed Note The regula...

Page 15: ...roduct and void the warranty You will need a pressure reducing regulator installed as part of your LP gas fuel system You will need a minimum 100 lb LPG gas tank to operate the generator This generator will not work with 20 lb gas cylinders used in gas grills and recreational equipment or 40 lb gas cylinders used in forklifts and tractors These smaller gas tanks do not have a sufficient vaporizati...

Page 16: ...our building s electrical system by isolating your generator from your utility company s power lines AND b Connects your generator to a critical subset of your building s circuits that are needed for emergency power needs If your generator will be connected to your building s electrical system it MUST ALWAYS be isolated from the utility power grid with a UL approved transfer switch installed by a ...

Page 17: ... the generator 1 One 120 240 Volt 50 Amp straight blade receptacle NEMA 14 50R receptacle compatible with NEMA 14 50P mating plug 2 One 120 240 Volt 30 Amp locking receptacle NEMA L14 30R locking receptacle compatible with L14 30P mating plug 3 One 120 Volt 30 Amp locking receptacle NEMA L5 30R receptacle compatible with NEMA L5 30P mating plug 4 Two 120 Volt 20 Amp duplex straight blade receptacl...

Page 18: ...fire or damage to connected devices All extension and appliance cords must be in good condition and not worn bare frayed or otherwise damaged WARNING Use of damaged electric cords can cause electric shock or fire Note If an extension cord becomes hot to the touch it is overloaded or damaged and must be replaced Northern Tool is NOT responsible for damage or injury resulting from customer use of in...

Page 19: ... choose to operate the generator must be OUTDOORS and away from all air intakes Never run the generator inside any closed or semi enclosed spaces even if outdoors including homes garages basements sheds or boxes These spaces can trap poisonous gases even if you run a fan or open windows Place the generator so that the exhaust fumes will not be directed towards people or building air intakes Ensure...

Page 20: ...ause combustible materials to catch on fire Make sure your generator s exhaust system is at least 7 feet from all combustible materials and buildings structures Equip the engine with a spark arrestor if the generator will be used near any ignitable forest brush or grassy land See the Specifications section of this manual to determine if your generator is already equipped Make sure you comply with ...

Page 21: ...ipe 3 Run a 10 gauge wire from the clamp to the generator grounding post located on the rear of the generator head 4 Do not connect the generator grounding post to a water pipe or a ground used by a radio system If a licensed electrician installs the generator with a connection to your building s electrical circuit for use as a back up power system grounding may alternatively be completed through ...

Page 22: ...electric shock Caution must be exercised when making connections to a battery to avoid shock and contact with the acid and to prevent any sparking that could lead to an explosion ALWAYS follow the general battery safety rules and instructions listed below General Battery Safety Rules ALWAYS use eye protection when handling batteries NEVER smoke or work near sparks or other sources of ignition NEVE...

Page 23: ...stop the generator quickly if needed see Operation Step 7 Stopping the Engine Instruct operators The generator owner must instruct all operators in safe generator set up and operation Only trained adults should set up and operate the generator Do not let children operate Intended use Carefully read about and understand the intended use of this generator Do not use for other purposes as unforeseen ...

Page 24: ...sh air RIGHT AWAY See a doctor You may have carbon monoxide poisoning Other exhaust dangers This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects or other reproductive harm Avoid inhalation of exhaust Wet conditions Do not operate the generator or handle any electrical equipment while standing in water while barefoot while hands are wet or while in...

Page 25: ...nd retain static electric charge as can objects made of conductive material e g metal water if they are not electrically grounded The static electric charge on an object such as a human body or plastic fuel tank container can reach as high as several thousand volts A static electric spark can be generated if the static electric charge stored on an object jumps to another less charged object Such a...

Page 26: ...ed to prevent electrical shock Perform scheduled maintenance as needed Make sure that any regular maintenance has been performed as prescribed in this manual in the Maintenance Repair section 1 Refer to the engine owner s manual for engine maintenance instructions 2 Make sure battery is charged Charge as needed according to your battery manufacturer s instructions Check add oil Check the oil level...

Page 27: ...or s tank Always use a portable container to fill the tank See warning box about static electric spark hazards below b Fill gasoline tank OUTDOORS never indoors c Stay away from all sources of heat sparks and flames Do not smoke 2 Turn generator engine off and allow to cool for at least two minutes before removing gas cap Note A running or still hot engine is hot enough to ignite fuel 3 Remove gen...

Page 28: ...oaked rags are flammable and should be disposed of properly If gasoline is spilled on your skin or clothes change clothes and wash skin immediately 6 Replace gasoline cap securely before starting engine 7 Store extra gasoline in a cool dry place in an UL approved tightly sealed container IMPORTANT For continuous operation be prepared to check and refuel the engine on a regular basis A tank of gaso...

Page 29: ...to NG LPG supply for example after moving the generator and on a regular basis thereafter This method will help you detect small leaks b Also beware of gas odor Both LP and NG have an odorant added rotten egg sulfur smell that will aid in the detection of more dangerous quantities of leaking gas Note Natural gas Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to collect in high areas LP gas propane LP g...

Page 30: ...rts b When the engine starts release the key allowing it to return to the ON position 4 It may be necessary to momentarily depress the primer button while starting the engine especially for cold starts NOTE If you have trouble starting the engine with LP NG you may need to adjust the load block a Loosen the lock nut then turn the adjustment screw clockwise until resistance is felt At this point th...

Page 31: ...e starts NOTE If the engine fails to start after 5 seconds release key and wait 10 seconds before attempting to start again Cranking the electric starter for more than 5 seconds continuously can overheat and damage the starter motor b Release the key when the engine starts 6 When engine starts move choke lever to RUN position 7 Under long continuous run operating conditions be prepared to a Check ...

Page 32: ... 3 Measured voltage should be within the following ranges a 120V 10 at 120V receptacles b 240V 10 at 240V receptacles 4 If measured voltage is not within the specified range have generator adjusted by factory authorized personnel Do not attempt to adjust the engine speed yourself NOTE Slight variation in voltage speed with changing electrical loads All engines have a tendency to slow down when a l...

Page 33: ...e connecting electrical devices 2 After engine is warmed up begin by connecting the items that require the highest wattage first The recommended sequence is as follows a Connect items with motors such as refrigerators freezers air conditioners or small hand tools one at a time Let each motor stabilize before connecting the next device b Connect any lights you are planning on powering c Connect vol...

Page 34: ... supplied WARNING If you smell gas turn off engine and shut off gas supply immediately Exit area and call gas supplier or fire department 3 Flip the fuel selector switch to the NONE position The fuel conversion should take 1 2 seconds 4 Wait for the engine to begin sputtering This indicates the engine is being starved of gasoline 5 Flip the fuel selector switch to the LP NG position 6 Turn the gas...

Page 35: ...arks or pilot lights even if the generator s fuel tank is empty Residual fuel in the tank could ignite o Away from extreme high or low temperatures Note Do not store with battery charger always connected Batteries that are over charged can boil themselves dry and produce excessive amounts of hydrogen an explosive gas Prevent accidental starting Remove key from starter for electric start engines an...

Page 36: ...dding fuel stabilizer to the gasoline following manufacturer s instructions Fuel stabilizer steps 1 Ensure gasoline tank is full 2 Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank 3 Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to enter the fuel system 4 Shut off engine 5 Disconnect spark plug wire and remove spark plug 6 Add one teaspoon oil through spark plug hole 7 Place rag over spark plu...

Page 37: ...site terminals of the capacitor together with the tip of the screwdriver If there is stored charge in the capacitor a spark will be generated thereby discharging the capacitor Replace guards Make sure all guards and shields are replaced after servicing the generator Repair Major service including the installation or replacement of parts should be performed only by a qualified electrical service te...

Page 38: ...ble click is heard Clean inspect spark arrestor if equipped Clean and inspect the spark arrestor muffler Only for those models equipped with a spark arrestor See the Specifications section If the engine is equipped with a spark arrester muffler clean and inspect it regularly follow manufacturer s service instructions Replace if damaged Keep generator clean Keep generator clean If dust or debris ac...

Page 39: ...ator is overloaded b Insufficient ventilation a Reduce the load See Power Load Planning Mgt section of this manual b Make sure there is at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of generator No output voltage a Defective load connected to generator b Broken or loose wire c Defective receptacle d Defective stator e Defective rotor f Defective capacitor g Circuit breaker tripped a Disconnect load b ...

Page 40: ...ge may result Prohibition Against Modifications Never modify or alter the generator in any way Modifications can create serious safety hazards and will also void the warranty Engine speed Never attempt to modify the engine speed setting The engine speed is preset at 3600 RPM for safe and optimal performance of the generator If speed needs adjusting it must be done by factory authorized personnel F...

Page 41: ... building s electrical circuit for use as a standby power system grounding will be complete through the building s grounding system Isolate connection to building s electrical circuit Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet ANY connection to a building s electrical system MUST ISOLATE THE GENERATOR FROM UTILITY POWER via an UL approved transfer switch installed by a licensed electrici...

Page 42: ...nd ignite fuel Use an UL approved fuel container to transfer gas to the engine Running hot engine A running engine is hot enough to ignite fuel Never add fuel or remove gas cap if engine is running or still hot Stop the engine and allow to cool at least two minutes before adding fuel Heat flames sparks Stay away from sources of heat flame or sparks while adding fuel Don t overfill DO NOT overfill ...

Page 43: ...f exhaust Smoking sparks Never smoke near the running generator and never operate near sources of sparks or flames Check output voltage Check output voltage to ensure the generator is working properly before connecting loads to the generator Failure to do so could result in damage to equipment powered by the generator and possible injury to the individual Do not adjust output speed of engine to ch...

Page 44: ...r is not in use remove key from starter key start engines and secure in a safe location or remove spark plug s in order to ensure that generator cannot be started in a storage location or by untrained persons Storage location Store the generator in a dry location away from sources of heat open flames sparks or pilot lights such as water heaters space heaters furnaces clothes dryers or other gas ap...

Page 45: ...Generator Exploded View Rev M 2 45 ...

Page 46: ...j 784957 Shim 1 9 781341 Spark Arrestor 1 10 778553 Generator Head 1 11 34857 Generator Bracket 1 12 31210 Lead Wire 1 13 34172 Isolation Mounts 4 14 32844 Lower Bracket 4 15 32848 Upper Bracket 4 16 778500 Generator Base 1 17 82018 5 16 18 X 2 Flange Bolt 4 18 35490 Fuel System Components 1 19 33277 10 32 Clip Nut 4 20 32797 10 32 X 75 Socket Head Cap Screw 4 21 35310 Electrical Diagram 1 22 3530...

Page 47: ...Wiring Diagram Rev M 2 47 ...

Page 48: ... Circuit Breaker 50 Amp 1 13 32816 Fuel Selector Switch Wiring Harness 1 B15 305608 Lead Wire B15 1 B45 305609 Lead Wire B45 1 G5 G6 305588 Lead Wire Assembly G5 G6 1 B14 306477 Lead Wire B14 1 B43 306478 Lead Wire B43 1 B12 306479 Lead Wire B12 1 B42 306488 Lead Wire B42 1 B11 31214 Lead Wire B11 1 B41 31215 Lead Wire B41 1 B18 306608 Lead Wire B18 1 B13 306609 Lead Wire B13 1 B16 307500 Lead Wir...

Page 49: ...tch Wire Harness 1 8 777239 Protective Sleeve 13 2 9 32811 Gas Hose 16 6 10 36297 Load Block 1 11 38183 Street Elbow 3 8 MPT x 1 4 FPT 1 12 36825 Gas Regulator 1 13 32822 1 8 NPT Plug 1 14 32798 Pipe Nipple 1 5 16 1 15 777148 LP NG Fuel Lock Solenoid 1 16 35330 Pipe Nipple 12 1 17 777237 Pipe Hanger 1 18 777238 Hex Nut Coupler 1 19 32821 Lanyard 1 20 32817 Triple Fuel Hang Tag 1 21 35325 Oil Press...

Page 50: ... M5 X 8 10mm Long Green 2 9 31015 M5 X 8 10mm Long 4 10 307484 Rubber Cup 2 11 306403 Rear Bearing 1 12 306416 Nylock Nut and Star Washer 1 13 30997 Grill 1 14 31065 Securing Stud Cap 1 15 30999 Fixing Ring 1 16 30992 Rotor Assembly 1 17 307479 Diode 2 18 307481 Varistor 2 19 9910303129 Capacitor 35uF 2 20 39256 Frame and Stator Assembly 1 21 31017 M5 X 8 Nut 8 22 31011 Brass Jumper 2 23 307478 Te...

Page 51: ...ch as engines are guaranteed by their manufacturer and can be serviced at factory authorized locations near you Any costs incurred due to replacement or repair of items outside of a NorthStar approved facility is the responsibility of the buyer and not covered under warranty NorthStar can supply you with the service center location in your area This warranty specifically excludes the following fai...

Page 52: ...52 Manufactured by Northern Tool Equipment Co 2800 SouthCross Drive West P O Box 1499 Burnsville MN 55337 0499 ...

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