Northern Lights Generator Stator

[Bugoutboat]

I have a Northern Lights M673M 5.5KW marine diesel generator set with the TF-276KM generator backend.

I've measured the U2-V2 stator coil and measured the resistance at infinite - meaning its an open circuit. The U1-V1 measures fine, so does the rotor.

So it looks like it has to be replace/repaired.

Has anyone ever had to do this with a Northern Lights generator before, and what would you recommend. Having it rewound or replacing the backend?

If you have had it rewound where did you have it done and would you recommend them to me?

If you had to replace the backend can you share the distributor you used?

Sincerely,

BugOutBoat (BOB)

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bob.
Where are you located?

[Bugoutboat]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bob.
Where are you located?

I’m located in Maryland. South of Annapolis.

[a64pilot]

I would certainly have it rewound, but can’t help you with telling who to take it to there.
Well, actually price it first and compare to replacement cost, but rewinding should be significantly cheaper

[Bugoutboat]

They are hand wound units. So far I have not found anyone who can rewind them. If anyone is aware of a company please do share.

[GordMay]

(25) Motor Rewinding & Repair Services serving Maryland
➥ https://www.thomasnet.com/maryland/m...2350808-1.html

[Bugoutboat]

Thank you I will certainly give them a call!!

[Bugoutboat]

So after striking out with several companies that offer rewinding I ended up buying a new backend from Northern lights. I've completed the install, the generator starts, but I have the same failure indications as I had before the back end replacement.

Basically the generator does not load, the AVR is holding the voltage but once you load the generator the AVR trips so it's like the AVR is providing all of the loaded output. This is exactly the same problem as before which lead to measuring the stator with infinite resistance, that lead to replacing the backend. Wow this is a bad problem to have.

Open to any ideas?

[Bugoutboat]

I disconnected the generator from the boat electrical system to measure the output on the U1 and U2 terminals and measures about 17.5 VAC being supplied by the AVR. When I flip up the output load breaker the diesel bogs as the AVR is telling off voltage. The. Shortly after the AVR breaker trips. The 17.5 volts does not sound good. Boy this is a booger of a problem.

[Chotu]

This thread is a heartbreaking one to read. Wow. What about northern lights? They just sold you a very expensive powerhead. Don’t they owe you a little bit of technical support at this point?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Bugoutboat

I disconnected the generator from the boat electrical system to measure the output on the U1 and U2 terminals and measures about 17.5 VAC being supplied by the AVR. When I flip up the output load breaker the diesel bogs as the AVR is telling off voltage. The. Shortly after the AVR breaker trips. The 17.5 volts does not sound good. Boy this is a booger of a problem.

What are you loading the gen with when you say it bogs the engine?

[Bugoutboat]

Originally Posted by Chotu

This thread is a heartbreaking one to read. Wow. What about northern lights? They just sold you a very expensive powerhead. Don’t they owe you a little bit of technical support at this point?

Northern Lights is working with me and have been great through this hole process. It’s just difficult to debug with a customer remotely. They can’t see and check everything. It will get solved and I’ll post the results when done so other boaters can learn from it.

[Bugoutboat]

Measuring the stator coils I read 11.2 ohms on both stator coils. The exciter read 22.3 ohms. The values appear close enough to good enough to work. Double checking all connections.

[Bugoutboat]

Its been a while and I wanted to get back to finish up on the resolution. So the installation went well, I called up the Bayshore Marine that is a Northern Lights distributor and service provider. They came out and basically the generator was working as soon as they turned it on. So I had basically did everything right and needed the Ora of a mechanic to show up, start it and run the vessels air conditioning off the generator. That cost 451.00 dollars. Felt like kicking the generator. Its all good now and if I every go to sell the boat I can always show that I had a professional check it for 451 dollars. Generator is rocking now though!