NorthStar M165939M.2 Owner's Manual

Portable, outdoor use-only, triple fuel generator

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Instructions for Installation/Set-up, Operation, Servicing, & Storage
Portable, Outdoor Use-Only, Triple Fuel Generator
10,500 Watt Continuous (13,000 Watt Surge) Capacity
Can be used to power individual appliances plugged directly into the generator's outlets, or as a
back-up connection to a building's power supply (via a professionally installed UL-approved
transfer switch.
READ and UNDERSTAND this manual completely before using the generator! Failure to properly set up,
operate, and maintain this generator could result in serious injury or death from carbon monoxide poisoning,
electric shock, fire/explosion, or burns. In particular, be aware of the following hazards:
Generators give off carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill you. You CANNOT smell it, see it, or taste it.
• ONLY run generator OUTDOORS and AWAY from building air intakes. NEVER run generator inside any enclosed or
semi-enclosed spaces, including homes, basements, garages, sheds, boxes, RVs, boats or pick-up truck beds. These
spaces can trap poisonous gases, EVEN if you run a fan or open windows.
• Carbon monoxide is given off whether you are using gasoline, natural gas, or propane to power the generator.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms inside nearby structures/buildings (battery-operated, or plug-in with battery backup).
• High voltage electricity from generator can kill. DO NOT operate in wet locations. Be sure generator is properly
grounded. Use only UL-listed, outdoor-rated grounded 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.
• DO NOT overload generator (per rated capacity), and OPERATE ONLY in an area with adequate cooling ventilation so
engine does not overheat. Exhaust can be extremely hot. Keep muffler at least 7' from all combustible objects.
• All fuels are flammable. Never fuel a running or hot engine. Never pump fuel directly into generator at gas station – use
approved container to transfer fuel. Ensure there are no fuel leaks, and keep sources of sparks and flames away.
• LPG/NG hook-ups must be completed by a certified gas technician and comply with all federal and local requirements.
ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher rated "ABC" nearby.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT GENERATOR FOR YOUR NEEDS. See the "Power load Planning & Management" section
of this manual to determine your power load requirements and then compare to the generator's rated capacity.
INSPECT COMPONENTS: Closely inspect to make sure no components are missing or damaged. See the "Unpacking
& Delivery Inspection" section for instructions on whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts.
ARRANGE FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION of transfer switch and/or NG/LPG hook-ups, if they will be used.
See the "Installation/Initial Set-Up" section for more information about these requirements.
Any Questions, Comments, Problems, or Parts Orders
Owner's Manual
Electric shock / Electrocution
Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810
M165939M.2
ITEM NUMBER: 165939
SERIAL NUMBER: _____________
®
WARNING
CO Poisoning
Fire / Explosion
STOP!

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Summary of Contents for NorthStar M165939M.2

  • Page 1 & Delivery Inspection” section for instructions on whom to contact to report missing or damaged parts. ARRANGE FOR PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION of transfer switch and/or NG/LPG hook-ups, if they will be used. See the “Installation/Initial Set-Up” section for more information about these requirements. Any Questions, Comments, Problems, or Parts Orders Call NorthStar Product Support 1-800-270-0810...
  • Page 2: Hazard Signal Word Definitions

    Hazard Signal Word Definitions...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Hazard Signal Word Definitions ....................2 About Your Generator ......................... 4 Specifications ..........................6 Safety Label Locations ........................7 Machine Component Identification ..................... 8 Power Load Planning & Management ..................11 Installation / Initial Set-Up: 1. Unpacking & Delivery Inspection ..................13 2.
  • Page 4: About Your Generator

    About Your Generator Thank you for purchasing your NorthStar portable generator! About Your Generator This engine-driven, portable generator is designed to provide up to 8000 Watts of electrical power (10,500 watts continuous, 13,000 watts surge). It can supply power: 1. As a portable power source. You can plug appliances directly into the generator’s electrical outlets.
  • Page 5: Warranty Registration

    This generator is too heavy for one person to lift without mechanical assistance. An optional wheel kit is available from NorthStar and is recommended if you will be moving the generator unassisted. Other optional accessories available from NorthStar include a vinyl cover for storage, UL-approved transfer switches, and extension cords.
  • Page 6: Specifications

    Specifications SPECIFICATIONS Item Number #165939 Maximum Output 13500 Watts (W) Continuous Output: Gasoline 10500 Watts (W) Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) 9600 Watts (W) Natural Gas (NG) 8400 Watts (W) Voltage 120 / 240 Volt (V) Phase Single phase (4-wire) Frequency Regulation 56.5 - 63.3 Hertz (Hz) Voltage Regulation 218 - 258 V...
  • Page 7: Safety Label Locations

    Always make sure safety labels are in place and in good condition. If a safety label is missing or not legible, order new labels or unsafe operation could result. To order replacement safety labels, call NorthStar Product Support at 1-800-270-0810. On-Product Warning Labels...
  • Page 8: Machine Component Identification

    Machine Component Identification - Item #165939M.2 Figure 1 (Ref. 1-19) Ref. Description Ref. Description Air Cleaner Hour Meter Gas Cap with Gauge Oil Drain Area 10.0 Gallon Gas Tank Demand Regulator Assembly Battery Box Engine Oil Drain Plug LPG/NG-3/4” NPT Gas Inlet Oil Level Dip Stick 120/240V, 50A, Circuit Breaker Engine Oil Fill Port...
  • Page 9 Machine Component Identification - Item #165939M.2 REFERENCE GUIDE Reference 1 – Air Cleaner Refer to your Honda engine manual for air cleaner care. Reference 2 – Gas Cap with Gauge The gas cap is extra large, creating a large hole for refueling and a comfortable grip.
  • Page 10 Machine Component Identification - Item #165939M.2 and press the extended button back into the circuit breaker housing. Reference 13 - 120V, 20A, Duplex The generator has a control panel with two duplex (two Receptacle receptacles in a common housing) receptacles. This duplex is a 120-volt (V) 20 amp (A) straight blade receptacle, National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) number 5-20R.
  • Page 11: Power Load Planning & Management

    Power Load Planning & Management WARNING NEVER exceed the rated wattage capacity of your generator. OVERLOADING may cause SERIOUS DAMAGE to the generator and attached electrical devices, and may result in fire. Your generator MUST BE SIZED PROPERLY to provide both the running and starting (surge) wattage of the devices you will be powering.
  • Page 12 Power Load Planning & Management (cont’d) Running Running Device Watts Device Watts Furnace fan (1/3 HP) 1200 (a) Submersible pump (1-1/2 HP) 2800 (a) Freezer 800 (b) Submersible pump (1 HP) 2000 (a) Hair dryer 1200 Submersible pump (1/2 HP) 1500 (a) Hand drill (1”) 1100...
  • Page 13: Installation / Initial Set-Up

    Installation / Initial Set-Up There are a number of important steps required to set up your generator for initial use. These steps are: Steps for Installation / Initial Set-Up 1. Unpacking & delivery inspection. 2. Planning the power load to stay within the generator’s rated capacity.
  • Page 14: Gas Hook-Up Installation For Natural Gas Or Propane (Lpg) - If Using

    Installation / Initial Set-Up 3. Gas Hook-up Installation for Natural Gas or LPG (if needed) You can power this generator with gasoline, natural gas (NG), or propane (LP) gas. The generator 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: WARNING: If you choose to operate the generator on NG or LPG, you must have the fuel line system...
  • Page 15 Installation / Initial Set-Up ♦ This product is designed to operate at an LPG gas pressure range of 7” to 11” of water column and requires a minimum LPG gas flow rate of 9.33 lb/hr, 2.2 Gal/hr, or 201,718 BTU/hr. Note: All gas cylinders produce gas pressure in excess of 11”...
  • Page 16: Set-Up As A Portable Or Building Back-Up Power Source

    Installation / Initial Set-Up 4. Set-up either as a BUILDING BACK-UP or PORTABLE Power Source This generator is designed to provide up to 13,000W of electrical power. It can supply electricity in two ways: 1. As a back up, standby power source for a building. For this application, you must arrange for a licensed electrician to connect the generator to your building’s electrical system via the installation of an UL-approved transfer switch.
  • Page 17 Installation / Initial Set-Up The generator cannot power your entire home -- you must work with the installing electrician to determine which devices/appliances you wish to power during an outage. The electrician can help you determine which circuits and devices can be powered simultaneously without overloading the generator.
  • Page 18 Installation / Initial Set-Up ♦ Extension cords may be used to power devices that are located at a distance from the generator. However, use only UL-listed, outdoor-rated, grounded extension cords of the proper size. Use Table 2 below to choose an adequately sized extension cord according to the amperage of the device being used and the length of the cord.
  • Page 19: Selecting A Suitable Site

    Installation / Initial Set-Up 5. Select a Suitable Site Before using the generator, you must select a suitable OUTDOOR location for installation and operation. This location should meet all of the criteria listed below. WARNING: You must choose a suitable site for operating your generator to avoid equipment damage and/or injury and possible death from carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, or fire.
  • Page 20 Installation / Initial Set-Up • 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.
  • Page 21: Grounding The Generator

    Installation / Initial Set-Up 6. Grounding the generator Always ensure the generator is properly grounded to prevent electrical shock. You must always ground the generator by the following method when using the generator as a portable electrical source: 1) Drive a ¾” or 1” copper pipe or rod into the ground close to the generator. The pipe/rod must penetrate moist earth –...
  • Page 22: Battery Installation

    Installation / Initial Set-Up 7. Battery Installation Your generator’s engine is equipped with an electric starter which requires the installation of a 12- volt lawn tractor size battery (Group U1). See the “Specifications” section of this manual for more specific battery requirements for this generator model, such as minimum amperage or CCA rating. The battery is to be supplied by the customer and should be installed in the protective battery box located near the engine.
  • Page 23: Operation

    Operation Once you have set up your generator for use, it is time to start your generator. The following are the procedures necessary for safe, successful operation of your generator. Operation Procedures 1. General Safety Rules for Operation 2. Preparing for Operation 3.
  • Page 24 Operation (cont’d) be done by factory-authorized personnel. • External fuel sources. Never attempt to connect external gasoline/diesel sources in order to increase engine run time. Larger tank at pressure or higher elevation will cause gasoline to leak from carburetor during operation. Fire or explosion could result. •...
  • Page 25 Operation (cont’d) Static electricity and filling the gasoline tank: Static electricity can initiate from ungrounded gasoline tanks or containers, from flowing gasoline, and from persons carrying a static electric charge Static electricity can explosively ignite gasoline vapors that are present during the fueling process, resulting in serious burns to nearby persons.
  • Page 26: Preparing For Operation

    Operation (cont’d) 2. Preparing for Operation Position Position generator in accordance with the instructions given in generator “Installation & Initial Set-up, Step 5: Select a Suitable Site” of this manual. Operate outside only, on dry, level ground with adequate clearance and ventilation.
  • Page 27 Operation (cont’d) Fill gasoline Check the gasoline level in the generator’s tank if you will be operating the tank (if using generator on gasoline. gasoline) If needed, fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline from a portable container, after first reading the warnings and instructions below. WARNING: Gasoline fire/explosion hazard Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive.
  • Page 28 Operation (cont’d) generator’s tank is not grounded and high velocity flow from the pump can cause static electricity build-up. Use an approved portable container to transfer gas to the generator’s tank. • Never fill the portable gas container while it is sitting inside a vehicle, trailer, trunk, or pick-up truck bed.
  • Page 29 Operation (cont’d) Inspect Fuel Inspect fuel system & check for leaks BEFORE starting generator. System / Check Do not start generator until all needed repairs have been completed. for Leaks WARNING: Fuel leak hazard Gasoline, LP gas (propane) and NG (natural gas) are highly explosive and fuel leaks can result in fire or explosions.
  • Page 30: Starting The Engine

    Operation (cont’d) 3. Starting the Engine After you have completed the pre-start checklist procedures, you are ready to start the engine. The following directions detail how to start the engine with either LP/NG or Gasoline as the fuel source: Using LP/NG To start engine using LP or Natural Gas: WARNING: DO NOT start engine if you smell gas.
  • Page 31 Operation (cont’d) 5) Under long, continuous-run operating conditions, be prepared to: a) Check engine oil level every 24 operating hours, b) Change oil after the first 20 operating hours, and at least every 100 operating hours thereafter, as directed in the engine owner’s manual. WARNING: Never open oil port while engine is running.
  • Page 32: Checking Generator Output

    Operation (cont’d) 4. Checking Generator Output Although the speed of the engine was carefully adjusted at the factory so that the generator produces the proper voltage and frequency, output voltage should be checked periodically to ensure the generator is working properly before connecting loads to the generator. WARNING: The generator must be run at the correct speed in order to produce the proper electrical voltage and frequency.
  • Page 33: Connecting Loads

    Operation (cont’d) 5. Connecting Loads You will want to be careful when connecting loads so as not to overload the generator, especially if you are powering devices with motors that require a higher starting power load. Instructions are provided below for connecting loads when you are using the generator: o As a portable power source o Connected to a building as a back-up power source WARNING:...
  • Page 34: Switching Fuels (During Operation)

    Operation (cont’d) 6. Switching Fuels (during operation) You can switch fuel sources (from gasoline to LP/NG, or from LP/NG to gasoline) while the generator is running. Follow the instructions below: Switching from 1. Disconnect all loads to the generator. Leave the engine running. LP/NG to Gasoline 2.
  • Page 35: Storage & Exercise

    Operation (cont’d) 8. Storage & Exercise When you are finished using the generator, you must: o Disconnect all loads o Shut off fuel supply o Store the generator properly o Plan on exercising the engine regularly unless the generator is prepared for long-term storage.
  • Page 36 Operation (cont’d) Prepare engine for If you will not be able to exercise the generator regularly, you must long term storage if prepare the engine for long term storage to prevent gum deposits from forming and causing malfunction of the engine. needed Prepare engine for long term storage by: o Removing all gasoline from the tank and carburetor...
  • Page 37: Maintenance & Repair

    • Repair. Major service, including the installation or replacement of parts, should be performed only by a qualified electrical service technician. Obtain factory approved parts from NorthStar Product Support at 1-800- 270-0810. • Replacement parts. If a part needs replacement, only use factory approved repair parts.
  • Page 38 To test the GFCI: 1. Depress the TEST button. The RESET button should extend from the receptacle. If the RESET button does not extend, contact NorthStar for replacement parts. 2. Restore power to the GFCI by firmly pressing the RESET button back into the receptacle until an audible click is heard.
  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Causes Possible Remedies Engine will not start. a) Low oil level. a) Fill crankcase to proper oil level. b) Fouled spark plug. b) Clean or replace spark plug. c) Out of fuel. c) Fill fuel tank. d) Stop switch in OFF position.
  • Page 40: Summary Of Important Safety Information For Operation

    Summary of Importation Information for Operation This section provides a summary of the various safety procedures and measures that have been presented throughout the manual. Keep this summary handy and refer to it to refresh your memory about how to safely use your generator. WARNING Carefully read and make sure you understand the following safety information before using the generator.
  • Page 41 Summary of Importation Information for Operation cont’d o When CONNECTING the battery, connect the RED cable to the POSITIVE terminal FIRST. o When DISCONNECTING the battery, disconnect the BLACK cable from the NEGATIVE terminal FIRST • Acid/skin contact. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, flush immediately with water and neutralize with baking soda.
  • Page 42 Summary of Importation Information for Operation cont’d • Spark arrestor . Equip engine with a spark arrestor if 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.
  • Page 43 Summary of Importation Information for Operation cont’d • Smell for gas before starting the generator: • Natural gas. Natural gas is lighter than air and tends to collect in high areas. After opening NG line supply, smell for gas BEFORE starting engine. •...
  • Page 44 Summary of Importation Information for Operation cont’d contact with victim. Use a nonconducting implement, such as a dry rope or board, to free the victim from the live conductor. Apply first aid and get immediate medical help. • Hot muffler . Never touch hot muffler, hot exhaust manifold, or engine cooling fins. Exhaust and engine parts can be very hot and will burn you.
  • Page 45: Generator Exploded View

    Generator Exploded View Rev – M.2...
  • Page 46 Generator Exploded View Rev – M.2 Fig # Part # Description 777149 Fuel Cap, With Gauge 38760 Fuel Tank Assembly 171410 Fuel Clamp 30754 Leather Washer Muffler 783410 Muffler canister 783250 Header assembly 783260 Upper mounting bracket assembly 780061 Heat Shield 783264 Lower mounting bracket 781069...
  • Page 47: Wiring Diagram

    Wiring Diagram Rev – M.2...
  • Page 48 Wiring Diagram Rev – M.2 Diag # Part # Description 306422 Twist Lock Receptacle, NEMA L14-30R 306426 Receptacle, 120 Volt, 20 Amp, NEMA 5-20R 30643 Circuit Breaker, 20 Amp 306434 Circuit Breaker, 30 Amp 306423 Receptacle, 120 Volt, 30 Amp, NEMA L5-30R 31953 Receptacle, 120/240 Volt, 50 Amp, NEMA 14-50R 31211...
  • Page 49: Fuel Delivery System

    Fuel Delivery System Rev – M.2 Diag # Part # Description 82187 M6-1.0 X 65mm Socket Head Cap Screw, w/ thread locking patch 35846 Venturi 35847 Adapter 32808 Elbow 777119 Hose Clamp 37748 Regulator Wire Harness 35488 Oil Pressure Switch Wire Harness 777239 Protective Sleeve 13.2”...
  • Page 50: Generator Head Exploded View

    Generator Head Exploded View Rev – M.2 Ref # Part # Description 30991 Drive End Bracket 30994 Protection Screen 31013 Phillips Screw 30995 307489 Grommet 305605 Terminal Box Cover 31014 M5 X .8, 16mm Long 31018 M5 X .8, 10mm Long, Green 31015 M5 X .8, 10mm Long 307484...
  • Page 51: Limited Warranty

    Dear Valued Customer: The NorthStar Product you just purchased is built with the finest material and craftsmanship. Use this product properly and enjoy the benefits from its high performance. By purchasing a NorthStar product, you show a desire for quality and durability.
  • Page 52 ® Manufactured by Northern Tool + Equipment Co., 2800 SouthCross Drive West P.O. Box 1499 Burnsville, MN 55337-0499...

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