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NorthStar Trifuel Generator — 390cc, 8000 Surge Watts, 6600 Rated Watts

Item# 165938
NorthStar Trifuel Generator — 390cc, 8000 Surge Watts, 6600 Rated Watts

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NorthStar Trifuel Generator — 390cc, 8000 Surge Watts, 6600 Rated Watts

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  • Brushless generator heads are proven to be superior in efficiency, performance and lifespan compared to brush-style generator heads
  • Less than 6% THD for use with power-sensitive equipment
  •  Cast iron sleeve
  • Control panel has "push to reset" circuit breakers

See full description

  • Description

  • Key Specs

  • Reviews

  • Q & A

  • Accessories

  • Warranty

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Product Summary

NorthStar® Trifuel Generator packs 8000 surge watts and 6600 continuous watts! Switches effortlessly from gasoline to dry fuel without powering off and starts fast and easy in all weather. For years of long-lasting power, this generator uses a reliable, 100% copper-wound brushless generator head. NorthStar's V-mounts are designed to extend life by dampening and isolating engine vibration. The interlocking V-mounts have a rubber-isolation mount made with a specially formulated vibration-dampening elastomer that provides optimal flexibility. An interlocking bracket design allows NorthStar to use softer rubber, resulting in a smooth-running engine. Easy access control and outlet panel. Frame constructed from ERW hot-rolled steel tubing. The solid base provides a strong foundation for the generator and extends life by serving as a barrier between the ground and the generator. This prevents grass, dirt, dust and other debris from being sucked into the engine and the alternator. Muffler drastically reduces engine noise level. Not for sale in California. U.S.A.

What's Included

  • (1) Generator

Downloads

Product Manual

Features + Benefits

  • Brushless generator heads are proven to be superior in efficiency, performance and lifespan compared to brush-style generator heads
  • Less than 6% THD for use with power-sensitive equipment
  •  Cast iron sleeve
  • Control panel has "push to reset" circuit breakers

Key Specs

AttributeSpecification

item#

165938

Brand

NorthStar

Manufacturer's Warranty

24 months parts / 24 months labor

Ship Weight

275.0 LB

Surge Watts

8,000

Rated Watts

6,600

Fuel Type

Multi-Fuel

Engine Displacement

390 cc

Start Type

Electric and Recoil
AttributeSpecification

Battery Required

Yes

Battery Included

No

Rated Watts LP

6,200

Rated Watts NG

5,200

Surge Watts LP

7,200

Surge Watts NG

6,400

Low Oil Shutdown

Yes

Dimensions L x W x H (in.)

31 x 23 x 22 in

Reviews

Questions & Answers

32 Reviews This action will navigate to reviews.

Questions

1–10 of 20 Questions  
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  1. Will this generator run uncovered in the rain?

    I'm a newbie to the world of generators, so pardon if this is a dumb question. Thanks.

    1. You should keep all generators with exposed outlets covered and away from moisture.

      Helpful?

    2. This NorthStar trifuel generator should be sheltered from the rain while running or being stored.

      Helpful?

  2. I know a battery is required for the tri-fuel generator to start if using natural gas.. Is the battery required for it to continue running if using na

    tural gas.Also if using regular gas and you switch over while running, is a battery required for this to happen and keep it runnning.

    1. With out a battery, the charging system is running on an open circuit looking for a place to send the energy.
      I can't say how long, but eventually it will damage the charging system. You could call northstar and ask the manufacturer. I know times are tough, but if there's a way to swing it, buy a good, not cheap battery, install it and start the Generator up at least once a month.
      I own the same machine. I am on my third year of using it every few days to run a battery bank charging system for a small home solar array electrical system.
      I'm off grid with 4 110watt panels all 12Volt, wired in series to get 48V. There's a charge controller after that, breakers before and after everything, a 4 Battery bank, EA is 12V also wired in series for 48 V, going into a 1500W Inverter changing that DC current to AC.
      In Fact, my Tri Fuel Gen is running as I write.. Gotta go shut er down!
      -Jimmer

      Helpful?

    2. Yes, the LP/NG fuel system requires a battery to function.

      Helpful?

  3. Maybe I didn't explain my question about the running watts, I wanted to know why the running watts ( not the surge watts ) change between fuel types?

    The specs for this model say that, the running watts for GAS is 6600; the running watts for LP is 6200; and the running watts for NG is 5200. Why do the running watts change depending on the fuel type used? I wanted to connect it to my natural gas line but I'm not crazy about the running watts dropping from 6200 for gas to 5200 for NG. I wasn't aware that the fuel type would make such a difference. The natural gas would make it convenient by not having to run to the gas station and not having to stop and fill the tank, but is the drop in running watts from gas to natural gas worth it?

    1. Each fuel burns at a different consumption rate, Natural Gas is higher.

      Helpful?

    2. When vaporized, each type of fuel contains a different amount of energy per unit of volume. In this case a unit of volume is that pulled in by one stroke of the engine's piston. Less energy per stroke means less horsepower from the engine and less output from the generator.

      Simplified, the different molecules, each containing a different amount of energy per stroke of the engine, are :
      Gasoline (octane): 8 carbon and 18 hydrogen atoms
      Propane: 3 carbon and 8 hydrogen atoms
      Natural gas (methane): 1 carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms

      Helpful?

  4. Is the sole reason a 20# LPG cylinder cannot be used the fact that there is no pressure regulator provided?

    Can I add a pressure regulator to a 20# tank to control fuel pressure to the required 7-11" of water column. I live on an island and 100# tanks are too heavy for me to transport off-island for filling. I would rather shuttle several 20# tanks. I would like to order this generator, but it depends on the answer to this question.

    1. A 100-LBS gas cylinder is the minimum tank size for this product. This generator will not work with 20-LBS cylinders used with gas grills and recreational equipment, or 40-LBS cylinders used in forklifts and tractors.

      Helpful?

    2. Yes, given that it is properly regulated and that the tank (cylinder) can absorb enough heat to vaporize propane at the required rate. In general, up to a 10 horsepower engine will run fine on a 20# grill type cylinder if the ambient air temperature is above freezing. Larger engines require more surface area, either a larger cylinder or more than one 20# cylinder in parallel.

      The "new" flow limited 20# cylinders can supply no more than 10 SCFH of propane. This should be within your needs for this generator.

      Helpful?

  5. What is the engine lubrication system?

    Is the engine lubrication for the M165938R a "splash" system or a pressurized system?

    1 answer

    1. The engine on this generator has a splash lubrication system.

      Helpful?

  6. is there a quiet muffler available for this unit? what is the noise level for this generator

    if there is not a quiter muffler available could a larger automotive type muffler be adapted..... I have neighbors that called the police the last time i used my old gen. set.

    1 answer

    1. The dB rating for this generator is 74.5 at 7 meters. The generator has the quietest muffler that is Honda approved for the motor. The warranty would be voided if any modifications would be made during the warranty period.

      Helpful?

  7. Please clarify NG fuel consumption rate

    The owner's manual for M165938R specifies 2.0 CFM MINIMUM for NG. Is this the minimum rate to have the engine run? Or is this the minimum flow rate required to support full power output?

    1 answer

    1. Our NorthStar Trifuel Generator requires a minimum Natural Gas flow of 2.0 CFM. This means the Natural Gas supply must have flow rate of at least 2 CFM for our generator to work as intended.

      Helpful?

  8. Where is the "Primer Button" that needs to be depressed when starting with LP Gas?

    1 answer

    1. The primer button is located on the side of the generator where the battery is located. It is a gold spring loaded button located between the regulator and the battery.

      Helpful?

  9. how many btu is this honda

    1 answer

    1. This NorthStar Trifuel Generator requires a minimum LPG flow rate of 122,865 BTU per hour.

      Helpful?

  10. Can a remote start switch be hooked up to my North Star Tri fuel generator. If so can I purchase one from Northern Tool?

    1 answer

    1. No, a remote start kit is not available for this generator.

      Helpful?

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Warranty

Manufacturer's Warranty

24 months parts / 24 months labor

Extend Your Warranty Coverage with a Northern Protection Plan (NPP)

Replacement Plan — 1 Year

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