HomeEnginesCummins/Onan 6BT5.9

Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 Engine Engine

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 is a 5.9 L 6-cylinder engine. It powers generator sets from AKSA and Cummins/Onan, including the AC110, 100 DGDB, 65DGDA and 80 DGDA. It holds 16 L (4.2 gal) of oil and 25 L (6.6 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins 6BT5.9

Part of the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 engine family — 6 variants share parts & fitment.

5.9 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
16.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity16.0 L
Coolant capacity25.0 L
Displacement5.9 L
Cylinders6

Generator sets powered by this engine

7

Shared across brands: AKSA, Cummins/Onan

Troubleshooting

15

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
RUNRun
FAULT 1Fault 1
FAULT 2Fault 2
K13K13 - HET
K4 - Fault 2K4 - Fault 2
K5 - Fault 1K5 - Fault 1
K17K17 - PHET
K19K19 - PLOP
ES-1859-1Overvoltage MonitorShut down the output device and trip an optional circuit breaker
ES-1852Overload DetectorShut down the output device

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Voltage regulator may require adjustment or is faultyVoltage, the voltage regulator may require adjustment or is faultyRefer to Tests and Adjustments section for adjustments, replace if faulty.
Shutdown was due to over/under frequencyIf shutdown was due to over/under frequency, the engine governor may require adjustment or is faultyRefer to Tests and Adjustments section for adjustments, replace if faulty.
No fault lamp litPossible defective ECM Check fuses F4 and F2 of ECM board A11.Perform restart and check for B+ voltage in at TB1-9 and voltage out at TB1-10 to fuel solenoid. If there is voitage out at TB1-10, check fuel supply solenoid, shutoff valves, etc. If there is no voltage out at TB1-10, ECM board A11 is defective. Replace.
AC output voltage too high or lowIs engine running at correct rpm? No; Are generator output connections correct and secure? Yes; Does adjustment of Voltage Adjust control R21 (if equipped) result in correct output voltage? No; Check Voltage Regulator Adjustment. Check ok? No; Check condition of rotating diodes.Visually inspect for loose connections, faulty diodes, etc. Check ok? Yes; Do not replace Voitage Regulator Replace Voltage Regulator VR21. ACAUTION VR21 until external trouble has been corrected to avoid possible damage to new regulator board.
Exciter field breaker trips (if equipped)Does AC output voltage build up to 150% or more of rated voltage before breaker trips? No; Check diodes in rotor assembly. Replace if bad.Check Voltage Regulator adjustments and connections. Check generator stator leads for proper, secure connection. Refer to appropriate electrical schematic. Check exciter rotor winding. Replace if bad. Check generator rotor field winding. Replace if bad. Check generator stator windings. Replace if bad. Do not replace Voltage Regulator Replace Voltage Regulator VR21. ACAUTION VR27 until external trouble has been corrected to avoid possible damage to new regulator board.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this engine’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Parts cataloged across the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 family

36
Part #DescriptionCategory
982-0200Air Filterair_filter
3824469fuel pump gear pullerfuel_pump
DM-3801372Gasket Set - 6BT 5.9gasket
FP-6B59PREM6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasketgasket
FP-6B59PREML6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)gasket
FP-IFK6B59PREM6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasketgasket
FP-IFK6B59PREML6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)gasket
3822509injector pullerinjector
3823276injector bore brushinjector
DM-3029551Fuel Injector - 6BT 5.9injector
LF3349Lube, Full-Flow Spin-Onlube_filter
3377259bosch timing tool (ve)other_service
960-0627Cother_service
965-0520Cooling Fanother_service
DM-3802010Main Bearing Set Standard - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9, 6CT 8.3other_service
FP-33569706B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit (contains FP-3802160 Piston Kit)other_service
FP-33569716B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit (contains FP-3802248 Piston Kit)other_service
GM12641Safety/locking agentother_service
GM12657Dipstickother_service
GM12676Cylinder linerother_service
GM12678Screw plugother_service
GM12697Torx-head boltother_service
GM12921Hexagon boltother_service
GM12924Rear end coverother_service
GM12936Wrapped bearing bushother_service
GM12937Wrapped bearing bushother_service
GM12954Dipstickother_service
GM12970Compression springother_service
GM13175Pipe clampother_service
S103selector switch on the control PCBother_service
TB1-6terminals between TB1-5 and TB1-7 in the control boxother_service
TB1-7terminals between TB1-6 and TB1-8 in the control boxother_service
DM-3805401Oil Pump - 6BT 5.9pump
DM-3805403Water Pump - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9pump
GM12667Sealing ringseal
DM-3015282Thermostat 180F - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9thermostat

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

2

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 engine has an oil capacity of 16.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 has a displacement of 5.9 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 engine?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 powers 7 generator set(s), including AKSA AC110, Cummins/Onan 100 DGDB, Cummins/Onan 65DGDA, Cummins/Onan 80 DGDA, Cummins/Onan 85DGDB.