The Cummins/Onan NTA-855-G1 is an engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 275NTA1 and DFM 275. It holds 31 L (8.2 gal) of oil and 20.8 L (5.5 gal) of coolant.
Also known as: Cummins NTA-855-G1
Part of the Cummins/Onan NTA855 engine family — 17 variants share parts & fitment.
| Oil capacity | 31.0 L |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 20.8 L |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
How to read your Cummins/Onan engine serial & model number →
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan NTA-855-G1.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant heater | Check | 8 hr | ||
| Coolant level | Check | 8 hr | ||
| Generator set | Inspect | 8 hr | Check for oil, fuel, cooling and exhaust leaks; check exhaust system audibly and visually with set running | |
| Oil level | Check | 8 hr | ||
| Air cleaner | Clean | 50 hr | Clean if required; more often in extremely dusty conditions | |
| Battery charging system | Check | 50 hr | ||
| Drive belt tension | Check | 50 hr | Visually check belts for evidence of slippage | |
| Exhaust condensation trap | Drain | 50 hr | ||
| Fuel level | Check | 50 hr | ||
| Battery level/specific gravity | Check | 100 hr | ||
| Fuel tanks water/sediment | Drain | 100 hr | Drain 1 cup or more of fuel to remove water and sediment | |
| Generator air outlet | Check | 100 hr | ||
| Antifreeze and DCA concentration | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Crankcase oil and filter | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | First service — Perform initial change after first 50 hours, subsequent changes per maintenance schedule |
| Generator assembly | Clean | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Heat exchanger plugs | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | If equipped |
| Air cleaner element | Change | 500 hr | 12 mo | More often in extremely dusty conditions |
| Coolant filter | Change | 500 hr | 12 mo | |
| Cooling system | Clean | 500 hr | 12 mo | |
| Crankcase breather | Clean | 500 hr | 12 mo | More often in extremely dusty conditions |
| Fuel filters | Change | 500 hr | 12 mo | |
| Generator bearing | Inspect | 1000 hr | ||
| Generator bearing | Replace | 10000 hr | 24 mo | Prime power: every 10,000 hours or two years; standby power: every five years |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance | Exhaust pipe clearance to combustible wall or partition | at least 12 inches (305 mm) | inch | |
| Clearance | Mounting base surface height above floor | at least 6 inches (152 mm) | inch | |
| Gap | Air cleaner element cleaning nozzle distance | at least 1 inch (25 mm) | inch | low pressure compressed air 30 psi (207 kPa) |
| Other | Air cleaner element solvent soak time | 15 | minutes | Donaldson D1400 solvent or equivalent |
| Other | Battery specific gravity | 1.260 | specific gravity | 1.225 recommended above 95 F (35 C) ambient; 1.280 at 80 F (27 C) |
| Other | Engine belt driven charging alternator output | 35 | ampere, 24 VDC | |
| Other | Fuel pump lifting capacity | 5 feet (1.525 m) | feet | |
| Other | Maximum sulphated ash content of lubricating oil | 1.85 | percent | |
| Other | Overcrank crank cycle | 15 seconds crank / 15 seconds rest, 80-second limit | seconds | |
| Pressure | Cranking oil priming pressure at filter head priming port | 15 | psi (103 kPa) | 15 seconds of cranking |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | 12 | psi (83 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Lubrication system priming pressure | 30 | psi (207 kPa) | during priming |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable exhaust backpressure | 41 inches H2O / 3.0 | inches H2O / inches Hg | |
| Pressure | Normal oil pressure range | 40 to 70 | psi (276 to 483 kPa) | engine at operating temperature |
| Pressure | Pre-low oil pressure alarm | 18 or less | psi (124 kPa) | |
| Speed | Fine speed adjustment range via Speed Adjust potentiometer | less than +100 | RPM | |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 50 Hz 3% droop | 51.5 Hz (1545 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 50 Hz 5% droop | 52.5 Hz (1575 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 50 Hz isochronous | 50.0 Hz (1500 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 60 Hz 3% droop | 61.8 Hz (1854 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 60 Hz 5% droop | 63.0 Hz (1890 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | No-load governed speed, 60 Hz isochronous | 60.0 Hz (1800 RPM) | Hz/RPM | no load |
| Speed | Overspeed shutdown, 50 Hz units | approximately 1850 | r/min | |
| Speed | Overspeed shutdown, 60 Hz units | approximately 2100 | r/min | |
| Temperature | Engine temperature for cooling system flush | above 194 | F (90 C) | operate engine 5 minutes |
| Temperature | Heat exchanger water temperature | 165 to 195 | F (74 to 91 C) | |
| Temperature | High coolant temperature shutdown | 223 | F (106 C) | |
| Temperature | Low coolant temperature lamp lights | 70 or lower | F (21 C) | |
| Temperature | Normal water (coolant) temperature | 165 to 195 | F (74 to 91 C) | depending on load and ambient temperature |
| Temperature | Pre-high engine coolant temperature alarm | 215 or higher | F (102 C) | |
| Torque | Oil drain plug | 60-70 | ft-lb (81-95 N.m) | |
| Torque | Oil filter housing priming plug | 15 to 20 | ft lb (20 to 27 N.m) | |
| Voltage | Battery voltmeter (battery condition) | 26 to 28 | volts | engine running |
| Voltage | Starting/charging DC system | 24 | VDC |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant | Water/antifreeze mixture with DCA | Permanent type antifreeze per supplier proportion; water clean, low mineral content, free of chloride, sulphate or acid; do not use anti-leak additive antifreeze | 15.5 U.S. Gal | Cooling system with standard set mounted radiator; engine only capacity 5.0 U.S. Gal (19 Litres) for NT models, 5.5 U.S. Gal (20.8 Litres) for NTA/NTTA models | |
| Engine oil | SAE 5W grade synthetic | API class CC/CD; sulphated ash max 1.85 percent; pour point 9 F (5 C) below lowest expected temperature; viscosity 10,000 mPa.s max at -31 F (-35 C) and 4.1 mm2/s min at 212 F (100 C) | below -25°C | For ambient consistently below -13 F (-25 C) with no provision to keep engine warm. Do not use petroleum base 5W. | |
| Engine oil | SAE 20W-40 | API Class CC/CD, maximum sulphated ash 1.85 percent | above -32°C | 10.5 U.S. Gal | Printed as 'Normal duty -32 F (0 C) and above - SAE 20W-40'. Refer to Cummins Engine Manual for extreme conditions. Do not mix oils of another classification or brand. |
| Engine oil | 10W-30 | Multigrade oil meeting API classification | -25°C to 25°C | Oil viscosity grade selection table: -13 to 95 F (-25 to 25 C) = 10W-30 | |
| Fuel | ASTM No. 2 Diesel Engine Fuel | Refer to Cummins Engine Manual for analysis limits; will also operate on No. 1 or similar diesel fuels | Never use galvanized fuel lines, fittings or fuel tanks |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BATTERY CHARGER FAILURE | Battery charger failure | Fault condition of on-site battery charger (NFPA 110) | Warning | Refer to battery charger unit and remedy condition |
| CONTROL NOT IN AUTO | Control not in auto | Generator set is not in automatic start operation mode (flashing red) | Warning | Move Automatic Start switch to AUTO position |
| GEN SET UNDER LOAD | Generator set under load | Generator set is attempting to start under a load condition (NFPA 110) | Warning | Remove all loads; reset Exciter Switch to ON |
| LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE | Low battery voltage | Starting batteries are at low voltage condition (NFPA 110) | Warning | Clean and tighten battery cable terminals; recharge or replace battery |
| LOW COOLANT LEVEL | Low coolant level | Fluid level sensing switch provides engine shutdown and lights the high engine coolant temperature fault lamp | Shutdown | Check coolant level and repair leaks |
| LOW COOLANT TEMP | Low coolant temperature (early warning) | Engine coolant temperature marginally low for starting, 70 F (21 C) or lower; indicates inoperative coolant heater | Warning | Check coolant heater power, fuse, cord and coolant level |
| LOW FUEL | Low fuel | Fuel supply is low (NFPA 110) | Warning | Check fuel supply and replenish as required |
| LOW OIL PRESSURE | Low oil pressure (shutdown) | Engine shut down because oil pressure dropped below 12 psi (83 kPa) | Shutdown | Check oil level, lines and filters; replenish; reset control and restart; verify pressure 40 to 70 psi (276 to 483 kPa) |
| OVERCRANK | Overcrank | Starter locked out because of excessive cranking time (cycle cranking 15 s crank / 15 s rest, 80-second limit) | Shutdown | Place Automatic Start switch to OFF/RESET; wait two minutes for starter to cool; repeat start |
| OVERSPEED | Overspeed | Engine has shut down because of excessive speed (frequency detection module on generator PMG output) | Shutdown | Contact distributor for service |
| REMOTE STOP | Remote stop | Engine shut down because of remote signal (customer dedicated) | Shutdown | Refer to specifics of on-site equipment |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Tools: Frequency meter or tachometer
Tools: Frequency meter or tachometer
⚠ Do not adjust any other voltage regulator potentiometers or rheostats; they are factory-calibrated.
Tools: Screwdriver
⚠ Contact with hot coolant can result in severe burns. Allow system to cool before removing filters.
⚠ Allow cooling system to cool before releasing pressure and removing radiator cap.
Tools: Compressed air
⚠ Do not permit any flame, lit cigarette, spark, pilot light or arcing equipment near the fuel system.
⚠ Handle filters with care to prevent damage; install recommended replacement part if damaged.
Tools: Compressed air
⚠ Crankcase pressure can blow out hot oil; do not check oil while generator set is operating.
Tools: Waste container, Torque wrench
Tools: Priming pump with pressure gauge, Torque wrench
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110/190 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 110/220 | 1 | Double delta (single phase) | 12-lead generator | |
| 115/200 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 115/230 | 1 | Double delta (single phase) | 12-lead generator | |
| 120/208 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 120/240 | 1 | Double delta (single phase) | U1, V1, W1, U2, V2, W2, U5, V5, W5, U6, V6, W6 | Single phase, double delta connection will reduce set rating and may not work with 3-phase meters |
| 127/220 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 139/240 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 200/346 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| 220/380 | 3 | Wye (High/Low Wye) | 12-lead generator | 60 Hz and 50 Hz listed |
| 230/400 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | 60 Hz and 50 Hz listed |
| 240/416 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | 60 Hz and 50 Hz listed |
| 254/440 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | 60 Hz and 50 Hz listed |
| 277/480 | 3 | Wye | 12-lead generator | |
| Medium voltage (601V to 15kV) | 3 | 6 lead generator | 6-lead generator | Drawing number 3052056 (sht. 2) pertains to medium voltage, 6 lead generators, where applicable |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 122-0526 | Bypass Hood, Air Inlet (Used on Heavy Duty Air Cleaner) | Air filter |
| 140-1346 | Air Cleaner (Includes Element) | Air filter |
| 140-2391 | Element - Air Cleaner (Standard) | Air filter |
| 140-2392 | Element, Air Cleaner - Primary | Air filter |
| 140-2393 | Element, Air Cleaner - Safety | Air filter |
| 511-0084 | Belt, Charging Alternator | Belt |
| 511-0160 | Belt, Drive - V (Fan) | Belt |
| 319-2236 | Bracket, Mounting | Bracket |
| 518-0548-58 | Clamp, Hose | Clamp |
| 130-3537 | CE 1 130-3541 3318318 CE 1 4 501-0551 1 5 503-1467-07 1 503-0189 2 505-0022 1 502-0827 | Coolant filter |
| 130-3541 | Filter, Water - w/Corrosion Inhibiting Chemical DCA4 (Pre-Charging) | Coolant filter |
| 0300-4623-09 | DFCB (600V) | Current transformer |
| 0300-4623-10 | DFCC (600V) | Current transformer |
| 0300-4623-24 | DFCB BR (0-480V) | Current transformer |
| 0300-4623-27 | DFCC BR (0-480V) | Current transformer |
| 155-2287-02 | Gasket, Flange (used with 155-2281 Elbow) | Gasket |
| 501-0551 | Line, Fuel - Flexible (Bypass line) | Hose |
| 503-1467-07 | Hose, Rubber (3/4" ID x 33" LG) Radiator to Filter Housing | Hose |
| 503-1679-02 | Hose, Rubber - Upper | Hose |
| 505-1414-01 | Hose, Rubber - Lower | Hose |
| 122-0755 | Lube & Bypass Filter (Latest Style Used In Engine Manufacturing) | Oil filter |
| LF3000 | Lube, Spin-On | Oil filter |
| 100-1359 | Engine, Replacement (Cummins NTA855G) | Service part / kit |
| 102-1335 | Plug, Oil Drain | Service part / kit |
| 305-0813-02 | CUMMINS battery charger 208VAC/24VDC/10A | Service part / kit |
| 307-2621-02 | Relay, Start Solenoid (K4) | Service part / kit |
| 309-0437 | (222"F) | Service part / kit |
| 504-0011 | Valve, Shutoff (1/2”) | Service part / kit |
| 505-0019 | Bushing, Pipe - Reducer 1/2” to 3/8”, DFBF (1/2” to 3/8”) 505-0131 DFCB, DFCC, DFCE (3/4” to 3/8”) | Service part / kit |
| 505-0100 | Nipple, Pipe - Close (1/2”) | Service part / kit |
| 526-0029 | *Washer, Flat (1/2") | Service part / kit |
| 526-0219 | Washer, Flat (1/2) | Service part / kit |
| 800-0048 | Screw, Cap - Hex Head (3/8-16 x 3/4”) | Service part / kit |
| 800-0092 | Screw, Cap - Hex Head (1/2-13 x 1.5) | Service part / kit |
| 850-0050 | Washer, Lock - Spring (3/8”) | Service part / kit |
| 870-0212 | Nut, Locking (1/4-20) | Service part / kit |
| 903-0124 | NA | Service part / kit |
| 903-0204 | NA | Service part / kit |
| 903-0500 | NA | Service part / kit |
| 903-0604 | NA | Service part / kit |
| E204747 | Coolant heater 240/480V 6420W 1PH | Service part / kit |
| 508-0292 | Washer, Sealing - Copper | Seal |
| 151-0411 | Pickup, Magnetic | Sensor |
| 193-0244 | Sender, Pressure - 0i1 | Sensor |
| 193-0375 | # Sender, Water Temperature | Sensor |
| 193-0432 | Sender, Oil Temperature (S2 Engine Block, E4 Oil Pan) | Sensor |
| 309-0179 | Switch, High Water Temperature | Sensor |
| 309-0269 | Sender, Temperature-Lo Engine | Sensor |
| 333-0407 | Switch, Pressure - Oil, 14# PSI (SHUTDOWN) With Dual Terminals | Sensor |
| 960-0504 | PCC Control Service Manual | Service manual |
| 960-0507 | Detector Control Service Manual | Service manual |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
The Cummins/Onan NTA-855-G1 engine has an oil capacity of 31.0 liters.
The Cummins/Onan NTA-855-G1 powers 2 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 275NTA1, Cummins/Onan DFM 275.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan NTA-855-G1 is: No AC output voltage.. Fix: 3. Confirm that Exciter Switch is at ON position. Voltage regulator is inoperative. Refer to Initial Start and Checks, and Adjustments sections for voltage check and adjustment procedures. Contact your distributor if voltage build-up is still a problem..