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General Motors 3.0L L4 Engine

The General Motors 3.0L L4 is a 2.97 L 4-cylinder engine. It powers generator sets from Power Solutions International, including the 3.0 L. It holds 3.7 L (1.0 gal) of oil and 4 L (1.1 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: GM Powertrain 3.0L L4

Part of the General Motors 3.0L engine family — 3 variants share parts & fitment.

2.966 L

Displacement

Cylinders

3.7 L

Oil capacity

On this pageSpecs Generator sets FAQ

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	3.7 L
Coolant capacity	4.0 L
Displacement	2.966 L
Cylinders	4

Generator sets powered by this engine

Power Solutions International 3.0 L

Common problems

Unit Not In Auto LED 12
Fix: Move the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to the AUTO position for automatic starting.
Low Fuel LED 11
Fix: Check fuel supply and replenish as required.
Press To Test Button 13
Overcrank LED 17
Fix: Check for empty fuel tank, fuel leaks, or plugged fuel lines and correct as required. Check for dirty fuel filter and replace if necessary (See Maintenance section of Engine Manual). Check for dirty or plugged air filter and replace if necessary (See Maintenance section of Engine Manual).
No Engine Stop. 29
Fix: Check Engine Start Timer setting. Check Engine Start Connections. Investigate why the Engine Control Switch was put in Manual. Contact your Dealer or Distributor for assistance.
No Engine Start. 28
Fix: Check Engine Start connections. Investigate why the Engine Control Switch was put in Manual. Contact your Dealer or Distributor for assistance.
No AC Output Voltage. 27
Fix: Verify output with another meter if ok check meter, if ok check meter fuses. Regulator fuse is blown. Replace fuse. Contact your Dealer or Distributor if voltage build-up causes fuse to blow. Check rotating rectifier for damaged diodes. Replace all diodes if any are failed.
Low Water Temp LED 8
Low Oil Pressure Pre-alarm LED 10
Low Oil Pressure LED 16
Fix: Check oil level, lines and filters. If the oil system is okay but oil level is low, replenish.
Low Coolant Temperature LED 21
Fix: Check for the following conditions: Coolant heater not connected to power supply. Check for blown fuse, open circuit breaker or disconnected heater cord and correct as required. Check for low-coolant level and replenish if required. Look for possible coolant leakage points and repair as required.
Low Battery LED 23
Fix: Check electrolyte level and charger output or replace the battery.
High Engine Temp Pre-alarm LED 9
Fault LED on but no fault exists. Engine gauges show oil pressure, engine temperature, and frequency (speed) are within normal limits. 24
Fix: Contact your Dealer or Distributor for service.
Engine will not crank. 26
Fix: Check for the following conditions: Fault lamp on. Correct fault and reset control. Poor battery cable connections. Clean the battery cable terminals and tighten all connections. Discharged or defective battery. Recharge or replace the battery.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the General Motors 3.0L L4.

Parts cataloged across the General Motors 3.0L family

Part #	Description	Category
253107	Element, Air Cleaner	Air filter
GM62309	Element, air cleaner	Air filter
K032049	ALTERNATOR, 12V 51 amp MANDO	Alternator
15390	V BELT FOR 181 CHEV	Belt
4024TF281	Fan Belt	Belt
GM16132	Belt, fan standard	Belt
GM39428	Belt, alternator	Belt
GM65427	Belt, alternator	Belt
GM34935	Fuel Filter	Fuel filter
GM63809	Fuel Filter (primary)	Fuel filter
10101256	GASKET, W/PMP	Gasket
10105135	GASKET, WAT OTLT	Gasket
12457584	GASKET KIT, CYL HD	Gasket
14091870	VALVE COVER GROMMET	Gasket
14096660	GASKET, CYL HD (PART OF GASKET KIT, CYLHD)	Gasket
93419740	GASKET, OIL PAN	Gasket
300251-6	5/16 VINYLE HOSE BLACK	Hose
R217	LOWER RADIATOR HOSE, 181	Hose
GM16703	Filter, oil	Oil filter
GM63750	Oil Filter	Oil filter
PE25	OIL FILTER	Oil filter
10108694	OIL CAP	Service part / kit
10486024	HEI TIMING JUMPER	Service part / kit
1259369GT	Maintenance Inspection Report	Service part / kit
25013759	VALVE, OIL FLTR BYPASS	Service part / kit
735-4432	1” CHROME BREATHER W/ GROMMET	Service part / kit
12523503	PUMP KIT, WAT	Pump
12523504	PUMP KIT, WAT	Pump
10214034	SEAL, VLV STEM OIL (O-RING TYPE)	Seal
40088158	SEAL, CR/SHF RR OIL (NORMAL ROTATION)	Seal
GM39458	Coolant Temperature Sender (Decision-Maker 3+)	Sensor
5613326	SPARK PLUG, (AC-DELCO #R45TS)	Spark plug
5613438	SPARK PLUG (AC-DELCO #MR43T)	Spark plug
5613875	SPARK PLUG, (AC R45T)	Spark plug
5614210	SPARK PLUG (AC-Delco #MR43LTS)	Spark plug
GM16531	Spark plug	Spark plug
GM22171	Spark plug	Spark plug
GM38998	Spark plug	Spark plug
9000820	DELCO STARTER 181	Starter
10220957	THERMOSTAT, ENG COOL (AC-DELCO #131-B4)	Thermostat
605-1115	THERMOSTAT WATER OUTLET	Thermostat
GM19726	Thermostat	Thermostat
GM79585--S	Thermostat	Thermostat

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the General Motors 3.0L L4?

The General Motors 3.0L L4 engine has an oil capacity of 3.7 liters.

What is the displacement of the General Motors 3.0L L4?

The General Motors 3.0L L4 has a displacement of 2.966 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the General Motors 3.0L L4 engine?

The General Motors 3.0L L4 powers 1 generator set(s), including Power Solutions International 3.0 L.

What is a common problem with the General Motors 3.0L L4 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the General Motors 3.0L L4 is: Unit Not In Auto LED. Fix: Move the AUTO/OFF/MANUAL switch to the AUTO position for automatic starting..