HomeEnginesContinental Red Seal

Continental Red Seal Engine Engine

The Continental Red Seal is a 4-cylinder engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 5 kW. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 5KW GO.

Also known as: Continental Red Seal

4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
5 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Cylinders4
Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power5 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

1

Common problems

15
  • Voltage low at far end of line but normal near power unit
    Cause: Too small line wire for load and distance.
    Fix: Install larger or extra wires or reduce load.
  • Voltage drops under heavy load
    Cause: Engine lacks power. See remedies for engine mising under heavy load. Poor compression. Tighten cylinder head and spark Plugs. If still not corrected, grind the valves. Replace piston rings, if necessary.
    Fix: See MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
  • Too large bearing clearances
    Fix: Replace bearings. See MAIN MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
  • Tapping sound
    Cause: Tappet clearance too great.
    Fix: Adjust or replace tappets.
  • Plant starts but does not continue to run
    Cause: START button released too soon. Defective panel equipment.
    Fix: Hold in contact longer. See Controls.
  • Oil too light or diluted
    Fix: Drain, refill with correct oil. See PREPARATION.
  • Oil pressure too high
    Cause: Refer to symptoms of high oil pressure for remedies.
  • Oil leaks from engine or connections
    Fix: This does not cause smoky exhaust, e.g., oil leaks from engine or connections. Replace gaskets or leaking tubing. Tighten screws and connections.
  • Noisy brushes
    Cause: High mica between bars of commutator, ATOR.
    Fix: Undercut mica. See GENERATOR.
  • Motors run too slowly and overheat at far end of line but ok near power unit
    Cause: Too small line wire for load and distance.
    Fix: Install larger or extra wires, or reduce load.
  • Low oil pressure
    Cause: Too long screw on center main bearing. Oil too light. Oil badly diluted. Oil level too low. Oil relief valve not seating. Badly worn bearings.
    Fix: See MAIN BEARINGS. Drain, refill with proper oil. See PREPARATION. Drain, refill with proper oil. Add oil. Remove and clean, or replace. See LUBRICATION SYSTEM. Replace. See MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
  • Hollow clicking sound with cool engine under load
    Cause: If noisy only slight and disappears when engine warms up, ho immediate attention needed. Otherwise replace worn parts.
    Fix: Loose pistons.
  • Generator overheating
    Cause: Overloaded. Brush rig out of position.
    Fix: Reduce load. Be sure to line up marks. See Brush Rig.
  • Excessive oil consumption, light blue smoky exhaust
    Cause: Worn piston rings, Install new piston rings. See PISTON RING REPLACEMENT.
  • Excessive arcing of brushes
    Cause: Rough commutator or rings.
    Fix: Turn down, Clean. See GENERATOR.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Continental Red Seal.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterOil bath air cleaner find
Fuel filterFuel pump filter screen find
Oil filterFilter element cartridge find
CoolantEngine coolant for radiator11.0 quarts
OilUndiluted engine oil for crankcase3.0 quarts50 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Common questions

Which generators use the Continental Red Seal engine?

The Continental Red Seal powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 5KW GO.

How often should you change the oil in the Continental Red Seal?

The Continental Red Seal oil change interval is every 50 hours.

What is a common problem with the Continental Red Seal engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Continental Red Seal is: Voltage low at far end of line but normal near power unit. Cause: Too small line wire for load and distance.. Fix: Install larger or extra wires or reduce load..