HomeEnginesCummins/Onan 4B3.9 G*

Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* Engine Engine

The Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* is a 3.92 L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 28DGBB, 35 DGBB, 36 DGBC and 40 DGBC. It holds 11.5 L (3.0 gal) of oil and 21 L (5.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins 4B3.9 G*

3.92 L
Displacement
4
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
11.5 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity11.5 L
Coolant capacity21.0 L
Displacement3.92 L
Cylinders4
Aspirationnaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

6
Cummins/Onan 28DGBBCummins/Onan 35 DGBBCummins/Onan 36 DGBCCummins/Onan 40 DGBCCummins/Onan DTBACummins/Onan DXBA

Common problems

15
  • SWITCH OFF lamp flashes.
    Fix: Indicates Run/Stop/Remote switch is in the Stop position which will prevent automatic starting if an automatic transfer switch is used. Move the Run/Stop/Remote switch to the Remote position for automatic starting.
  • OVERCRANK lamp lights and engine stops cranking.
    Cause: Indicates possible fuel system problem.
    Fix: A. Check for empty fuel tank, fuel leaks, or plugged fuel lines and correct as required. b. Check for dirty fuel filter and replace if necessary (see Maintenance section). c. Check for dirty or plugged air filter and replace if necessary (see Maintenance section). d. Reset the control and restart after correcting the problem. Contact an authorized service center for service if none of the above.
  • LO FUEL LAMP lights. Engine shuts down and LO OIL PRES lamp lights.
    Fix: Indicates engine has run out of fuel. Check fuel level and replenish as required.
  • HI ENG TEMP lamp lights. Engine shuts down.
    Fix: Allow engine to cool down completely before proceeding with the following checks: a. Check coolant level and replenish if low. Look for possible coolant leakage points and repair if necessary. b. Check for obstructions to cooling airflow and correct as necessary. c. Check for a slipping fan belt and tighten if loose. d. Reset control and restart after locating and correcting problem. Contact an authorized service center for service if none of the above.
  • Engine runs and then shuts down, OVERSPEED lamp lights.
    Cause: Indicates engine has exceeded normal operating speed.
    Fix: Contact an authorized service center for service.
  • The FAULT 1 or FAULT 2 fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to run.
    Cause: The standard undesignated fault functions are programmed to shut down the set when a fault is sensed. Fault 1 is time delayed while Fault 2 is immediate. The nature of the fault is an optional selection that is determined when the set installation is designed. The undesignated fault functions may also be programmed for non-shutdown or non-time delay.
  • The external alarm and fault lamp may be deactivated by moving the Run/Stop/Remote switch to the Stop position and pressing the Reset/Lamp Test/Preheat switch.
    Fix: Locate the problem and correct it before restarting the set. While pressing the Reset/Lamp Test/Preheat switch, make certain that all lamps light.
  • PRE LO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.
    Cause: Indicates engine has overheated (engine temperature has risen above 222F/106C) or coolant level is low (sets with coolant level sensor).
    Fix: A. Check coolant level and replenish if low. Look for possible coolant leakage points and repair if necessary. b. Check for obstructions to cooling airflow and correct as necessary. c. Check for a slipping fan belt and tighten if loose. d. Reset control and restart after locating and correcting problem. Contact an authorized service center for service if none of the above.
  • PRE HI ENGINE TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.
    Cause: Indicates engine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 215F (102C).
    Fix: A. Reduce load if possible by turning off non-critical loads. b. Check air inlets and outlets and remove any obstructions to airflow. If engine can be stopped, follow procedure in step 3.
  • LO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine shuts down.
    Cause: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to 20 psi (138 kPa).
    Fix: If generator is powering critical loads and cannot be shut down, wait until next shutdown period and then follow step 5 procedure. If engine can be stopped, follow procedures in step 5.
  • LO OIL PRES lamp lights.
    Cause: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to 14 psi (97 kPa).
    Fix: Check oil level, lines and filters. If oil system is OK but oil level is low, replenish. Reset control and restart. Contact an authorized service center if oil pressure is not in the range of 25 to 40 psi (172 to 275 kPa).
  • LO FUEL lamp lights. Engine continues to run.
    Cause: Indicates diesel fuel supply is running low.
    Fix: Check fuel supply and replenish as required.
  • LO ENG TEMP lamp lights. Set is in standby mode but is not operating.
    Cause: Lamp lights when engine coolant temperature is 70 F (21 C) or lower. Since the lamp goes out after the engine warms up, there should be no cause for alarm even during initial generator set operation.
  • Engine fails to start or starts, runs and then stops
    Fix: Refer to Troubleshooting charts in the Operator’s Manual
  • The starter will disengage after a specified period of time and the control will indicate an overcrank fault
    Fix: Place the Run-Stop-Remote switch in the STOP position and momentarily depress the Reset switch. Wait two minutes for the Starter motor to cool and then repeat the starting procedure

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G*.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter250 hr find
Fuel filter find
Oil filterApply a light coat of oil to the gasket sealing surface of the new filter and fill filter with clean, new oil. Install filter and tighten 2/3 turn by hand after the seal touches the sealing surface of the bracket. find
Belt250 hr find
Coolant
Coolant filter find
OilChange the oil and filter at the intervals recommended in the Maintenance Table.

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G*?

The Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* engine has an oil capacity of 11.5 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G*?

The Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* has a displacement of 3.92 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* engine?

The Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* powers 6 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 28DGBB, Cummins/Onan 35 DGBB, Cummins/Onan 36 DGBC, Cummins/Onan 40 DGBC, Cummins/Onan DTBA.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan 4B3.9 G* is: SWITCH OFF lamp flashes.. Fix: Indicates Run/Stop/Remote switch is in the Stop position which will prevent automatic starting if an automatic transfer switch is used. Move the Run/Stop/Remote switch to the Remote position for automatic starting..