HomeEnginesCummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1

Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 Engine Engine

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 is a 3.92 L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 48 DGCA, 51 DGCA, DTCA and DXCA. It holds 11.5 L (3.0 gal) of oil and 21 L (5.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins 4BT3.9 G1

Part of the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 engine family — 9 variants share parts & fitment.

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
AspirationTurbocharged
Rated speed1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

4
Cummins/Onan 48 DGCACummins/Onan 51 DGCACummins/Onan DTCACummins/Onan DXCA

Common problems

15
  • 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
  • The fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to run. FAULT 1 or FAULT 2
  • SWITCH OFF lamp flashes.
    Fix: Indicates Run-Stop-Remote switch is in the Stop position which will prevent automatic Starting. Moving the Run-Stop-Remote switch to the Remote position will stop the lamp flashing and enable automatic starting.
  • PRELO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.
    Fix: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to 20 psi (138 kPa). 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 procedure in step 5.
  • PREHI ENGINE TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.
    Fix: Indicates engine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 220° F (105° C). If generator is powering non-critical and critical loads, and cannot be shut down, use the following: a. Reduce load if possible by turning off non-Critical loads. b. Check air inlets and outlets and remove any obstructions to airflow. c. Open doors or windows in generator area to increase ventilation. If engine can be stopped, follow procedure in step 3.
  • OVERCRANK lamp lights and engine stops cranking.
    Fix: Indicates possible fuel system problem. a. Check for empty fuel tank, fuel leaks, or plugged fuel lines and correct as required. Engine runs, shuts down, and LO OIL PRES lamp lights. 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. Refer to step 5. e. Reset the control and restart after correcting the problem. Contact your distributor for service if none of the above applies.
  • No AC output voltage.
    Fix: Voltage regulator is inoperative. Refer to Initial Start and Checks, and Adjustments sections of your Installation Manual for voltage check and adjustment procedures. Contact your distributor if voltage build-up is still a problem.
  • LOOIL PRES lamp lights. Engine shuts down.
    Fix: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to 14 psi (97 kPa). Check oil level, replenish as necessary. Check oil lines and filters for leaks, repair as required. Reset control and restart. Contact your distributor if oil pressure is not in the range of 35 to 55 psi (241 to 379 kPa).
  • LOFUEL lamp lights. Engine continues to run.
    Fix: Indicates diesel fuel supply is running low. Check fuel supply and replenish as required.
  • LOENG TEMP lamp lights. Set is in standby mode but is not operating.
    Fix: 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 if it remains lighted during initial generator Set operation. Or is not circulating coolant. Check for the following conditions: a. Coolant heater not connected to power supply. Check for blown fuse or disconnected heater cord and correct as required. b. Check for low coolant level and replenish. if required. Look for possible coolant leakage points and repair as required. c. Contact your distributor if none of the above applies.
  • 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: Indicates engine has overheated (engine temperature has risen above 230° F/110° C) or coolant level is low (sets with coolant level sensor). 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, tighten if loose. d. Reset control and restart after locating and correcting problem. Contact your distributor if none of the above applies.
  • Green RUN lamp lights following engine Start-up.
    Fix: Indicates all engine systems are normal. No corrective action required.
  • Green RUN lamp does not light following engine start-up.
    Fix: Indicates possible Start/Disconnect relay failure. Contact your distributor for assistance.
  • Fault lamp lights but no fault exists. Engine gauges show oil pressure, engine temperature, and frequency (speed) are within normal limits.
    Cause: The monitor board or a sensor may be at fault.
    Fix: Contact your distributor for service.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1.

Parts cataloged across the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 family

140
Part #DescriptionCategory
140-0710Air Cleaner, Standardair_filter
309-0272Air Cleaner - Heavy Duty (10" Inlet Tube)air_filter
505-0104Element - Air Cleaner - Heavy Duty Primary [AM# CD1830610826]air_filter
982-0200Air Filterair_filter
AN500T0083ALTERNATORalternator
150-2007Guard. Belt Screw. Cap - Hex Head (1/2-13 X 2-1/4“)belt
187-0008Belt, Drivebelt
353-0094-01Connector Housing and Contact Pins, 8 Pin (Less Pins)connector
187-0011Filter, Fuelfuel_filter
3824469fuel pump gear pullerfuel_pump
102-1147Gasket, Drain - Oil Pangasket
187-0002Gasket Kit, End - Topgasket
187-0012Gasket, Cover - Valvegasket
526-0018Gasket, Flange (1-3/4)gasket
DM-3801371Gasket Set - 4BT 3.9gasket
FP-4B39PREM4B/4BT3.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasketgasket
FP-4B39PREML4B/4BT3.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)gasket
FP-IFK4B39PREM4B/4BT3.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasketgasket
FP-IFK4B39PREML4B/4BT3.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)gasket
332-0051Clip, Wire - Fuel Hose---—hose
503-0098Hose, Oil Drain - Bulk (3/4hose
503-0183Clamp, Hosehose
503-0365Clamp, Hosehose
503-0685Clamp, Hosehose
DM-3805455Oil Cooler Hose - 4BT 3.9hose
3822509injector pullerinjector
3823276injector bore brushinjector
DM-3029550Fuel Injector - 4BT 3.9injector
140-2164Nut, Square (1/4-20)nut
187-0015Filter, Oiloil_filter
309-0561Switch, Low Oil Pressureoil_filter
102-1237Adapter, Oil Drain (Ml8 x 1/2") (S2)other_service
140-0705Plate, Manifold Heater Mountingother_service
145-0596other_service
150-2187Lever, Actuator - Governorother_service
150-2203other_service
150-2218other_service
150-2251Joint, Ballother_service
151-0611Control, Governorother_service
151-0632other_service
154-2581other_service
155-2062other_service
155-2080other_service
155-2175Clamp, Muffler 4"other_service
155-2256other_service
155-2353other_service
187-0004other_service
187-0007other_service
187-0017other_service
187-0018other_service
187-0146other_service
187-0198other_service
323-1200Resistor, Fixed, Wirewound ARother_service
323-1304tiotming, Umectorother_service
323-1306Screw, Cap - Hex Head (1/4-20 x 1/2")other_service
332-0325other_service
332-0941*Tie, Cableother_service
332-1087other_service
332-1279Insulatedother_service
332-1445Tie, Cable 18 98-5219 1 Decal - Panel Front (Not I l l u s t r a t e d ) 19 98-5220 1 Decalother_service
332-2739Bracketother_service
332-2921Switch, Temperature - Washer, Lock (M8)other_service
333-0291other_service
333-0292other_service
3377259bosch timing tool (ve)other_service
353-0094other_service
357-0030RECTIFIER ‘BATT CHARGINGother_service
416-0446Cable, Battery (#2/0) 12-1/2" (Jumper)other_service
416-0893other_service
416-0921other_service
501-0441Line, Fuel - Flex (Fuel In)other_service
501-0502Line, Fuel - Flex (Fuel out)other_service
503-0197503-0197 Miscellaneous Engineother_service
504-0011Valve, Shutoff (1/2”)other_service
505-0026Coupling, Pipe (1/8")other_service
505-0050Nut, Cap - Hex Head (#10-32 x 30mm)other_service
505-0059Tee, Pipe (1/8") - Controls with Indicator Lightsother_service
505-0098Bandother_service
505-0185Ball, Fly - Governorother_service
505-1373other_service
526-0008*Washer, Flat (#10)other_service
526-0115Washer (5/16 “)other_service
526-0196Washer, Spacer - Shield JC)INT, BALL LINKAGEother_service
526-0327other_service
800-0012Screw, Cap - Hex Head (1/4-20 x 2-1/4”) Begin Spec C MANIFOLD KIT, INTAKEother_service
800-0048Screw, Cap - Hex Head (3/8-16 x 3/4”)other_service
800-1003other_service
800-2060016-40820 NE 1 Screw. Cap - Hex Head (M8-1.25 x 35MM) 3 856-0008other_service
800-2110Hood, Inlet - Air Moldedother_service
800-2112Screw. Cap - Hex Head (M12 x 30nin)other_service
812-007533?-2739other_service
813-0103Screw, Machine - Round Head (#10-32 x 3/4º)other_service
815-0172Cover, Adapter Outletother_service
850-0025*Washer, Lock - Spring (#8)other_service
850-0030Washer, Lock - Spring (#10)other_service
850-0050Washer, Lock - Spring (3/8”)other_service
850-2006Washer, Lock - Spring (M6)other_service
850-2008Heater, Engine Coolantother_service
850-2012Washer, Lock - Spring (M12)other_service
856-0013Washerother_service
860-2007Screw, Machine - Round Head (M10 x 32 x 3/4")other_service
870-0053(350-0030other_service
870-0131*Nut, Hex - w/ET (#10-32) *Breaker, Circuit 60 Hertzother_service
870-0212Nut, Locking (1/4-20)other_service
871-0010#Nutother_service
871-0028other_service
928-0502Bother_service
928-0506other_service
960-0135other_service
960-0136Battery, 24V, 55Ah, AGMother_service
960-0242other_service
960-0504Aother_service
960-0505other_service
960-12other_service
965-0520Cooling Fanother_service
DM-3802010Main Bearing Set Standard - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9, 6CT 8.3other_service
K19-CP460 kWeother_service
K38-CP920 kWeother_service
K50-CP1240 kWeother_service
110-0426Water Pumppump
187-0001Pump, Waterpump
187-0013Pump, Transfer - Fuelpump
187-0020Pump, Injectionpump
DM-3004242Fuel Transfer Pump - 4BT 3.9pump
DM-3805403Water Pump - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9pump
DM-3807788Oil Pump - 4BT 3.9pump
750-1010Screw, Machine - Fillister Head (1/4-20 x 1")screw
110-0430Seal, Water Pumpseal
150-2201Sensor, Speed – Magneticsensor
193-0244Sender, Oil Pressure (E1)sensor
193-0353Sender, Temperature - Oilsensor
193-0375# Sender, Water Temperaturesensor
309-0269Air Cleaner (Includes Element) - Standardsensor
309-0553Switch, Temperature - Low Engine Coolant (S4)sensor
309-0554Switch, Oil Pressure - 20 PSI (S5 Pre-Alarm)sensor
405-3826-01Support, Engine - Screw, Cap - Hex Head (M12 x 1.75 x 65mm)support
187-0009Thermostatthermostat
187-0010Gasket, Thermostatthermostat
821-0018Thermostat (Includes Plugs)thermostat
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.

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1?

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 engine has an oil capacity of 11.5 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1?

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 has a displacement of 3.92 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 engine?

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 powers 4 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 48 DGCA, Cummins/Onan 51 DGCA, Cummins/Onan DTCA, Cummins/Onan DXCA.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 is: 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.