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Perkins 1506A Engine

The Perkins 1506A is a 8.8 L 6-cylinder ataac engine. It powers generator sets from Perkins, including the 1506.

Also known as: Perkins 1506A

Part of the Perkins 1506A engine family — 7 variants share parts & fitment.

8.8 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders

Engine specifications

Displacement8.8 L
Cylinders6
AspirationATAAC

Generator sets powered by this engine

1
Perkins 1506

How to read your Perkins engine serial & model number →

Common problems

3
  • The “DIAGNOSTIC” lamp illuminates during normal engine operation. i02572812
    Fix: Use the electronic service tool to check the active diagnostic codes. The cause of the problem should be corrected as soon as possible.
  • A diagnostic lamp illuminates during normal engine operation. i02651197
    Fix: Use the electronic service tool to check the active diagnostic codes. The cause of the problem should be corrected as soon as possible.
  • A diagnostic lamp illuminates during normal engine operation and the diagnostic lamp shuts OFF. i02784585
    Fix: If a fault has occurred, the fault will be logged into the memory of the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The operator should retrieve the logged fault codes and reference the appropriate information in order to identify the nature of the fault. The operator should log any observation that could have caused the lamp to light.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Perkins 1506A.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—500 hr
Fuel filter—1000 hr
Oil filterAPI CF-4 or equivalent—250 hr
Battery—1200 hr
Belt—500 hr
Coolant—1000 hr
Coolant filter—
OilAPI CI-4 or equivalent—250 hr
Spark plug—

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

Service intervals

28
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Fuel Tank Water and SedimentDrain50 hrEvery 50 Service Hours or Weekly
Air ShutoffTest500 hr12 mo
Battery Electrolyte LevelCheck500 hr
BeltsInspect500 hr12 moInspect/Adjust
Engine Air Cleaner Element (Single Element)Inspect500 hrInspect/Replace
Engine Oil and FilterChange500 hr12 mo
Fuel System Primary Filter (Water Separator) ElementReplace500 hr12 mo
Fuel System Secondary FilterReplace500 hr12 mo
Hoses and ClampsInspect500 hr12 moInspect/Replace
RadiatorClean500 hr12 mo
Aftercooler CoreInspect2000 hrInspect/Clean/Test; clean and test every 4000 service hours unless inspection indicates more frequent cleaning
AlternatorInspect2000 hr
Belt TensionerCheck2000 hr12 mo
BeltsReplace2000 hr
Engine Crankcase BreatherClean2000 hr12 mo
Engine Valve LashAdjust2000 hrInitial valve lash adjustment recommended at first scheduled oil change
Coolant (DEAC)Change3000 hr24 mo
Coolant Temperature RegulatorReplace4000 hr24 mo
Crankshaft Vibration DamperInspect4000 hr24 mo
Engine MountsInspect4000 hr24 mo
Starting MotorInspect5000 hr
TurbochargerInspect5000 hr
Water PumpInspect5000 hr
Coolant Extender (ELC)Other6000 hr36 moAdd - required for Perkins ELC to achieve 12000 hours
Grounding StudInspect10000 hrInspect/Clean/Tighten - tighten at every oil change
Overhaul ConsiderationsOther10000 hr
Coolant (ELC)Change12000 hr72 moPerkins ELC must be used with an extender to achieve 12000 hours operation
Fan ClearanceCheck500 hrFirst service — Commissioning

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Service specifications

20
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceFan clearance (gap A between fan tip and edge of cover)8 to 10mmengine stopped
OtherCoolant pump drive belt tension for new belts (Model LG)734N (165 lb)new belts; recheck after 10 hours of operation
OtherFan belt tension for new belts (Model LG)912N (205 lb)new belts; recheck after 10 hours of operation
PressureAftercooler core pressure test205kPa (30 psi)submerged in water; leaking bubbles indicate leaks
PressureEngine oil pressure at rated speed with SAE 10W30 or SAE 15W40240 to 480kPaat rated speed
PressureMaximum air pressure for cleaning purposes205kPa (30 psi)when air nozzle is deadheaded
PressureMaximum water pressure for cleaning purposes275kPa (40 psi)
TemperatureInlet manifold air temperature limit (radiator restriction warning device setting)75°C (167 °F)
TemperatureJacket water coolant temperature (typical)88 to 102°C
TemperatureMaximum allowable jacket water coolant temperature (pressurized cooling system)105°Cpressurized
TorqueCoolant pump drive belt adjust bolts (1) and (3) (Model LG)28N·m (247 lb in)
TorqueCoolant pump drive belt tension (Model LG)560N (125 lb)
TorqueCooling system drain plug (1)80N·m (59 lb ft)
TorqueCrankcase breather bolt (2)28N (6.3 lb)
TorqueCrankcase breather hose clip (3)7N·m (62 lb in)
TorqueFan belt adjust bolt (4) (Model LG)100N·m (73 lb ft)
TorqueFan belt adjust nuts and bolts (Model LG)89N·m (65 lb ft)
TorqueFan belt tension (Model LG)730N (164 lb)
TorqueOil drain plug (aluminum oil pan)40N·m (29 lb ft)
TorquePrelube connection plug (1)30N·m (265 lb in)

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Recommended fluids

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
CoolantPerkins ELC (preferred); commercial heavy-duty antifreeze meeting ASTM D6210 (acceptable)ASTM D6210above -36°C1500 series industrial engines must be operated with a 1:1 mixture of water and glycol. Premixed ELC provides freeze protection to -36 °C (-33 °F). Do not use coolant only meeting ASTM D3306.
Engine oilAPI CH-4API CH-4 (1506A and C Industrial Engine)41.0 LMinimum required TBN depends on fuel sulfur level; TBN min 7 for ≤0.05% (≤500 ppm) and 0.05-0.1%; min 10 for above 0.1% (above 1000 ppm). Capacity is at commissioning; 39 L in service.
Engine oilAPI CI-4 Plus (preferred); API CI-4 (acceptable)API CI-4 Plus / API CI-4 (1506D Engine)Not approved and must not be used: CC, CD, CD-2, CF-4, CG-4 and CH-4. CI-4 Plus provides soot viscosity control and product shear stability.
FuelDistillate diesel fuel per Perkins Specification; LSD 0.05%, ULSD, B20 biodiesel blends up to 20% by volumePerkins Specification for Distillate Diesel Fuel (ASTM/ISO tests); neat biodiesel per EN14214 or ASTM D6751above -44°CCetane number 40 minimum; kinematic viscosity 1.4 to 4.5 cSt at fuel injection pump; density 800-860 kg/m3 at 15 °C, recommended 841 kg/m3; lubricity max 0.46 mm wear scar (ISO 12156-1). EN590 CLASS 4 usable to -44 °C; ASTM D975 1-D to below -18 °C.
OtherPerkins T400012 Fuel Cleaner; Perkins Diesel Fuel Conditioner 21820275 (U5MK8276)Fuel cleaner removes deposits after 30 hours of operation; maximum results use up to 80 hours.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Procedures

12
Belts - Inspect/Adjust (Model LG) - Fan Belts adjustment

Tools: suitable belt tension gauge

  1. Loosen bolts (1) and (2), also loosen nut (3).
  2. Loosen bolt (4) and nut (7).
  3. Adjust nuts (5) and (7) to increase or decrease tension on union (6); tension belts to 730 N (164 lb).
  4. Tighten nuts (5) and (7) securely.
  5. Tighten bolts (1) and (2) and nut (3) to 89 N·m (65 lb ft); tighten bolt (4) to 100 N·m (73 lb ft).
Coolant Pump Drive Belt Adjust (Model LG) adjustment

Tools: square (A)

  1. Loosen bolts (1) and (3); use square (A) to adjust pulley assembly (2) to increase or decrease belt tension.
  2. Set the tension on the belt to 560 N (125 lb).
  3. With correct tension, tighten bolts (1) and (3) to 28 N·m (247 lb in).
Aftercooler Core - Inspect/Clean/Test - Test diagnostic
  1. Inspect the core for trapped debris and cleanliness; remove debris and repeat cleaning if necessary.
  2. Inspect the core for damage and perform a pressure test to detect leaks.
  3. Plug both ends of the aftercooler core and pressurize to 205 kPa (30 psi); submerge in water and look for bubbles.
  4. If any leaks are found, do not attempt to repair the core.
Aftercooler Core - Inspect/Clean/Test - Clean maintenance

⚠ Do not use a high concentration of caustic cleaner to clean the core.

Tools: pressure steam cleaner, compressed air

  1. Place the aftercooler on the side to remove accessible debris.
  2. Back flush the core with cleaner.
  3. Use a pressure steam cleaner to remove residue; flush the fins; remove trapped debris.
  4. Wash the core with hot, soapy water.
  5. Flush the core thoroughly with clean, fresh water until exiting water is clear.
  6. Dry the core with compressed air, directed in the reverse direction of normal flow.
Battery - Replace maintenance

⚠ Batteries give off combustible gases which can explode.

⚠ The battery cover should be removed before any servicing is attempted.

  1. Switch the engine to OFF and remove all electrical loads; allow 2 minutes for diesel exhaust fluid lines to purge before disconnecting power.
  2. Turn off and disconnect any battery chargers.
  3. Ensure the battery disconnect switch is in the OFF position.
  4. Disconnect the NEGATIVE "-" cable from the NEGATIVE "-" battery terminal.
  5. Disconnect the POSITIVE "+" cable from the POSITIVE "+" battery terminal.
  6. Remove the used battery and install the new battery.
  7. Connect the POSITIVE "+" cable to the POSITIVE "+" terminal.
  8. Connect the NEGATIVE "-" cable to the NEGATIVE "-" terminal.
  9. Turn the battery disconnect switch to ON.
Battery or Battery Cable - Disconnect maintenance

⚠ Removing the battery cables or the batteries with the cover in place may cause a battery explosion resulting in personal injury.

Tools: fine grade sandpaper

  1. Turn the start switch to OFF; turn the ignition switch (if equipped) to OFF and remove the key and all electrical loads.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal; ensure the cable cannot contact the terminal (with four 12 volt batteries, two negative connections must be disconnected).
  3. Remove the positive connection.
  4. Clean all disconnected connection and battery terminals.
  5. Use fine grade sandpaper to clean the terminals and cable clamps until bright or shiny; coat with silicone lubricant or petroleum jelly.
  6. Tape the cable connections to help prevent accidental starting.
  7. Proceed with necessary system repairs.
  8. To connect the battery, connect the positive connection before the negative connector.
Changing to Perkins ELC maintenance

⚠ Incorrect or incomplete flushing of the cooling system can result in damage to copper and other metal components.

  1. Drain the coolant into a suitable container.
  2. Dispose of the coolant according to local regulations.
  3. Fill the cooling system with a 33 percent solution of Perkins ELC, operate until thermostat opens, cool and drain.
  4. Again fill with a 33 percent solution of Perkins ELC, operate until thermostat opens, then cool.
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. Fill with Perkins Premixed ELC, operate until all coolant valves open, stop and check coolant level when cool.
Coolant (ELC) - Change maintenance

⚠ Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns.

  1. Stop the engine and allow to cool; loosen filler cap slowly to relieve pressure and remove.
  2. Remove drain plug (1) and the radiator drain plug; allow coolant to drain.
  3. Flush cooling system with clean water to remove debris.
  4. Fill with clean water, install filler cap, run engine until normal operating temperature.
  5. Stop engine, cool, remove cap and drain plugs; drain water and flush with clean water.
  6. Check O ring seal on drain plug, replace if damaged; install drain plugs and tighten drain plug (1) to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).
  7. Fill with Extended Life Coolant (ELC); do not install filler cap.
  8. Run engine until normal operating temperature; stop engine.
  9. Maintain coolant level at maximum mark.
  10. Clean and inspect filler cap gasket; replace or pressure test cap as needed.
  11. Start engine and inspect cooling system for leaks and proper operating temperature.
Engine Air Cleaner Element (Single Element) - Inspect/Replace maintenance

⚠ Never run the engine without an air cleaner element installed.

⚠ Never service the air cleaner element with the engine running.

  1. Remove the six clips (2) and remove the cover (3).
  2. Remove element (5) and discard old element.
  3. Ensure cover (3), cap (1) and valve (4) are clean and free from dirt.
  4. Install new element (5), install cover (3) and install clips (2); ensure valve (4) is vertically down.
  5. If necessary, reset the air cleaner service indicator.
Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean maintenance

⚠ Perform this maintenance with the engine stopped.

Tools: solvent

  1. Thoroughly clean the breather assembly before removing any parts.
  2. Loosen hose clamp (3) and remove hose (4) from breather assembly (6).
  3. Remove bolt (2) and washer (1); remove breather assembly (6) from housing (5).
  4. Wash the breather element in clean nonflammable solvent and allow to dry.
  5. Ensure hose (4) is clean and free from damage.
  6. Install a clean dry breather element; install breather assembly (6) to housing (5).
  7. Install new sealing washer (1) to bolt (2); tighten bolt (2) to 28 N (6.3 lb).
  8. Install hose (4) and clip (3); tighten clip (3) to 7 N·m (62 lb in).
Engine Oil and Filter - Change maintenance

⚠ Hot oil and hot components can cause personal injury.

⚠ Do not fill the oil filters with oil before installing them.

Tools: suitable tool

  1. Run engine to normal operating temperature, then stop.
  2. Drain the crankcase: turn drain valve counterclockwise, or remove oil drain plug (discard O ring seal).
  3. Clean the oil drain plug and install a new O ring seal; reinstall and tighten drain plug to 40 N·m (29 lb ft) for aluminum oil pan.
  4. Using a suitable tool remove oil filter (3) from housing (1) and discard.
  5. Apply clean engine oil to O ring seal (2) and install the new spin on oil filter; tighten by hand only, then rotate 1 full turn after seal contacts.
  6. Remove the oil filler cap and refill the crankcase with engine oil.
  7. Start engine and run 2 minutes; inspect oil filter for leaks.
  8. Stop the engine; allow oil to drain back to sump for a minimum of 10 minutes.
  9. Check the oil level and maintain between the Low and High marks.
Fuel System - Prime maintenance

⚠ Fuel leaked or spilled onto hot surfaces or electrical components can cause a fire.

⚠ Do not crank the engine continuously for more than 30 seconds. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before cranking again.

  1. Ensure key switch is OFF, fuel tank is full, and fuel supply valve is ON.
  2. Unlock the fuel priming pump handle (1); turn counter clockwise and operate until strong pressure is felt.
  3. Press in the fuel pump handle and lock into the fuel pump body (2), turning clockwise.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. If the engine will not start, repeat Steps 2 to 3.
  6. Once the engine starts, allow it to operate with no load for 5 minutes.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Parts cataloged across the Perkins 1506A family

2
Part #DescriptionCategory
1106A-70TAGPerkins 1106A-70TAG ElectropaKService part / kit
1506A-E88TAG5Improved performance and fuel savings from Perkins® 1500 SeriesService part / kit

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 displacement of the Perkins 1506A?

The Perkins 1506A has a displacement of 8.8 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Perkins 1506A engine?

The Perkins 1506A powers 1 generator set(s), including Perkins 1506.

How often should you change the oil in the Perkins 1506A?

The Perkins 1506A oil change interval is every 250 hours.

What is a common problem with the Perkins 1506A engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Perkins 1506A is: The “DIAGNOSTIC” lamp illuminates during normal engine operation.. Fix: Use the electronic service tool to check the active diagnostic codes. The cause of the problem should be corrected as soon as possible..