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Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R Engine

The Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R is a air engine rated at 2.5 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 2.5MAJ.

Also known as: Onan 2.5MAJ-3R

Part of the Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

2 rpm
Rated speed

Engine specifications

AspirationAir
Rated speed2 rpm

Common problems

3
  • If the test lamp lights, a ground is indicated.
    Fix: Find the point where the ground occurs and repair as necessary.
  • A strong pull or vibration on a slot indicates a shorted winding.
    Fix: After testing in one position, rotate the armature slightly in the growler and repeat the test. Continue until a complete revolution of the armature has been made.
  • A grounded circuit is indicated if the test lamp glows during testing.
    Fix: Remove any foreign material, install the armature, then correct excessive run-out by striking the high side of the shaft near the ball bearing.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R.

Service intervals

1
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Crankcase breatherClean100 hrEvery 100 hours or sooner; wash valve in solvent.

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

50
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceArmature run-out maximum.012inch
ClearanceCollector ring brush wear limit5/16inchreplace when worn to this length
ClearanceCommutator brush wear limit5/8inchreplace when worn to this length or less
ClearanceCommutator run-out maximum.012inch
ClearanceConnecting rod undersizes available.010, .020, .030inch
ClearanceGovernor cup distance from lock ring to face7/32inch
ClearanceMain bearing inside end setback from bore1/16 to 3/32inch
ClearanceMain bearing undersizes available.002, .010, .020, .030inch
ClearanceMica undercut below commutator bar surface1/32inch
ClearancePiston oversizes available.005, .010, .020, .030, .040inch
ClearanceRing oversizes available.010, .020, .030, .040inch
ClearanceThrottle idle stop screw clearance1/32inch
ClearanceValve seat band width1/32 to 3/64inch
GapBreaker points gap at full separation (anti-flicker)0.020inch
GapChoke setting1/8inchat 70°F, from fully closed position
GapMagneto pole shoe air gap.010 to .015inch
OtherIgnition timing advance19degrees BTC1800 rpm
OtherIgnition timing advance25degrees BTC2400 and/or 3600 rpm
OtherWater pump discharge at 1800 rpm.56gal/minat 1800 rpm, thermostat open
OtherWater pump discharge at 3600 rpm.85gal/minat 3600 rpm, thermostat open
PressureLow oil pressure switch cutout9lbs
SpeedGovernor full-load speed for 60 cycle 2-pole3600rpmfull load, 60 cycle, 2-pole
SpeedGovernor full-load speed for 60 cycle 4-pole1800rpmfull load, 60 cycle, 4-pole
SpeedGovernor speed spread for 1800 rpm unit100rpmbetween no-load and full-load
SpeedGovernor speed spread for 3600 rpm unit200rpmbetween no-load and full-load
SpeedMaximum speed at full load for battery charging set2400rpmfull load operation of battery charging set
TemperatureHigh water temperature switch235°F
TemperatureThermostat maintains cooling system temperature160°F
TemperatureThermostat opening range155 to 165°F
TorqueArmature Through-Stud Nut25lb-ft
TorqueCarburetor Mounting Stud Nuts8lb-ft
TorqueConnecting Rod Bolt10lb-ft
TorqueCylinder Head Bolt24lb-ft
TorqueFlywheel Mounting Screw35lb-ft
TorqueFuel Pump Mounting Screw10lb-ft
TorqueGearcase Cover15lb-ft
TorqueGenerator Through-Stud Nut1.2lb-ft
TorqueOil Base Mounting Screws25lb-ft
TorqueOil Pump (For over 3000 RPM)7lb-ftFor over 3000 RPM
TorqueRear Bearing Plate (Cast Iron)20lb-ftCast Iron
TorqueSpark Plug25lb-ft
TorqueValve Cover Nut4lb-ft
TorqueWater Pump Cover Screws15 to 17in-lb
Valve clearanceValve face angle44degrees
Valve clearanceValve interference angle1degrees
Valve clearanceValve seat angle45degrees
VoltageGovernor full-load voltage minimum for 120-volt set108V120-volt set, full load
VoltageGovernor full-load voltage minimum for 240-volt set216V240-volt set, full load
VoltageGovernor no-load voltage maximum for 120-volt set126V120-volt set, no load
VoltageGovernor no-load voltage maximum for 240-volt set252V240-volt set, no load

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
CoolantwaterWater cooled system; thermostat maintains 160°F.
Engine oilSAE 5WAPI SE; MS Sequence Tests; MIL-L-2104Bbelow 0°CFor ambient temperatures below 0°F.
Engine oilSAE 10W-40, 5W-30API SE; MS Sequence Tests; MIL-L-2104B0°C to 30°CFor ambient temperatures 0°F to 30°F.
Engine oilSAE 30API SE; MS Sequence Tests; MIL-L-2104Babove 30°CFor ambient temperatures 30°F and above.
FuelgasolineDirty gasoline can cause jets to wear larger.
Greasepowdered graphite (preferably) or light sewing machine oilLubricate governor linkage at carburetor and ball joint ends; do not lubricate plastic ball joints.

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
Adjusting the Carburetor adjustment
  1. Turn adjusting screws in gently to seats. Do not force them.
  2. Back main screw out about 2-1/2 full turns (1-1/2 on downdraft carburetor).
  3. Start set and allow it to thoroughly warm up under full-load condition.
  4. Slowly turn main adjusting screw inward (clockwise) for leaner mixture until set loses speed or voltage drops.
  5. Turn screw outward (counterclockwise) until set carries full load.
  6. Check operation at various loads.
  7. If hunting, turn adjusting screw out for richer mixture, not more than 1/2 turn beyond maximum generator output.
  8. For AC sets, adjust idle screw with no AC load connected.
  9. For battery charging sets, adjust idle screw at lowest possible charge rate.
  10. Slowly turn idle adjusting screw inward until set loses speed; then outward until set runs smoothly.
  11. Adjust throttle idle stop screw to clear throttle shaft stop by 1/32 inch.
Adjusting the Governor (AC Sets) adjustment

Tools: voltmeter, tachometer

  1. Connect voltmeter across generator output.
  2. With no electrical load, start set and adjust speed adjusting nut to approximately 126 volts maximum for a 120-volt set.
  3. Apply full rated electrical load; voltage should be approximately 108 volts or higher.
  4. For 240-volt plants, 252 volts at no-load is maximum and 216 volts full-load is minimum.
  5. If voltage spread is too great, move governor speed spring end closer to governor shaft.
  6. Test governor action at various load conditions.
  7. If hunting, turn sensitivity stud slightly outward; any change requires speed readjustment.
  8. If using tachometer, full-load speed for 60 cycle 4-pole is 1800 rpm, 2-pole is 3600 rpm; spread not more than 100 rpm (1800) or 200 rpm (3600).
Adjusting the Governor (Battery Charging Sets) adjustment
  1. Turn knurled speed adjusting nut (spring tension nut) to give desired charge rate.
  2. If governor hunts, turn sensitivity adjusting stud outward to move spring end farther from governor shaft center.
  3. Any change in sensitivity requires compensating change in speed adjustment.
  4. Maximum speed at full load operation is approximately 2400 rpm.
Tappet Adjustment adjustment

Tools: 7/16 inch wrench, 9/16 inch wrench

  1. Remove valve compartment cover.
  2. Crank engine over by hand until intake valve (nearest carburetor) opens and closes.
  3. Continue turning flywheel slowly until mark on flywheel aligns with TC mark on gear cover.
  4. Correct tappet clearance for both intake and exhaust valves is in Dimensions and Clearances.
  5. Use a 7/16 inch wrench for the screw and a 9/16 inch wrench for the tappet when making any adjustment.
Timing the Ignition adjustment
  1. Check point gap is properly adjusted.
  2. Install flywheel loosely with its key in place.
  3. Turn flywheel in rotation direction to position where mark on flywheel aligns with proper degree on gear cover.
  4. Points should just separate at this point.
  5. If not, remove flywheel and loosen magneto backplate mounting screws slightly.
  6. If points separate too soon, shift entire backplate assembly clockwise.
  7. Tighten backplate mounting screws and recheck work for accuracy.
  8. When replacing flywheel, ensure key is properly in place on crankshaft.
Relay Checkout diagnostic

Tools: voltmeter

  1. Remove relay from circuit.
  2. Place 12 volts on one side of relay coil and ground the other side. If relay activates it is operating.
  3. Place a 12 volt source to one side of the contacts.
  4. Place voltmeter to other side of relay contact and to ground. If 12 volts present when relay energized, relay is good.
  5. If relay has more than one set of contacts, each set must be checked in this fashion.
Resistor Checkout diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Remove battery B+ cable.
  2. Disconnect one side of resistor and using an ohmmeter measure across resistor for an accurate reading.
Solenoid Checkout diagnostic
  1. Remove solenoid from circuit.
  2. Apply 12 volts to terminal marked Battery.
  3. Jumper a ground wire to terminal marked S on start solenoid.
  4. Solenoid should activate.
  5. If solenoid is good, 12 volts can be read between S and ground.
Switch Check diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Remove B+ cable.
  2. Place ohmmeter leads across switch.
  3. Activate switch. If a short is read on meter, switch is good.
Testing Thermostat diagnostic

Tools: thermometer, pan

  1. Remove thermostat from cylinder head.
  2. Heat a pan of water to approximately 150°F.
  3. Suspend thermostat in hot water so sensitive portion does not touch pan.
  4. Bring water temperature to 155° to 165°F; thermostat should start to open within this range.
  5. When completely open, lift out into air; thermostat should close within a short time.
  6. If thermostat does not operate properly, replace with a new one.
  7. Install new gasket when replacing thermostat.
Brush Replacement maintenance
  1. Install new commutator brushes when old ones are worn to 5/8 inch or less in length.
  2. Collector ring brush may be used until worn to 5/16 inch in length.
  3. Remove end cover to expose brush rig; brushes and leads are accessible.
  4. New brushes are shaped to fit and seldom need sanding to seat properly.
  5. Always use the correct brush as listed in the parts list; never substitute.
  6. Be sure to tighten brush lead terminal nuts.
  7. If brush sparking occurs after replacement, run set at light load until brushes wear to a good seat.
Cleaning Crankcase Breather Valve maintenance

Tools: solvent

  1. Every 100 hours or sooner, remove breather tube.
  2. Wash valve (5/16 inch ball) in a solvent.
  3. Check breather tube for security and leaks.

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

Common questions

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R engine?

The Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan 2.5MAJ-3R is: If the test lamp lights, a ground is indicated.. Fix: Find the point where the ground occurs and repair as necessary..