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Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 Engine

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 is a 3.92 L turbocharged engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 48 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 — 8 variants share parts & fitment.

3.92 L
Displacement
1800 rpm
Rated speed
11.5 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity11.5 L
Coolant capacity21.0 L
Displacement3.92 L
AspirationTurbocharged
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

15
  • 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
  • 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 12
    Cause: The standard undesignated fault functions are programmed to shut down the set when a fault is sensed. Fault 1 is timed 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
  • SWITCH OFF lamp flashes 8
    Cause: Indicates Run-Stop-Remote switch is in the Stop position which will prevent automatic starting
    Fix: 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 4
    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 procedure in step 5
  • PREHI ENGINE TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operate 2
    Cause: Indicates engine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 220° F (105° C)
    Fix: 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. Or. Engine runs, shuts down, and LO OIL PRES lamp lights 6
    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. 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 16
    Cause: Voltage regulator is inoperative
    Fix: 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
  • LO OIL PRES lamp lights. Engine shuts down. NOTE: See also Step 6 5
    Cause: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to 14 psi (97 kPa)
    Fix: 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)
  • LO FUEL lamp lights. Engine shuts down and LO OIL PRES lamp lights 10
    Cause: Indicates engine has run out of fuel
    Fix: Check fuel level and replenish as required
  • LO FUEL lamp lights. Engine continues to run 9
    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. (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.) 11
    Cause: Indicates engine coolant heater is not operating or is not circulating coolant
    Fix: 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
  • HI ENG TEMP lamp lights. Engine shuts down 3
    Cause: Indicates engine has overheated (engine temperature has risen above 230° F/110° C) or coolant level is low (sets with coolant level sensor)
    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, 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 1
    Fix: Indicates all engine systems are normal. No corrective action required.
  • Green RUN lamp does not light following engine start-up 17
    Cause: Indicates possible Start/Disconnect relay failure
    Fix: 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 13
    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

149
Part #DescriptionCategory
982-0200Air FilterAir filter
309-0272Regulator, Voltage - 24 VDC (Used on 35 A MP Alternator)Alternator
309-0561Alternator & Drive Components Group Pulley. Alternator - Multi Groove (Use with 35 A MP Alternator)Alternator
AN500T0083ALTERNATORAlternator
150-2007Guard. Belt Screw. Cap - Hex Head (1/2-13 X 2-1/4“)Belt
187-0008Belt, DriveBelt
187-0009Belt, DriveBelt
328876800Belt, V-GroovedBelt
FP-3034946Multi-Groove Fan Belts (Ribbed 8) (62.5" X 1.125")Belt
FP-3911558Belt, V Ribbed (Alternator)Belt
187-0011Filter, FuelFuel filter
3824469fuel pump gear pullerFuel pump
102-1147Gasket, Drain-Oil PanGasket
187-0002Gasket Kit, End - TopGasket
DM-3801371Gasket Set - 4BT 3.9Gasket
FP-3901356Turbo Charger Mounting GasketGasket
FP-3905443Gasket, Exhaust ManifoldGasket
FP-3911535Gasket, Oil PanGasket
FP-3926760Gasket, Oil Cooler CoreGasket
FP-3928493Gasket, Rear CoverGasket
FP-3929792Gasket, Filter HeadGasket
FP-3937706Turbocharger Oil Drain Gasket (H x 35)Gasket
FP-3938157Gasket, Pick-Up TubeGasket
FP-3938158Gasket, Air Intake ConnectionGasket
FP-3939258Gasket, Fuel Transfer Pump MountingGasket
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
501-0441Line, Fuel - Flex (Fuel In)Hose
501-0502Line, Fuel-Flex (Fuel Out)Hose
503-0098Hose, Oil Drain - Bulk (Order By The Foot - 3 Feet Required)Hose
503-0183Clamp, HoseHose
503-0197Clip, HoseHose
503-0685Clamp, HoseHose
DM-3805455Oil Cooler Hose - 4BT 3.9Hose
3822509Injection Pump Bore Brush Service ToolInjector
3823276injector bore brushInjector
DM-3029550Fuel Injector - 4BT 3.9Injector
0332-3925-02Jumper-TerminalJumper terminal
0332-3943-02Jumper-TerminalJumper terminal
REC149-2106By-pass filter IOil filter
REC1491754By-pass filter IIOil filter
0249-0814Relay 2P BaseService part / kit
0332-3926Terminal Block (End Stop)Service part / kit
0332-3927-02Terminal Block (End Plate)Service part / kit
102-1237Adapter, Drain-OilService part / kit
151-0611Control, GovernorService part / kit
155-2175Clamp, Muffler 4"Service part / kit
187-0007INJService part / kit
187-0012Filter, FuelService part / kit
187-0015Filter, OilService part / kit
201-3434-01Diode, Positive (Forward) Includes LeadService part / kit
201-3434-02Diode, Negative (Reverse) Includes LeadService part / kit
300-2810Board - Engine Monitor (All) (Includes Fuses)Service part / kit
305-0823# Model MX321Service part / kit
309-0553Switch, Temperature-Pre WaterService part / kit
309-0554SWITCH WATERService part / kit
323-1200# Socket, Contact (Used in J1, J2)Service part / kit
323-1304tiotming, UmectorService part / kit
323-1306Genset component (SJB series)Service part / kit
332-0051Clamp, LoopService part / kit
332-0941*Tie, CableService part / kit
332-1279Terminal. Lug - Ring (3/8Service part / kit
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 DecalService part / kit
332-2739BracketService part / kit
332-2921Switch, Temperature - Washer, Lock (M8)Service part / kit
3377259bosch timing tool (ve)Service part / kit
357-0030RectifierService part / kit
416-0446Cable, Battery - JumperService part / kit
504-0011Valve, Shutoff (1/2”)Service part / kit
505-0026Coupling, Pipe (1/8")Service part / kit
505-0050Elbow, Street (1/2' x 90 ° )Service part / kit
505-0098BandService part / kit
505-0104Nipple, Pipe - CloseService part / kit
505-0185Nipple, Half (1/2' x 1.5' lg)Service part / kit
526-0008148-036’?Service part / kit
526-0018Gasket, Flange (1-3/4)Service part / kit
526-0115Washer (5/16 “)Service part / kit
526-0196Washer, Spacer - Shield JC)INT, BALL LINKAGEService part / kit
526-0327Control, GovernorService part / kit
800-0012Screw, Cap - Hex Head (1/4-20 x 2-1/4”) Begin Spec C MANIFOLD KIT, INTAKEService part / kit
800-2060Screw, Cap - Hex Head (M8x 1.25 x35)Service part / kit
800-2110Hood, Inlet - Air MoldedService part / kit
800-2112Screw. Cap - Hex Head (M12 x 30nin)Service part / kit
812-0075Screw-RHM(8-32xl/4)Service part / kit
813-0103Screw, Machine - Round Head (#10-32 x 3/4º)Service part / kit
815-0172Cover, Adapter OutletService part / kit
850-0025Screw, Machine - Round Head (#8-32 x 3/8" )Service part / kit
850-0030Washer, Lock - Spring (#10)Service part / kit
850-0050Washer, Lock - Spring (3/8”)Service part / kit
850-2006Washer, Lock - Spring (M6)Service part / kit
850-2008Washer, Lock (M8)Service part / kit
850-2012Washer, Lock - Spring (M12)Service part / kit
856-0013Washer, Lock - W/EIT (1/2)Service part / kit
860-2007Circuit Breaker Used With Westinghouse Circuit BreakerService part / kit
870-0053Nut, Hex (s10-32)Service part / kit
870-0131Nut. Hex - with ET (#10-32)Service part / kit
870-0212Nut, Locking (1/4-20)Service part / kit
871-0010Nut, Hex - Srass (#10-32) Washer, Lock - EIT (#10) Washer, Lock - IT (#10)Service part / kit
871-0028NUTService part / kit
960-0136Battery, 24V, 55Ah, AGMService part / kit
965-0520Cooling FanService part / kit
DM-3802010Main Bearing Set Standard - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9, 6CT 8.3Service part / kit
FP-3903575Kit, Solenoid 12 VoltService part / kit
FP-3903576Kit, Solenoid 24 VoltService part / kit
FP-3910739Bearing, Ball (Fan Drive)Service part / kit
FP-3918428Plunger, Pressure RegulatorService part / kit
FP-3957543Element, Oil CoolerService part / kit
187-0001Pump, WaterPump
187-0013Pump, Transfer-FuelPump
187-0018INJ. PUMPPump
DM-3004242Fuel Transfer Pump - 4BT 3.9Pump
DM-3805403Water Pump - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9Pump
DM-3807788Oil Pump - 4BT 3.9Pump
FP-3286277Water PumpPump
FP-3928143Pump, Fuel TransferPump
FP-3970880Pump, Fuel TransferPump
FP-4939585Pump, Lubricating OilPump
FP-4947710Pump, Fuel TransferPump
0307-3047Relay (24V)Relay 24v
509-0266-01Ring, OSeal
FP-3883284Seal, O-Ring, Air Intake ConnectionSeal
FP-3900808Seal, InjectorSeal
FP-3903380Seal, Banjo Connector (Fuel Manifold)Seal
FP-3906659Seal, InjectorSeal
FP-3906698Seal, Rectangular RingSeal
FP-3909356Seal, InjectorSeal
FP-3909397Seal, O-RingSeal
FP-3909410Seal, Rear Service Kit (Dry Clutch Housing)Seal
FP-3913994Seal, O-RingSeal
FP-3921640Seal, Valve Stem (Intake & Exhaust) (For Engines Built Before April 2003)Seal
FP-3931824Seal, O-Ring, Turbo Oil LineSeal
FP-3937111Seal, Front Service KitSeal
FP-3957912Seal, Valve Stem (For Engines Built After April 2003)Seal
150-2201Sensor, Speed – MagneticSensor
193-0244Sender, Oil Pressure (E1)Sensor
193-0353Sender, Temperature - OilSensor
193-0375Sender, CoolantSensor
309-0269Sender, Temperature-Lo EngineSensor
505-0059Sensor, Water PressureSensor
M-1695Oil temperature senderSensor
AN500T0013STARTER MOTORStarter
0332-3923-02Terminal BlockTerminal block
0332-4036-02Terminal Block (Earth)Terminal block
187-0020ThermostatThermostat
DM-3015282Thermostat 180F - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9Thermostat
FP-3802273Kit, Thermostat (83° C), (181° F)Thermostat
FP-3917324Assembly, Thermostat (83° C), (181° F)Thermostat

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.

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

The Cummins/Onan 4BT3.9 G1 powers 3 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 48 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 fault lamp lights. Engine shuts down immediately, engine runs for several seconds and then shuts down, or engine continues to run..