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Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB Engine

Name: Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB Engine
Brand: Cummins/Onan

The Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB is a 5 L natural engine rated at 3600 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 5.0 EGHEB. It holds 1.16 L (0.3 gal) of oil and 1.1 L (0.3 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Onan 5.0EGHEB

5.0 L

Displacement

3600 rpm

Rated speed

1.16 L

Oil capacity

On this pageSpecs Generator sets FAQ Torque & specs Procedures

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	1.16 L
Coolant capacity	1.1 L
Displacement	5.0 L
Aspiration	Natural
Rated speed	3600 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

Cummins/Onan 5.0 EGHEB

How to read your Cummins/Onan engine serial & model number →

Common problems

White or blue exhaust smoke
Cause: Dirty air cleaner
Fix: Clean or replace air cleaner
UNIT RUNS THEN SURGES
Cause: 1. Loose or worn spark plug lead 2. Faulty spark plug. 3. Dirty fuel filter or generator set at too steep of an angle. 4. Governor out of adjustment or lean fuel mixture.
Fix: 1. Check spark plug lead connection. 2. Remove and clean or replace. 3. Check fuel filter and angle of generator set. 4. Contact an Onan service center.
UNIT RUNS THEN STOPS
Fix: Add fuel. Add oil. Reduce oil level.
UNIT RUNS BUT SURGES
Fix: Add fuel. Add oil. Reduce oil level.
Restricted fuel flow
Cause: Plugged fuel filter
Fix: Clean or replace fuel filter
Restricted air flow
Cause: Dirt or debris blocking air inlet or outlet
Fix: Clear away any debris that may restrict airflow
No load speed set too low
Fix: Adjust governor setting
NO DC OUTPUT VOLTAGE
Cause: 1. Open DC circuit breaker due to an overload.
Fix: 1. Remove all loads, reset breaker, check for shorted battery or load defects. Do not exceed rated load specifications.
NO AC OUTPUT VOLTAGE
Cause: Open AC circuit breaker due to an overload
Fix: Remove all loads, re-set circuit breaker, check tools or appliances being used for defects. Do not exceed generator set rated load specifications.
Lean fuel mixture
Cause: Incorrectly adjusted carburetor
Fix: See Carburetor Adjustment section
Incorrect valve clearance or defective valve(s)
Fix: E140H engine: See Onan Elite Horizontal engine manual 965-0758 GH170, GH280 engines: See Engine Block Assembly section
Incorrect fuel mixture
Cause: Incorrectly adjusted carburetor
Fix: See Carburetor Adjustment section
FAILS TO CRANK (ELECTRIC START MODELS)
Cause: Low Battery, Bad battery connection, Oil is too heavy, Load is connected
Fix: Check battery electrolyte level and charge. Clean and tighten all battery and cable connections. Replace with lighter oil. Always disconnect load while starting.
FAILS TO CRANK
Cause: 1. Low battery. 2. Bad battery connection.
Fix: 1. Check battery electrolyte level. 2. Clean and tighten all battery and cable connections.
EXHAUSTING BLACK SMOKE
Cause: Open DC circuit breaker due to an overload
Fix: Remove all loads, reset circuit breaker, check for an overload or short circuit. Do not exceed generator set rated load specifications.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB.

Service specifications

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Clearance	Cylinder head surface flatness	0.05 mm (0.0020)	mm
Clearance	Valve seat width	1.00 to 1.30 mm (0.039 to 0.051 in)	mm
Gap	Magneto coil to rotor magnet clearance	0.25 to 0.40 mm (0.010 to 0.016 in)	mm
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.7 mm (0.028 in)	mm
Gap	Spark plug gap	0.89 mm (0.035 in)	mm
Gap	Spark plug gap (allowable)	0.89 to 1.02 mm (0.035 to 0.040 in)	mm
Gap	Transistor magnet unit to flywheel magnet clearance	0.4 to 0.6 mm (0.0157 to 0.0236 in)	mm
Other	Brush height minimum	0.136 in (3.5 mm)	in
Other	Capacitor value	approximately 13 mfd	mfd
Pressure	Compression pressure	196 kPa (28 psi)	kPa
Resistance	Ignition primary coil resistance	0.5 to 1.3 ohms	ohms
Resistance	Ignition secondary coil resistance	9k to 13 kohms	kohms
Resistance	Rotor coil 4 kW - 60 Hz	47 Ω	ohms
Resistance	Rotor coil 5 kW - 60 Hz	55 Ω	ohms
Resistance	Rotor coil 6 kW - 60 Hz	65 Ω	ohms
Resistance	Stator DC coil 4 kW - 60 Hz	0.6 - 1.0 Ω	ohms
Resistance	Stator main coil 4 kW - 60 Hz	0.7 - 1.0 Ω	ohms
Resistance	Stator resistance 20 amp system	0.27 to 0.33 Ohms	ohms
Resistance	Stator resistance 5 amp system	0.54 to 0.66 Ohms	ohms
Resistance	Stator sub coil 4 kW - 60 Hz	1.2 - 1.6 Ω	ohms
Speed	No-load frequency 50 Hz models	53 ± 0.5 Hz (3150-3180 rpm)	Hz	no load, warm
Speed	No-load frequency 60 Hz models	63 ± 0.5 Hz (3750-3780 rpm)	Hz	no load, warm
Torque	Adapter bracket to engine	13 to 15.9 ft-lb (17.7 to 21.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Alternator stator screws M6 x 25	10-15 N·m (7-11 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Connecting rod bolts M8 x 44	24-27 N·m (18-20 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Connecting rod screws	10.1 to 14.5 ft-lb (13.7 to 19.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Connecting rod screws	17.4 to 21.7 ft-lb (23.5 to 29.4 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Crankcase screws	10.1 to 14.5 ft-lb (13.7 to 19.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Cylinder head No. 6 flange bolt M8 x 50	16-22 N·m (12-16 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Cylinder head bolts No. 1-5	42-50 N·m (31-37 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Cylinder head screws	15.9 to 20.3 ft-lb (21.6 to 27.5 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Cylinder head screws	18.1 to 23.9 ft-lb (24.5 to 32.4 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Flywheel mounting nut	43.4 to 50.6 ft-lb (58.8 to 68.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Flywheel mounting nut	47.0 to 54.2 ft-lb (63.7 to 73.5 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Flywheel nut M18	122-138 N·m (90-102 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Gearcase bolts	16-22 N·m (12-16 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Genset to frame vibration isolators	16 ft-lb (21.7 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Governor arm nut M6	8.1-10.9 N·m (6-8 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Governor lever screw	5.1 to 8.7 ft-lb (6.9 to 11.8 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Governor lever screw	8.0 to 14.5 ft-lb (10.8 to 19.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Ignition coil bolt M6 x 30	10-15 N·m (7-11 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Output terminal nut	1.4 to 1.8 ft-lb (1.9 to 2.45 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Rocker arm lock nut	5.8 to 9.4 ft-lb (7.8 to 12.7 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Rocker arm lock nut	8.0 to 12.3 ft-lb (10.8 to 16.7 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Rocker mounting nut	43.4 to 50.6 ft-lb (58.8 to 68.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Rocker mounting nut	47.0 to 54.2 ft-lb (63.7 to 73.6 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Rotor through-bolt	19 to 20 ft-lb (25.7 to 27.1 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Spark plug	7.2 to 18.1 ft-lb (9.8 to 24.5 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Spark plug M14-1.25	24-30 N·m (18-22 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Starter bolts M8 x 40	16-22 N·m (12-16 lb-ft)	N·m
Torque	Stator through-bolt	4.3 to 6.5 ft-lb (5.9 to 8.8 N·m)	ft-lb
Torque	Valve lash adjusting nut M7	7-11 N·m (5-8 lb-ft)	N·m
Valve clearance	Valve clearance intake and exhaust	0.05 to 0.10 mm (0.0020 to 0.0039 in)	mm	ambient temperature
Valve clearance	Valve lash intake and exhaust	0.15 to 0.25 mm (0.006 to 0.010 in)	mm	ambient temperature
Voltage	Battery voltage	12 to 13 VDC	VDC	engine not running
Voltage	Stator output	29 VAC @ 1800 RPM; 57 VAC @ 3600 RPM	VAC
Voltage	Voltage regulator output	13.6 to 14.7 VDC	VDC	any speed within operating range

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

Procedures

Valve Clearance Adjustment adjustment

Tools: feeler gauge, wrenches

Adjust only when engine is at ambient temperature.
Rotate engine until piston is at top dead center and both valves closed.
Check clearance between valve stem top and rocker arm with feeler gauge.
Loosen locking nut and turn adjusting nut to obtain correct clearance.
Tighten locking nut and recheck clearance.
Check rocker arm bolts have not loosened.

Starter Solenoid Test (GH280 Engine) diagnostic

⚠ Disconnect battery before servicing to prevent accidental starting.

Tools: jumper leads

Connect jumper lead between battery positive (+) terminal and solenoid S terminal.
Momentarily connect jumper between battery negative (-) and solenoid body.
Solenoid contacts should close; replace solenoid if it does not activate.

Fuel Filter Replacement (4.0 kW and Below) maintenance

⚠ Fuel presents fire or explosion hazard; keep ABC extinguisher nearby.

Close fuel supply valve; run set until it runs out of fuel; let cool.
Remove fuel line from shutoff valve and collect fuel in a container.
Unscrew sediment bowl from fuel supply valve and clean it.
Remove screen and clean dirt and particulate off the screen.
Reinstall screen and sediment bowl; attach fuel line securely.

Muffler Disassembly maintenance

⚠ Exhaust gas hazard; do not operate with any exhaust leaks.

Tools: wrenches

Allow set to cool before servicing.
Remove heat shield covering exhaust pipe and engine.
Remove mounting nuts securing muffler flange to engine.
Remove screws securing muffler to support bracket and generator flange; remove exhaust gasket.
Install new exhaust gasket and muffler; tighten hardware to specified torque.

Carburetor Removal repair

⚠ Close fuel valve and drain float chamber; no flame or spark near fuel system.

Tools: wrenches

Remove air cleaner assembly.
Disconnect governor linkage, fuel line, throttle linkage, and choke control linkage.
Remove carburetor assembly from the intake elbow.

Recoil Starter Assembly repair

⚠ Moving parts can cause severe personal injury; use protective equipment.

Engage outer end of spiral spring in starter notch and rewind into reel.
Apply heat resistant grease to the spring.
Install reel, friction spring, ratchet guide, ratchet, friction plate and mounting nut.
Wind reel the counted number of revolutions and hold to prevent unwinding.
Thread starter rope through reel and case and secure to handle.
Check ratchet operation before installing.

Recoil Starter Disassembly repair

⚠ Spiral spring is under tension; wear protective eye wear, gloves, clothing.

Remove recoil starter assembly from spiral case and check operation.
Slowly pull starter rope all the way out and note revolutions.
Hold reel with pressure, remove rope, allow reel to unwind slowly.
Remove friction plate mounting nut, friction plate, ratchet guide, ratchet, friction spring.
Slowly lift reel while rotating to disengage spiral spring; note coil direction.
Carefully remove the spring.

Rotor Bearing Replacement repair

Tools: gear puller, press

Remove rotor assembly.
Cover rotor shaft end with hardened washer; use gear puller to remove bearing.
Place rotor shaft engine end down on protective surface.
Press new bearing onto shaft, pressing inner race only, to original position.

Rotor Installation repair

Tools: strap wrench, torque wrench

Clean tapered mounting shaft and rotor shaft of dirt and oil.
Install rotor onto tapered shaft; insert through-bolt and hand tighten.
Secure rotor with a strap wrench.
Tighten through-bolt to specified torque.

Rotor Removal repair

Tools: lead hammer

Loosen rotor through-bolt two or three turns.
Tap through-bolt head with lead hammer to loosen rotor from tapered shaft.
Remove rotor through-bolt and carefully remove rotor.
Place rotor on a soft surface to prevent winding damage.

Stator Installation repair

Tools: torque wrench, screwdriver

Assemble end bell to stator if previously separated.
Install stator assembly over rotor without damaging windings.
Secure stator to adapter with four bolts at specified torque.
Secure end bell to frame at specified torque.
Pull recoil starter slowly to check rotor-stator alignment.
Reconnect all wiring; tighten terminal block nuts.
Install brush block and secure with mounting screw.
Place end cover over end bell and secure.

Stator Removal repair

⚠ On AVR models the brush block assembly will be damaged if not removed.

Tools: screwdriver, wrenches

Remove generator cover and disconnect all wiring connectors; tag wires.
On AVR models remove brush block mounting screw and lift brush block off.
Remove mounting bolts securing end bell to frame.
Remove stator mounting bolts and pull end bell and stator off together.
For stator replacement remove two screws securing stator to end bell; separate carefully.

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

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB?

The Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB engine has an oil capacity of 1.16 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB?

The Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB has a displacement of 5.0 liters.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB engine?

The Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 5.0 EGHEB.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan 5.0EGHEB is: White or blue exhaust smoke. Cause: Dirty air cleaner. Fix: Clean or replace air cleaner.