The Cummins/Onan 6A3.4 is an engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the DGAC, DGAD and MDL6. It holds 8.5 L (2.2 gal) of oil and 12.5 L (3.3 gal) of coolant.
Also known as: Cummins 6A3.4, 6A3.4
| Oil capacity | 8.5 L |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 12.5 L |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
How to read your Cummins/Onan engine serial & model number →
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan 6A3.4.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve clearance | Adjust | 35 hr | First service — Table 4-1 Note 2: perform after first 35 hours of operation on new sets; Note 4: contact Onan authorized service dealer | |
| Battery electrolyte level | Check | 200 hr | Fill cells to bottom of filler neck; add distilled water | |
| Crankcase oil | Change | 50 hr | First service — After first 50 hours of operation on new generator sets. | |
| Crankcase oil and valve lash | Change | 50 hr | First service — Break-in: drain and replace crankcase oil and reset valve lash after first 50 hours on new gensets | |
| Valve lash clearance | Check | 50 hr | First service — See Note 3; perform after first 50 hours of operation on new sets. | |
| Crankcase breather cap (turbo) | Clean | 400 hr | DGAE turbocharged engines; clean with solvent and allow to dry. | |
| Generator bearing | Inspect | 1000 hr | Inspect for evidence of outer case rotation every 1000 hours. | |
| Cooling system | Drain | 12 mo | Drain, flush, and refill once a year. | |
| Cooling system pressure cap | Replace | 24 mo | Replace every two years or sooner if it malfunctions | |
| Generator bearing | Replace | 10000 hr | 60 mo | Standby: every five years. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance | Trailer brake actuator stroke length | 1 | inch (25 mm) | maximum before brake shoe readjustment |
| Gap | Float switch test feeler gauge | 0.125 | inch (3 mm) | between float and C-clip stop |
| Gap | Magnetic pickup adjustment | 1/2 turn out from tooth | turn | after contact with flywheel tooth |
| Gap | Overspeed switch air gap | 0.005 | inch (0.13 mm) | minimum |
| Gap | Overspeed switch air gap | not less than 0.005 | inch (0.13 mm) | |
| Gap | Overspeed switch magnetic air gap | 0.005 | inch | minimum |
| Gap | Overspeed switch magnetic air gap | 0.13 | mm | minimum |
| Other | Battery charge threshold | 1.215 | charge if reading is below | |
| Other | Battery electrolyte specific gravity | 1.260 | specific gravity | fully charged at 80°F (27°C) |
| Other | Battery electrolyte specific gravity | about 1.260 | specific gravity | fully charged at 80°F (27°C) |
| Other | Battery electrolyte specific gravity, fully charged | 1.260 | specific gravity | 80°F (27°C) |
| Other | Battery specific gravity fully charged | 1.260 | corrected to 80°F (27°C) | |
| Other | Brake shoe adjustment | 10 | clicks | back off from point wheel cannot be turned by hand |
| Other | Control heater element power | 75 | watts at 120 VAC | |
| Other | Cooling system fill rate | 3 | gallons/minute | |
| Other | Cycle cranking | 15 seconds crank, 15 seconds rest, 3 cycles | seconds | 12-lamp control |
| Other | Fan belt tension | 60 | lbs (267 N) | |
| Other | Heavy duty air cleaner air drying time | 24 | hours | minimum |
| Other | Overcrank cranking limit | 75 | seconds | |
| Other | Pump belt tension | 60 | pounds (267 N) | measured with belt tension tool |
| Pressure | Control power latch S6 | 5 | psi | closes at |
| Pressure | Cooling system pressure cap rating | 7 | psi (48 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure (at operating temperature) | 30 to 55 | psi (207 to 380 kPa) | engine at operating temperature |
| Pressure | Engine oil pressure (normal) | 30 to 55 | psi (207 to 380 kPa) | engine at operating temperature |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure fault switch actuation | 14 | psi (97 kPa) | pressure drops below |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | 14 | psi (97 kPa) | |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure shutdown | below 14 | psi (97 kPa) | fault time delayed about 10 seconds following starter disconnect and inhibited during cranking |
| Pressure | Low oil pressure switch S7 set point | 14 | psi | closes at |
| Pressure | Oil pressure gauge range | 0 to 100 | psi | |
| Pressure | Oil pressure gauge range | 0 to 700 | kPa | |
| Pressure | Pre-low oil pressure alarm | 20 | psi (137 kPa) | or less |
| Resistance | Actuator coil resistance | 1 ±10% | ohm | at 77°F (25°C); leads disconnected |
| Resistance | Battery specific gravity, recharge threshold | 1.215 | specific gravity | charge battery if reading is below |
| Resistance | Commutating reactor L21, leads 1 and 2 | 330 to 390 | milliohm | 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Control heater element resistance | 192 | ohms | dissipates 75 watts at 120 VAC |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor ground insulation | 1 | megohm | minimum; less indicates defective ground insulation |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor lead pairs T1-T2, T2-T3, T1-T3 | 486 to 594 | milliohms | 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor lead pairs T1-T2, T2-T3, T1-T3 | 581 to 710 | milliohms | 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor winding resistance | 0.54 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C), ±10% |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor winding resistance | 0.54 ±10% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor winding resistance | 0.645 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C), ±10% |
| Resistance | Exciter rotor winding resistance | 0.645 ±10% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator field leads F1+ to F2- | 11 to 14 | ohms | 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator field leads F1+ to F2- | 13 to 16 | ohms | 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator insulation resistance to lamination | 100,000 | ohms | minimum; 500 VDC or more |
| Resistance | Exciter stator insulation to laminations (Megger 500 VDC or more) | 100,000 | ohms | minimum |
| Resistance | Exciter stator insulation to laminations (ohmmeter) | 1 | megohm | minimum (1,000,000 ohms) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance | 12.4 ±10% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance | 14.5 ±10% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance, 4A2.3/6A3.4/6AT3.4 | 14.5 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C), ±10% |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance, DGAB/DGAC/DGAD/DGAE | 12.4 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C), ±10% |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance, DL4 | 20.0 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance, DL6 | 25.0 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Exciter stator winding resistance, DL6T | 40.0 | ohms | at 77°F (25°C) |
| Resistance | Generator rotor ground insulation | 100,000 | ohms | minimum |
| Resistance | Generator stator winding to laminations | less than 100,000 | ohms | indicates questionable stator; Megger 500 VDC or more |
| Resistance | Governor actuator coil resistance | 1 ±10% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C); resistance to case infinity |
| Resistance | Insulation resistance to ground | 100,000 or greater | ohms | 500 VDC or more megger; exciter stator/rotor and main rotor/stator |
| Resistance | Magnetic pickup DC resistance | 175 ±15% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C); disconnected from terminals 5 and 6 |
| Resistance | Magnetic pickup coil resistance | 175 ±15% | ohms | at 77°F (25°C); leads to case infinity |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant | Ethylene glycol antifreeze (permanent type) and clean water; 50/50 mixture | Use soft water; contains rust and corrosion inhibitor; no stop-leak additive. Capacities: DGAB 11.5 L (12.2 QT); DGAC/DGAD 16.8 L (17.8 QT); DGAE 17.5 L (18.5 QT). | |||
| Coolant | 50/50 solution of ethylene glycol anti-freeze and water | Must contain rust and corrosion inhibitor, no stop-leak additive | above -37°C | 9.4 L | 50/50 mixture provides freeze protection to -34 F (-37 C); do not exceed 50/50; MDL3/MDL4 10 quarts (9.4 L), MDL6 3.3 gal (12.5 L). Use clean, low-mineral, distilled or soft water |
| Engine oil | 15W-40, 30, 20W-20, 10W | API CD/SG, CD/SF or MIL-L-2104C | 5.7 L | MDL3/MDL4 capacity 6 quarts (5.7 L); MDL6 capacity 9 quarts (8.5 L). 5W-20 or 5W-30 must be synthetic meeting MIL-L-46167, MIL-L-2104C or MIL-L-46152B; 5W-20/5W-30 mineral base oils not recommended | |
| Engine oil | API CD/SF or CE/SF; multigrade | API CD/SF or CE/SF | Preferred oil grades per Table 5-2; choose grade for lowest expected temperature. Capacities: DGAB 5.7 L (6 QT); DGAC/DGAD 8.5 L (9 QT); DGAE 11.4 L (12 QT). | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 10W-30 | RM92-8M0086220U6 / RM92-8M0086221U3 | |||
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40 | RM92-8M0096794U3; diesel engines | |||
| Engine oil | SAE 25W-40 | RM92-8M0086227U3 / RM92-8M0086224U3 | |||
| Engine oil | TC-W3 | TC-W3 | 2-cycle outboard oil; RM92-858026QB1U6 / RM92-858027QB1U3 / RM92-858037QB1U3 | ||
| Fuel | ASTM 2-D (No. 2 Diesel) or ASTM 1-D (No. 1 Diesel) | Minimum Cetane number 45 | Use No. 1 diesel when ambient temperatures are below 0°C (32°F) and during long periods of light load. Low sulfur; cloud point at least 10 degrees below lowest expected fuel temperature. | ||
| Gear oil | SAE 80W90 | LUB11564U12 / LUB11565 / LUB11540U12 / LUB11552U12 / LUB11546 | |||
| Gear oil | SAE 90W | RM92-858064QB1U6 / RM92-858065QB1U2 | |||
| Grease | Lithium grease with Teflon | LUB11363 | |||
| Grease | Marine grease | LUB11400 / LUB11406 | |||
| Grease | Molykote | Apply a thin film of Molykote grease to mating surfaces of the end bearing and the end bearing hole. | |||
| Other | DOT 3 | Trailer brake system; reservoir should be at least half full | |||
| Other | DOT-3 heavy duty hydraulic fluid | Trailer brake system bleeding | |||
| Other | Power Trim & Tilt fluid | LUB11591U12 / LUB11592 / LUB11593 | |||
| Other | distilled water | Battery electrolyte; add distilled water to maintain proper level. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAULT 1 | Fault 1 | Undedicated fault; may be programmed as shutdown or non-shutdown and as timed or non-timed; normally set for timed shutdown. | Investigate optional fault selection; contact dealer if needed. | |
| FAULT 2 | Fault 2 | Undedicated fault; same features as Fault 1; normally set for non-timed shutdown. | Investigate optional fault selection; contact dealer if needed. | |
| HI ENG TEMP | High engine temperature shutdown | Engine shut down because coolant temperature rose above 222°F (106°C) or coolant level is low. | Shutdown | Allow to cool; check coolant level, airflow, and fan belt; reset and restart; contact dealer if fault persists. |
| LO FUEL | Low fuel | Fuel supply marginally low. | Warning | Check fuel supply and replenish. |
| LO PRES | Low oil pressure shutdown | Engine shut down because oil pressure dropped below 14 psi (97 kPa). | Shutdown | Check oil level, lines, and filters; reset and restart; contact dealer if pressure is not 30 to 55 psi. |
| LOW ENG TEMP | Low engine temperature | Engine temperature marginally low for starting; indicates inoperative coolant heater. Lamp lights when engine coolant temperature is 70°F (21°C) or lower. | Warning | Check coolant heater power, fuse, cord, and coolant level; contact dealer if fault persists. |
| LOW OIL PRES | Low oil pressure shutdown | Red lamp indicates engine shutdown because of critically low oil pressure. | Shutdown | Check oil level and LOP switch; inspect engine. |
| OVERCRANK | Overcrank shutdown | Starter locked out because of excessive cranking time. | Shutdown | Check fuel system, fuel filter, and air filter; reset and restart; contact dealer if fault persists. |
| OVERSPEED | Overspeed shutdown | Engine shut down because of excessive speed. | Shutdown | Contact authorized dealer or distributor for service. |
| PRE HI ENG TEMP | Pre-high engine temperature | Engine temperature marginally high, 202°F (94°C). | Warning | Reduce load if possible, check airflow, and improve ventilation; if engine can be stopped follow high engine temperature procedure. |
| PRE HIGH ENG TEMP | Pre-high engine temperature | Yellow lamp indicates engine temperature is marginally high. | Warning | Find and correct cause. |
| PRE LO OIL PRES | Pre-low oil pressure | Oil pressure marginally low, 20 psi (137 kPa) or less. | Warning | Find and correct cause as soon as possible. |
| RUN | Run | All engine systems normal. | Info | No corrective action required. |
| SWITCH OFF | Switch off | Generator set is not in automatic start operation mode. | Warning | Move Run/Stop/Remote switch to REMOTE for automatic starting. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Tools: Compressed air, Jam nut wrench
⚠ Contact with high voltage can cause severe personal injury or death.
Tools: Insulated screwdriver
⚠ Use insulating mat or dry wood platform when control doors are open.
Tools: Insulated screwdriver, Accurate voltmeter
⚠ Accidental starting of the generator set can cause severe personal injury or death; disconnect starting battery cables (negative first) before service.
Tools: belt tension tool
⚠ Keep hands and fingers clear while performing tests on operating equipment.
Tools: Tachometer or frequency meter
⚠ Contact with rotating machinery can cause severe personal injury or death.
Tools: Tachometer or frequency meter, Screwdriver
Tools: Accurate tachometer or strobotach
⚠ Do not adjust the other potentiometer (Volts/Hz Adjust); it is factory set using special calibration equipment.
⚠ Accidental starting of the set can cause severe personal injury or death. Disconnect the battery cables when repairs are made to the engine, controls, or generator.
⚠ Contact with high voltage can cause severe personal injury or death.
Tools: Screwdriver
⚠ Contact with high voltage can cause severe personal injury or death.
Tools: Insulated screwdriver, Accurate voltmeter
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VR21 jumper terminals 6 & 7 for 60 Hz | 6, 7 | Electronic voltage regulator wiring diagram | ||
| VR21 jumper terminals 7 & 8 for 50 Hz | 7, 8 | Electronic voltage regulator wiring diagram | ||
| 110 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 110/190V, 115/220V, 120/208V, 127/220V | 3 | CODE 518 50HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 110/220 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 110/220V, 115/230V, 120/240V | CODE 518 50HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | ||
| 110/220V, 115/230V, 120/240V | 1 | CODE 518 50HZ, 1PH 3W | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 110V, 115V, 120V | 1 | CODE 518 50HZ, 1PH 2W | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 120 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 120/208V, 127/220V, 139/240V | 3 | CODE 18 60HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 120/240 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 120/240V | 1 | CODE 18 60HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 120/240V | 1 | CODE 18 60HZ, 1PH 3W | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 208 VAC | Switch S1 position 1 | stator T7 and T8 | Transformer TX1 primary H1-H3 | |
| 220 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 220/380V, 230/400V, 240/416V, 254/440V | 3 | CODE 518 50HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 240 VAC | Switch S1 positions 2 and 3 | stator T7 and T8 | Transformer TX1 primary H3-H5 | |
| 240 VAC | 1 | Transformer regulation, voltage codes 3C, 53C and 538 | Move taps on T21 to adjust output voltage | |
| 240/416V, 254/440V, 277/480V | 3 | CODE 18 60HZ | Electronic regulation reconnection | |
| 240V | 1 | CODE 18 60HZ, 1PH 2W | Electronic regulation reconnection |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
The Cummins/Onan 6A3.4 engine has an oil capacity of 8.5 liters.
The Cummins/Onan 6A3.4 powers 3 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan DGAC, Cummins/Onan DGAD, Cummins/Onan MDL6.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan 6A3.4 is: No AC output voltage at rated engine RPM. Cause: Control panel field breaker CB21 off. Fix: Push to reset breaker; if voltage is unstable, high or low, or causes breaker to trip, see Flow Charts B, C, D or E.