Home›Engines›Cummins/Onan B5.9

Cummins/Onan B5.9 Engine

The Cummins/Onan B5.9 is a 5.9 L 6-cylinder turbocharged; charge-air cooled engine rated at 2100 rpm, producing up to 91 kW. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 6BTAA5.9-G5 CoolPac, 6BTAA5.9-G7, B5.9 engine and B5.9 series. It holds 14.2 L (3.8 gal) of oil and 10.5 L (2.8 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins B5.9

Part of the Cummins/Onan B5.9 engine family — 5 variants share parts & fitment.

5.9 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
2100 rpm
Rated speed
91 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity14.2 L
Coolant capacity10.5 L
Displacement5.9 L
Cylinders6
AspirationTurbocharged; Charge-Air Cooled
Rated speed2100 rpm
Gross power91 kW

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCummins Filtration AF26125—
Fuel filterStandard filter used as secondary filter in dual-filter applications—500 hr
Oil filter—250 hr
Battery12V-DC12V-DC Amazon Amazon eBay eBay $69.95 FridayParts $11.85 SinoCMP $65.00
BeltBattery cable size - minimum of 2/0 AWG and maximum cable length not to exceed 6 ft. (1.5 m)—
Coolant50-percent water and 50-percent ethylene glycol or propylene glycol-base antifreeze; low-silicate meeting ASTM 4985 (GM6038M)10.5 liters (engine only, B5.9)—6000 hr
Coolant filterN/A—
OilSAE 15W-40 heavy-duty engine oil meeting API CE/SG (e.g. Cummins Premium Blue); CE/SG required15.0 liters (six-cylinder standard pan)—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

16
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air intake systemInspect500 hr6 moEvery 19,000 km [12,000 mi], 500 hours, or 6 months
AntifreezeCheck1000 hr12 moEvery 38,000 km [24,000 mi], 1000 hours, or 1 year
Valve lash clearanceAdjust1000 hr12 moInitial adjustment at 38,000 km [24,000 mi]; subsequent at 77,000 km [48,000 mi]
Air cleaner filterInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Air compressorInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
AntifreezeChange2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Belt tensionCheck2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Belt tensionerInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Charge air cooler (CAC)Check2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Cooling systemDrain2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years; drain/flush/fill
Fan hubInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Fuel filterReplace2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Intake systemInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Lubricating oilChange2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Lubricating oil filterReplace2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years
Vibration damperInspect2000 hr24 moEvery 77,000 km [48,000 mi], 2000 hours, or 2 years

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

33
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceTensioner spring case to arm clearance (max)3mm [0.12 in]
ClearanceVibration damper index line misalignment (max)1.59mm [1/16 in]
GapBelt deflection at longest span9.5 to 12.7mm [3/8 to 1/2 in]
PressureLubricating oil pressure at idle (minimum allowable)69kPa [10 psi]at idle
PressureLubricating oil pressure at rated (minimum allowable)207kPa [30 psi]at rated rpm
PressurePressure cap (104 C [220 F] systems)103kPa [15 psi]
PressurePressure cap (99 C [210 F] systems)48kPa [7 psi]
PressureRegulating valve opening pressure449kPa [65 psi]
SpeedEngine cranking speed (minimum)150rpm
TemperatureStandard Modulating Thermostat Range - fully open95C [203 F]
TemperatureStandard Modulating Thermostat Range - start to open83C [181 F]
TorqueBelt Tensioner Mounting43N*m [32 ft-lb]
TorqueExhaust manifold43N*m [32 ft-lb]tighten in sequence
TorqueFan Pulley43N*m [32 ft-lb]
TorqueFuel Filter Adapter Nut32N*m [24 ft-lb]
TorqueFuel supply line to lift pump24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueInjector high-pressure fuel line fittings24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueLubricating Oil Cooler Assembly24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueLubricating Oil Pan Drain Plug (aluminum)55N*m [41 ft-lb]lubricated threads
TorqueLubricating Oil Pan Drain Plug (steel)80N*m [59 ft-lb]lubricated threads
TorqueLubricating Oil Pressure Regulator Plug80N*m [59 ft-lb]
TorqueRocker lever cover capscrews24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueStarter Mounting43N*m [32 ft-lb]
TorqueThermostat Housing24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueTurbocharger mounting43N*m [32 ft-lb]
TorqueValve Cover12N*m [106 in-lb]
TorqueValve lash adjustment locknut24N*m [18 ft-lb]
TorqueWater Inlet Connection43N*m [32 ft-lb]
TorqueWater Pump Mounting24N*m [18 ft-lb]
Valve clearanceExhaust clearance (overhead set)0.508mm [0.020 in]cold
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.51mm [0.020 in]cold
Valve clearanceIntake clearance (overhead set)0.254mm [0.010 in]cold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.25mm [0.010 in]cold

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
Coolant50-percent ethylene glycol or propylene glycol antifreeze / 50-percent waterLow-silicate antifreeze meeting ASTM 4985 test (GM6038M spec.); water must not exceed 300-ppm hardness or 100 ppm chloride or sulfateabove -33°CNever use more than 68-percent antifreeze. Drain/replace every 2 years, 320,000 km [200,000 mi], or 6000 hours. 68% EG = -63 C [-81 F]; 68% PG = -71 C [-96 F].
Engine oil10W-30 (low-viscosity)below -5°CLimited use for easier starting below -5 C [23 F]; continuous use can decrease engine life
Engine oil5W-20 or 5W-30 (synthetic CEISG / CE/SG)Synthetic CEISGbelow -23°CArctic operation - ambient temperatures consistently below -23 C [-10 F] with no engine warm provisions
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API CE/SG (CC/CD or CD/SF allowed where CE unavailable; reduce oil change interval to half)Cummins Premium Blue or equivalent. Sulfated ash must not exceed 1.85 mass percent. Do not use break-in oils.
FuelASTM No. 2-D diesel with minimum cetane number of 40ASTM No. 2-Dbelow 0°CBelow 0 C [32 F] use a blend of No. 1-D and No. 2-D (winterized No. 2 D). Use low-sulfur fuel with cloud point at least 10 degrees below lowest expected fuel temperature. Viscosity must be kept above 1.3 centistokes at 40 C [104 F]. Do not mix gasoline, alcohol, or gasohol with diesel fuel.

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

Procedures

10
Overhead Set (Valve Lash Adjustment) adjustment

⚠ To avoid engine or timing pin damage, disengage the timing pin after locating top dead center.

Tools: 1/2-inch drive, Engine Barring Tool, Part No. 3824591, Feeler Gauge, 14-mm Wrench, Flat-Blade Screwdriver or 5-mm Allen Wrench, 15 mm wrench

  1. Remove the valve cover.
  2. Locate top dead center (TDC) for cylinder No. 1 by barring the crankshaft while pressing on the timing pin.
  3. When the timing pin engages the hole in the camshaft gear, cylinder No. 1 is at TDC on the compression stroke.
  4. Set only valves indicated by the arrows (E = exhaust, I = intake).
  5. Holding the locknut steady with the wrench, adjust the valve clearance with the screwdriver or Allen wrench.
  6. Tighten the locknut to 24 N*m [18 ft-lb], and measure the valve lash again.
  7. Mark the vibration damper, and rotate the crankshaft 360 degrees.
  8. Adjust the remaining valves as indicated; tighten locknuts to 24 N*m [18 ft-lb].
  9. Install the rocker lever covers and tighten the capscrews to 24 N*m [18 ft-lb].
Cooling System - Drain/Flush/Fill maintenance

⚠ Do not remove the pressure cap from a hot engine. Wait until the coolant temperature is below 50 C [122 F].

⚠ Coolant is toxic. Keep away from children and pets.

⚠ Never use water alone for coolant.

Tools: Drain pan with capacity of 19 liters [5 gal]

  1. Drain the cooling system by opening the drain valve on the radiator and removing the plug in the bottom of the water inlet.
  2. Check for damaged hoses and loose or damaged hose clamps; replace as required.
  3. Fill the system with a mixture of sodium carbonate and water (0.5 kg [1.0 lb] sodium carbonate per 23 liters [6.0 gal] of water).
  4. Operate the engine for 5 minutes with the coolant reaching above 80 C [176 F].
  5. Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
  6. Fill the cooling system with clean water; operate engine 5 minutes above 80 C [176 F]; drain again until water is clean.
  7. Fill with a mixture of 50-percent water and 50-percent ethylene glycol antifreeze.
Drain Lubricating Oil maintenance

⚠ Avoid direct contact of hot oil with your skin.

Tools: 17 mm wrench, Container able to hold at least 20 liters [15 qt]

  1. Operate the engine until the water temperature reaches 60 C [140 F]. Shut the engine off.
  2. Remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil into a suitable container.
  3. Clean the sealing surface, check the oil drain plug threads, and install the drain plug.
  4. Torque drain plug: steel pan 80 N*m [59 ft-lb]; aluminum pan 60 N*m [44 ft-lb].
Fuel Supply Lines - Vent (Low-Pressure Lines and Fuel Filter) maintenance

Tools: 8 mm wrench

  1. Open the vent screw.
  2. Operate the priming button on the lift pump until the fuel flowing from the fitting is air free.
  3. Tighten the bleed screw to 9 N*m [80 in-lb].
Injector Supply Lines (High Pressure) - Vent maintenance

⚠ While testing the injectors, keep hands and body parts away from the injector nozzle.

⚠ Do not bleed the fuel system on a hot engine.

Tools: 17 mm wrench, 19 mm wrench

  1. Loosen one or more fittings at the injectors.
  2. Crank the engine to allow entrapped air to bleed from the lines.
  3. Start the engine and vent one line at a time until the engine runs smoothly.
  4. Tighten the line fittings to 30 N*m [22 ft-lb].
Replace Fuel Filter (Spin-On Type) maintenance

⚠ Mechanical overtightening will distort threads, filter element seal, or filter can.

Tools: 75 to 80 mm and 90 to 95 mm filter wrenches

  1. Warn the area around the fuel filter head. Remove the filter(s).
  2. Clean the gasket surface of the filter head.
  3. Replace the o-ring.
  4. Fill the new filter(s) with clean fuel, and lubricate the o-ring seal with clean lubricating oil.
  5. Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
Replace Lubricating Oil Filter maintenance

⚠ Mechanical overtightening of filter can distort the threads or damage the filter element seal.

Tools: 90- to 95-mm filter wrench

  1. Clean the area around the lubricating oil filter head.
  2. Remove the filter using a 90- to 95-mm filter wrench.
  3. Clean the gasket surface of the filter head; make sure the o-ring is removed.
  4. Fill the filter with clean lubricating oil before installation.
  5. Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the gasket sealing surface.
  6. Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
Engine Shutdown operation
  1. Allow the engine to idle 3 to 5 minutes before shutting it off after a full-load operation.
  2. Turn the ignition key switch to the OFF position.
Normal Starting Procedure operation

⚠ Do not operate a diesel engine where there are or can be combustible vapors.

  1. Disengage the driven unit, or if equipped, put the transmission in neutral.
  2. With the throttle in the idle position, turn the key to the ON position.
  3. Wait for the WAIT-TO-START lamp to go out, then turn the key to the START position.
  4. If the engine does not start after three attempts, check the fuel supply system.
  5. Idle the engine 3 to 5 minutes before operating with a load.
  6. Do not operate engine at low idle for more than 10 minutes.
Starting Procedure After Extended Shutdown or Oil Change operation
  1. Disconnect the electrical wire from the fuel pump solenoid.
  2. Rotate the crankshaft, using the starting motor, until oil pressure appears on the gauge or the warning lamp goes out.
  3. Connect the electrical wire to the fuel pump solenoid valve.
  4. Start the engine; refer to normal starting procedures.
  5. Refer to fuel system - bleeding to vent the fuel system.

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 Cummins/Onan B5.9 family

22
Part #DescriptionCategory
RU5045Air CleanerAir filter
4988274AlternatorAlternator
3288689BeltBelt
V70509Lube OilFluid
FS1251/FF42000Fuel FilterFuel filter
3822509Injection Pump Bore Brush Service ToolInjector
LF3959Lube FilterLube filter
12.001-3678-000Lubricating Oil Pressure GaugeService part / kit
13.001-3901-000Battery A/B SwitchService part / kit
14.001-3912-000ON/OFF Switch (AUTO/MANUAL)Service part / kit
3305062Heater, 240VService part / kit
3315032Heater, 120VService part / kit
3824591Barring tool Rotate the engineService part / kit
3885910Red Paint, Spray canService part / kit
5.001-2674-000True Warning LightService part / kit
6.001-3789-000Low Oil Pressure Warning LightService part / kit
7.001-3890-000Circuit BreakerService part / kit
8210G003-12VDC3/4" 12V solenoidService part / kit
8210G3-24VDC3/4" 24V solenoidService part / kit
C2800Fleetguard® refractometerService part / kit
CC2800Fleetguard refractometerService part / kit
3971603Starter 12VStarter

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 B5.9?

The Cummins/Onan B5.9 engine has an oil capacity of 14.2 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan B5.9?

The Cummins/Onan B5.9 has a displacement of 5.9 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan B5.9 engine?

The Cummins/Onan B5.9 powers 9 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 6BTAA5.9-G5 CoolPac, Cummins/Onan 6BTAA5.9-G7, Cummins/Onan B5.9 engine, Cummins/Onan B5.9 series, Cummins/Onan CFP59-F10.

How often should you change the oil in the Cummins/Onan B5.9?

The Cummins/Onan B5.9 oil change interval is every 250 hours.