HomeEnginesCummins/Onan GTA8.3

Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 Engine

The Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 is a 8.3 L 6-cylinder turbocharged, aftercooled engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the GTA 8.3G, GTA8.3 CD1 and GTAR 3. It holds 34.1 L (9.0 gal) of oil and 10.9 L (2.9 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins Natural Gas Engines, Inc. GTA8.3

Part of the Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 engine family — 3 variants share parts & fitment.

8.3 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
34.1 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity34.1 L
Coolant capacity10.9 L
Displacement8.3 L
Cylinders6
AspirationTurbocharged, Aftercooled
Rated speed1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

3
Cummins/Onan GTA 8.3GCummins/Onan GTA8.3 CD1Cummins/Onan GTAR 3

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

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter250 hr
Fuel filter1500 hr
Oil filterOil Filter Wrench.3375048 Amazon eBay
Battery600 hr
Belt250 hr
Coolant18.9 litres [5 U.S.Gal.]1500 hr
Coolant filterCoolant FilterWF2073 Amazon $26.99 eBay $14.40
Oil18.9250 hr
Spark plugReplacement6000 hr

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service intervals

40
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air cleaner restrictionCheck250 hr6 mo
Air cleaner restriction/elementCheck250 hr6 mo
Air intake systemInspect250 hr6 moCracked hoses, loose clamps, punctures
Engine coolant DCA4 concentrationCheck250 hr6 mo
Engine coolant DCA4 concentration levelCheck250 hr6 moAdd make-up DCA4 if required
Engine crankcase breatherCheck250 hr6 mo
Engine crankcase breatherInspect250 hr6 moCheck vent tube & flexible hose for sludge or debris
Governor adjustments (idle speed, droop, isochronous)Adjust250 hr6 mo
Governor linkageCheck250 hr6 mo
Governor linkage and adjustments (idle speed, speed droop, isochronous control)Check250 hr6 mo
Intake & exhaust valvesAdjust1500 hr12 moFirst service — First adjustment at 250 hours; afterwards at 1500 hour intervals
Lubricating oil & filterChange250 hr6 moWhichever occurs first
Engine cylinder compressionTest750 hr6 mo
Ignition coilsCheck750 hr6 mo
Ignition coilsInspect750 hr6 mo
Ignition timing (Altronic CD1)Check750 hr6 mo
Spark plug wellsInspect750 hr6 mo
Spark plug wiresInspect750 hr6 mo
Spark plugsInspect750 hr6 mo
Antifreeze concentrationCheck1500 hr12 moUse Fleetguard refractometer Part No. CC-2800
Carburetor adjustment for excess oxygenAdjust1500 hr12 mo
Carburetor excess oxygen adjustmentAdjust1500 hr12 mo
Drive belt tensionCheck1500 hr12 moGTA8.3 uses an automatic drive belt tensioner
Gas filterReplace1500 hr12 mo
Gas fuel filterCheck1500 hr12 mo
Gas pressure to carburetorCheck1500 hr12 moMinimum 5 inches water column
Gas pressure to on-engine gas regulatorCheck1500 hr12 mo10 to 20 inches water column at full load
Gas pressure to on-engine regulatorCheck1500 hr12 mo
Rubber damperInspect4500 hr24 moCheck index lines alignment; replace if out more than 1.59 mm [1/16 in.]
Aftercooler water pumpInspect6000 hr24 moFollow manufacturer's recommendations
Aftercooler water pumpReplace6000 hr24 moInspect/rebuild
Cooling system (drain, flush, fill)Other6000 hr24 moCoolant change every 2 years or 6000 hours
Cooling system - drain coolantDrain6000 hr24 mo
Cooling system - flush/fillClean6000 hr24 moChange coolant or antifreeze every 2 years or 6000 hours
Engine water pumpInspect6000 hr36 moExchange/rebuild; inspect for drive pulley wobble and water leakage
Engine water pumpReplace6000 hr24 moInspect/rebuild
Fan hub (belt driven)Inspect6000 hr36 moInspect for wobble and grease leakage
Fan hub (belt driven)Replace6000 hr24 moInspect/rebuild
Spark plug wireReplace6000 hr24 mo
Spark plug wiresReplace6000 hr24 mo

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceTurbocharger axial clearance HX40W0.03-0.08mm [.001-.003 in]
ClearanceTurbocharger radial clearance HX40W turbine wheel0.21-0.46in [0.008-0.018]
GapSpark plug gap.020in.
GapSpark plug gap0.02in
GapTurbocharger axial clearance (HX40W)0.03 to 0.08mmmeasure end to end
GapTurbocharger radial clearance (HX40W turbine wheel)0.21 to 0.46mmmeasure side to side
Ignition timingInitial engine timing - LPG Gas (HD-5)18 to 22degrees BTDC@ 4200 ft. Clovis, N.M.
Ignition timingInitial engine timing - Natural Gas24 to 26degrees BTDC@ 4200 ft. Clovis, N.M.
OtherAir cleaner maximum intake restriction with dirty element685mm H2Oalso 25 in H2O
OtherExcess oxygen - stand-by/prime4.0-4.7% O2
PressureCompression check cylinder pressure variance10%all cylinders within 10 percent
PressureGas pressure to carburetor5inches water columnminimum required
PressureGas pressure to carburetor (minimum)5inches water column
PressureGas pressure to on-engine gas regulator10 to 20inches water columnfull load operating conditions
PressureGas pressure to on-engine regulator10 to 20inches water columnfull load
PressureIntake manifold boost pressure (max)18psiat 1800 rpm full load
PressureIntake manifold turbocharger boost pressure18 psi or lowerpsiat 1800 RPM and full power rating
PressureMaximum acceptable exhaust back pressure2in. of Hg
SpeedEngine speed max governed1800RPM
SpeedIdle speed900RPMapproximately
SpeedIdle speed (CNGE engines)approximately 900RPM
SpeedRated speed used for gas flow and boost ratings1800RPM
TemperatureAftercooler coolant inlet temperature (C.R. 10.5:1)32°C [90 °F] maxwater-to-air
TemperatureAftercooler coolant inlet temperature (C.R. 8.5:1)54°C [130 °F] maxwater-to-air
TemperatureAftercooler coolant inlet temperature maximum (10.5:1 C.R.)32Calso 90 F
TemperatureAftercooler coolant inlet temperature maximum (8.5:1 C.R.)54Calso 130 F
TemperatureCoolant temperature normal71 to 93°C [160 to 200 °F]
TemperatureEngine coolant temperature (normal operating)71 to 93Calso 160 to 200 F
TemperatureEngine starting minimum coolant temperature for parasitic load49Calso 120 F
TemperatureIntake manifold air-gas temperature (C.R. 10.5:1)100°F maxair-to-air aftercooled
TemperatureIntake manifold air-gas temperature (C.R. 8.5:1)130°F maxair-to-air aftercooled
TemperatureMaximum engine coolant top tank temperature100Calso 212 F
TemperatureOil temperature82 to 107Cbest lubrication; 116 C [240 F] short period under full load not cause for alarm
TemperatureOil temperature normal82 to 107°C [180 to 225 °F]
TemperatureRecommended engine jacket water temperature88 to 91Calso 190 to 195 F
TorqueAftercooler pump77Nm [57 ft-lb]
TorqueAftercooler pump mounting77N.malso 57 ft-lb
TorqueAlternator higher larger capscrew43Nm [32 ft-lb]
TorqueAlternator larger top capscrew43N.malso 32 ft-lb
TorqueAlternator lower smaller capscrew24Nm [18 ft-lb]
TorqueAlternator smaller bottom capscrew24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueBelt tensioner43Nm [32 ft-lb]
TorqueFan hub capscrews24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueFan pulley 10 mm capscrews43N.malso 32 ft-lb
TorqueFan pulley 8 mm capscrews24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueMetric capscrew class 8.8, M8 x 1.2524N.mclean, dry threads; reduce 10% with lubricant, 20% with new plated capscrews
TorqueOil cooler element24Nm [18 ft-lb]
TorqueOil cooler element/cover24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueOil drain plug80Nm [60 ft-lb]
TorqueOil pressure regulator plug80Nm [60 ft-lb]
TorqueSpark plug35Nm [26 ft-lb] min, 41 Nm [30 ft-lb] max
TorqueSpark plug35 to 41N.malso 26 to 30 ft-lb
TorqueStarter77Nm [57 ft-lb]
TorqueStarting motor mounting77N.malso 57 ft-lb
TorqueThermostat housing capscrews24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueTurbocharger drain tube24N.malso 18 ft-lb
TorqueTurbocharger mounting nuts32Nm [24 ft-lb]
TorqueTurbocharger oil drain tube24Nm [18 ft-lb]
TorqueTurbocharger oil supply line15Nm [11 ft-lb]
TorqueValve adjustment locknut24Nm [18 ft-lb]

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 / 50 percent waterLow silicate antifreeze meeting ASTM4985 (GM6038M); water must not exceed 300 ppm hardness or 100 ppm chloride or sulfate10.9 LNever use more than 68 percent antifreeze; drain and replace every 2 years or 6000 hours; use Fleetguard Compleat or DCA4
Coolant50% ethylene glycol / 50% waterlow silicate antifreeze meets GM 6038-M or GM 1825-M/1899-M10.9 lAdd DCA4 at 1 unit per 3.8 L coolant
Engine oil5W-20 or 5W-30 syntheticCE/SFbelow -23°CArctic operation; ambient temperatures consistently below -23 C (-10 F)
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API CD18.9 lPan capacity; total system 34 L [9 U.S. Gal]
Engine oil10W-30API CD-28°C to 35°CViscosity grade vs ambient temperature table
Engine oilSAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 syntheticCE/SFabove -23°CArctic operation below -23°C [-10°F]
Engine oil15W-40API CDabove -10°C34.1 LSAE 15W-40 heavy duty natural gas engine oil; sulfated ash less than .4/.6%; phosphorous 650/850 ppm; zinc 700/900 ppm; calcium 900/1300 ppm; TBN 4.5; TAN 5/1.5
Engine oil20W-40API CDabove 0°CViscosity grade vs ambient temperature table
FuelDry processed natural gas905 BTU/cu ft LHV, less than 10 PPM H2S
GreaseMil-G-3545excluding sodium or soda thickenersWater pump & fan hub lubricant
OtherDCA40.26 DCA4 unit per literSupplemental coolant additive; one DCA4 unit per U.S. gallon of coolant initial charge

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
Intake & Exhaust Valve Procedure adjustment

⚠ Check or set valves with engine cold below 60°C [140°F].

⚠ Make sure timing pin is disengaged before rotating engine.

Tools: feeler gauge, flathead screwdriver, torque wrench

  1. Remove air crossover tube (water-to-air system only).
  2. Disconnect support clamps and hose clamps; remove vent tube.
  3. Remove valve cover.
  4. Locate TDC for cylinder No. 1 using vibration damper marks.
  5. Check or set intake clearance 0.30 mm and exhaust clearance 0.61 mm with engine cold.
  6. Set valves per sequence with flathead screwdriver.
  7. Tighten locknuts to 24 Nm [18 ft-lb] and recheck lash.
  8. Rotate engine 360 degrees and adjust remaining valves.
  9. Install valve cover and torque to 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].
  10. Install crankcase vent tube and air crossover tube.
Coolant Filter Replacement maintenance

⚠ Severe engine damage will result if the valve is left in the closed position.

⚠ Never over concentrate cooling system with DCA4.

Tools: filter wrench

  1. Turn coolant shutoff valve to OFF position.
  2. Remove and discard coolant filter; clean gasket surface.
  3. Apply light film of Lubriplate 105 or equivalent to filter gasket.
  4. Install filter as specified by manufacturer.
  5. Open shutoff valve and install coolant system pressure cap.
  6. Operate engine until coolant temperature above 82 °C [180 °F] and check for leaks.
  7. After air purged, check coolant level.
Cooling System Flushing maintenance

⚠ Do not install the radiator cap. The engine is to be operated without the cap for this process.

⚠ Do not use caustic cleaners in the cooling system. Aluminum components will be damaged.

  1. Fill the system with a mixture of sodium carbonate and water: use 0.5 kilograms [1.0 lb] of sodium carbonate for every 23 liters [6.0 U.S. Gallons] of water.
  2. Do not install the radiator cap; operate the engine for 5 minutes with the coolant temperature above 80 C [176 F].
  3. Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
  4. Fill the cooling system with clean water.
  5. Operate the engine for 5 minutes with the coolant temperature above 80 C [176 F].
  6. Shut the engine off and drain the cooling system.
  7. If the water being drained is still dirty, flush the system again until the water is clean.
Drive Belt - Replacement maintenance

⚠ Applying excessive force in the opposite direction of wind-up or after the tensioner has been wound up to the positive stop can cause the tensioner arm to break.

  1. Lift the tensioner arm and pulley to remove and install the belt.
  2. The belt tensioner winds in the direction that the spring tang is bent over the tensioner body.
  3. To loosen the tension on the belt, rotate the tensioner to wind the spring tighter.
Lubricating Oil and Filter - Changing maintenance

⚠ Hot oil can cause personal injury.

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

Tools: 17 mm wrench or socket, 118 to 131 mm filter wrench

  1. Operate engine until water temperature reaches 60 °C [140 °F] and shut off.
  2. Remove oil drain plug and drain oil.
  3. Remove filter using filter wrench, clean gasket surface.
  4. Install correct oil filter LF3000.
  5. Fill oil filter with clean lubricating oil.
  6. Apply light film of oil to gasket before installing new filter.
  7. Install oil drain plug and torque to 80 Nm [60 ft-lb].
  8. Fill engine to proper level.
  9. Operate engine at idle and inspect for leaks.
Priming the Lubricating System maintenance

⚠ Do not engage starter motor for more than 30 seconds at a time. Wait for two minutes between each start.

⚠ After the engine has run for several minutes, add lubricating oil to compensate for oil absorbed by the filter element(s) and oil cooler.

  1. Fill crankcase to the FULL mark on the dipstick.
  2. Crank the engine for 15 seconds with ignition OFF until oil pressure appears on the gauge or warning light goes out.
  3. Refill crankcase to the FULL mark on the dipstick.
Priming the Lubrication System maintenance

⚠ Do not engage starter motor for more than 30 seconds at a time.

⚠ Wait for two minutes between each start.

  1. Remove turbocharger oil inlet line and pre-lubricate bearing with 50 to 60 cc clean oil.
  2. Reconnect oil supply line.
  3. Fill crankcase to FULL mark on dipstick.
  4. Crank engine for 15 seconds with ignition OFF until oil pressure appears.
  5. Refill crankcase to FULL mark.
Spark Plug Installation maintenance

⚠ Mechanical overtightening can damage spark plug and cylinder head.

⚠ Do not touch porcelain area on spark plug.

Tools: torque wrench, magnetic spark plug socket (Snap-On P.N. S971KA)

  1. Install new spark plug in cylinder head with clean porcelain.
  2. Use extension and magnetic spark plug socket and thread in by hand.
  3. Torque spark plug to 35 to 41 Nm [26 to 30 ft-lb].
  4. Apply small amount of dielectric grease inside and outside spark plug boot.
  5. Carefully place plug boot onto spark plug terminal and press until snap is felt.
Spark Plug Removal maintenance

⚠ Be careful not to drop the spark plug.

Tools: 5/8 in deep-well spark plug socket, extension, 3/8 inch hose

  1. Disconnect wires from ignition coil end first, then spark plug end.
  2. Remove rubber insert from spark plug socket to prevent contamination.
  3. Loosen spark plug with 5/8 in deep-well rubber insert spark plug socket.
  4. Slip 3/8 inch inside diameter hose over plug end and turn counterclockwise.
  5. Lift spark plug out and mark with cylinder number.
  6. Visually inspect plug wires, extenders and connections for damage.
Engine Shut-Down Procedure operation

⚠ Always know the location of the manual fuel shut-off valve in the event of an emergency or while servicing the engine.

  1. Let the engine idle a few minutes before shutting it down; idle 3 to 5 minutes to allow lubricating oil and water to carry heat away.
  2. Turn off the fuel-gas with either the automatic or manual shut-off valve and allow the engine to come to a complete stop.
  3. Turn ignition switch to OFF position.
Normal Starting Procedure (Above 0 C [32 F]) operation

⚠ Before starting be sure that everyone is clear of the engine and the equipment.

⚠ Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time; wait two minutes before attempting to crank again.

⚠ Continuous operation with low coolant temperature below 60 C [140 F] or high coolant temperature above 100 C [212 F] can damage the engine.

  1. Check the lubricating oil and engine coolant levels.
  2. Set the throttle for idle speed.
  3. Disengage the clutch (if equipped) or open the main circuit breaker on generator set applications.
  4. Open the gas supply shut-off valve.
  5. If equipped with fuel shutoff valves with manual reset, return manual reset to open position before cranking engine.
  6. Push the reset button on the instrument panel.
  7. Hold in the safety switch override button or turn timer past 20 seconds and push the start button.
  8. Release the override button when oil pressure gauge shows an increase in oil pressure; oil pressure must be indicated within 15 seconds.
  9. Engage the clutch, if equipped, and run the engine at just above idle to allow coolant to warm up.
  10. Idle the engine no more than 3 to 5 minutes at 1000 RPM before applying the load or until water temperature reaches 60 C (140 F).
Aftercooler Pump - Replacement repair

⚠ The system must be filled slowly to prevent air locks.

  1. Drain the coolant.
  2. Remove the supply line connection.
  3. Remove the discharge line connection.
  4. Remove the aftercooler pump.
  5. Clean the sealing surfaces on the cylinder block.
  6. Install the aftercooler pump along with a new gasket; torque 77 N.m [57 ft-lb].
  7. Connect the supply and discharge lines.
  8. Fill the cooling system with a mixture of 50% water and 50% ethylene-glycol type antifreeze.

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 GTA8.3 family

74
Part #DescriptionCategory
100-025-001Air Filterair_filter
100-029-001AIR FILTERair_filter
100-028-001Coolant Filterbelt
V2-78400 VF (Vari-Fuel) Bullet Valvebullet_valve
WF2071Coolant Filtercoolant_filter
WF2072Coolant Filtercoolant_filter
WF2073Coolant Filtercoolant_filter
WF2074Coolantcoolant_filter
WF2070Coolant Filterfilter
WF2075DCA4™ Filter(s)filter
WF2076Coolantfilter
525-0301Sealant, Thread (6 ml Tube)fluid
155-3219Gasket, Mufflergasket
502-0942Elbow - 90 °hose
502-0943Connector, Hose (3/8 x 5/8) - GGKB, GGKChose
503-0098Hose, Oil Drain - Bulk (Order By The Foot - 3 Feet Required)hose
503-0183Clamp, Hosehose
503-0197Clip, Hosehose
503-0386Bulk Hose (water jacket heater; order 15 in. and 6 in. lengths)hose
518-0548-02Clamp, Hosehose
100-026-001Filling valve (optional: without filling hoses)oil_filter
100-027-001Concentric suction/pressure valve (optional: without filling hoses)oil_filter
100-030-001Oil Filteroil_filter
309-0159Switch, Oil Pressure (S107)oil_filter
3375048Oil Filter Wrench.oil_filter
10113858Op Meter Carrying Case.other_service
102-1448-02Adapter, Oil Drain (M10 x 16)other_service
155-2062-13Cap, Rainother_service
155-2305Clamp, Mufflerother_service
155-2570Clamp, V-Band A299other_service
155-3150-02Mufflerother_service
155-3163-01Adapter, Exhaustother_service
155-3164-03Pipe, Exhaustother_service
155-3180Shield, Rainother_service
332-2634Clamp, Retainer 4 Prior To December 1996 Production (Mounted On Top And Side Of Control Box Wrapper)other_service
332-3196Clamp, Jother_service
3375208DCA4™ Test Kit.other_service
3394430GTA8.3 Irrigation Panel Assy. (5 Gauge Panel)other_service
3395077Digital Thermometer 450 AET Type E.other_service
416-0619Cable, Batteryother_service
416-1000Cable, Batteryother_service
504-0011Valve, Shutoff (1/2”)other_service
505-0050Elbow, Street (1/2' x 90 ° )other_service
505-0057Plug, Square Head (1/8')other_service
505-0185Nipple, Half (1/2' x 1.5' lg)other_service
525-0304Onan Green Enamel (Non-Metallic) - Gallon Canother_service
525-030512 oz. Pressurized Spray Canother_service
525-0306Onan Green Enamel (Non-Metallic) - Quart Canother_service
526-2140Washer, Flat (M12)other_service
60110001Compression Tester.other_service
60210006Pliers for Ignition Wire Crimping.other_service
60810002Set of Feeler Gauges.other_service
61210002Tachometer Hand Held.other_service
800-2058Screw, Cap - Hex Head (M8 x 1.25 x 25)other_service
800-2111Screw, Cap - Hex Head (M12 x 1.25 x 25mm)other_service
821-6003-02Screw, Cap - Hex Headother_service
850-2008Washer, Lock (M8)other_service
856-0013Washer, Lock - W/EIT (1/2)other_service
91372621Oo Meter.other_service
91400202Carrying Case Digital Manometer (Each)other_service
91400203Digital Manometer 0 to 30 psi.other_service
91400204Digital Manometer 0 to 19.99 WC.other_service
91400205Hand Held Digital Thermometer with Case.other_service
91400206Laser Heat Gun & Carrying Case.other_service
91400207Volt Meter & Hertz Meter.other_service
91400208Timing Lightother_service
91400210Carrying Case Small.other_service
91400211Digital Manometer 0 to 199.9 WC.other_service
91400809Carrying Case Large.other_service
971400039Fitting 1/8 npt Thermocouple ( Each).other_service
193-0432Sender, Oil Temperature (S2 Engine Block, E4 Oil Pan)sensor
309-0269Switch, Low Engine Temperature (S4)sensor
3395076Spark Plug Removal 5/8”.spark_plug
S971KASnap-On P.N. S971KA magnetic spark plug socketspark_plug

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 GTA8.3?

The Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 engine has an oil capacity of 34.1 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan GTA8.3?

The Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 has a displacement of 8.3 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 engine?

The Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 powers 3 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan GTA 8.3G, Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 CD1, Cummins/Onan GTAR 3.

How often should you change the oil in the Cummins/Onan GTA8.3?

The Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 oil change interval is every 250 hours.