The Cummins/Onan KTA38-D(M1) is a 37.5 L 12-cylinder turbocharged engine rated at 1500 rpm, producing up to 206 kW. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the KTA38.
Also known as: Cummins KTA38-D(M1)
Part of the Cummins/Onan KTA38 engine family — 13 variants share parts & fitment.
| Displacement | 37.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Aspiration | turbocharged |
| Rated speed | 1500 rpm |
| Gross power | 206 kW |
How to read your Cummins/Onan engine serial & model number →
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air cleaner element - restriction | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Replace air cleaner element as required |
| Air compressor air cleaner element | Replace | 250 hr | 6 mo | Cummins two-cylinder compressor |
| All belts | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Belt tension | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Measure in center span of pulleys; fan idler pulley design self-tensions |
| Belts | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Replace cracked or frayed belts |
| Coolant filter | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | At each oil and filter change interval |
| Cooling fan | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Check for cracks, loose rivets, bent or loose blades |
| Cooling system additives (DCA4) | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Check concentration whenever coolant is added between filter changes |
| Crankcase breather tube/hose | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Remove and check internally for obstructions or sludge; clean or replace |
| Engine oil | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | Whichever occurs first |
| Engine oil and oil filters | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | Whichever occurs first |
| Fan idler pivot arm | Lubricate | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Water pump type grease until grease appears |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 250 hr | 6 mo | Clean area around fuel filter head first |
| Hoses | Inspect | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Check/replace as required |
| Oil filters | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | Change filters with oil |
| Pulley tensioner | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Batteries | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Check electrolyte level and state of charge |
| Cold start aids | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Seasonal |
| Crankshaft end clearance | Inspect | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Measure with dial indicator |
| Engine (steam clean) | Clean | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Before conducting any 1500 hour maintenance |
| Engine mounting bolts and nuts | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Tighten loose; inspect rubber |
| Engine protection system | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Follow manufacturer's recommended procedures |
| Fan idler pulley tensioner | Adjust | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Solid control rod engines only; shock absorber engines require no adjustment |
| Front engine support | Lubricate | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Lubricate until grease appears at outside of support |
| Heat exchanger zinc plugs (marine only) | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Check length of all zinc plugs; replace if 50 percent eroded |
| Steam clean engine | Clean | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Before any 1500 hour maintenance |
| Valves and injectors | Adjust | 1500 hr | 12 mo | First service — Initial adjustment; then not again before 6000 hour/2 year injector calibration |
| Air compressor | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Discharge and intake checks |
| Coolant | Change | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean and flush cooling system |
| Cooling system | Change | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean system and change antifreeze; whichever comes first |
| Crankcase breather element | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean/replace |
| Engine protection system | Adjust | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Calibration required |
| Fan hub | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | End clearance and grease leakage |
| Fan idler pulley assembly | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Rebuild or replace as necessary |
| Fuel pump | Clean | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean and calibrate at a Cummins Authorized Repair Location |
| Injectors | Clean | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean and calibrate at a Cummins Authorized Repair Location |
| Thermostats and seals | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Discard worn thermostats and seals |
| Throttle travel/throttle air cylinder | Check | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Throttle lever breakover 3 to 6 mm |
| Turbocharger | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Check blades, shaft spin, axial and radial clearance |
| Vibration damper | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Replace after 24,000 hours; K2000 dampers replaced every 12,000 hours |
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 | Crankshaft end clearance | 0.13 MIN / 0.51 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Crankshaft end clearance | 0.13 to 0.51 | mm | engine mounted in unit |
| Clearance | Fan hub bearing end clearance | 0.03 MIN / 0.15 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Fan hub bearing end clearance | 0.03 to 0.15 | mm | |
| Clearance | Thermostat seal installation depth | no more than 0.51 | mm | below top of cast edge |
| Clearance | Turbocharger BB (RR-151) and (RR-153) end clearance | 0.09 MIN / 0.13 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Turbocharger BB bearing radial clearance - RR-151 | 0.75 MAX | mm | 0.030 in |
| Clearance | Turbocharger BB bearing radial clearance - RR-153 | 0.55 MAX | mm | 0.021 in |
| Clearance | Turbocharger axial end play - HC5A | 0.05 MIN / 0.13 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Turbocharger axial end play - HT7100 | 0.06 MIN / 0.16 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Turbocharger axial end play - T18A | 0.10 MIN / 0.23 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Turbocharger radial clearance compressor impeller - HC5A | 0.15 MIN / 0.45 MAX | mm | |
| Clearance | Turbocharger radial clearance turbine wheel - HC5A | 0.20 MIN / 0.55 MAX | mm | |
| Gap | Heat exchanger zinc plug erosion limit A | approximately 19 | mm | 0.75 in; new 51 mm [2 in] |
| Gap | Heat exchanger zinc plug erosion limit B | approximately 6.4 | mm | 0.25 in; new 16 mm [0.625 in] |
| Other | Air compressor discharge carbon deposit thickness limit | 2 | mm | 1/16 in |
| Other | Air starting motor minimum air pressure | 480 | kPa | |
| Other | Alternator belt tension | 356 | N | Burroughs tension gauge ST-1293 |
| Other | Fan belt tension (20, 22, 24 inch fan center) | 2668.9 to 2891.3 | N | two pulley fan drive |
| Other | Fan belt tension verification (28 inch fan center) | 2891.3 to 3336.2 | N | two pulley fan drive |
| Other | HVT non-top stop injector travel adjustment | 10.234 | mm | |
| Other | Maximum intake restriction, clean air filter element | 380 | mm H2O | |
| Other | Maximum intake restriction, dirty air filter element | 635 | mm H2O | |
| Other | Maximum vibration damper thickness - Houdaille | 66.38 | mm | 2.574 in |
| Other | Maximum vibration damper thickness - Made in England Before F-82 | 65.91 | mm | 2.595 in |
| Other | Maximum vibration damper thickness - Made in England F-82 and After | 65.66 | mm | 2.585 in |
| Other | Minimum cranking speed without starting aid | 150 | RPM | |
| Other | PTD injector travel limits | 7.77 to 7.87 | mm | |
| Other | PTD injector travel verification specification | 7.80 MIN / 7.82 MAX | mm | |
| Other | PTD non-top stop injector travel adjustment | 7.82 | mm | |
| Other | PTD non-top stop injector travel limits | 7.77 to 7.87 | mm | |
| Other | Turbocharger end play - AiResearch T18A | 0.10 to 0.23 | mm | |
| Other | Turbocharger end play - HT100 | 0.06 to 0.16 | mm | |
| Other | Turbocharger end play - Holset HC5A | 0.05 to 0.13 | mm | |
| Other | Two pulley fan drive belt tension (set) | 2668.9 to 2891.3 | N | 600 to 650 lbf |
| Other | Two pulley fan drive belt tension (verify) | 2891.3 to 3336.2 | N | 650 to 750 lbf |
| Other | Vibration damper maximum thickness - Houdaille | 65.38 | mm | |
| Other | Vibration damper thickness variation (four readings 90 degrees apart) | must not vary more than 0.25 | mm | 0.010 in |
| Other | Vibration damper thickness variation - maximum | 0.25 | mm | four locations 90 degrees apart |
| Pressure | Coolant pressure cap minimum | 50 | kPa | 7 psi |
| Pressure | Exhaust back pressure - maximum | 75 | mm Hg | at rated speed and load |
| Pressure | Exhaust back pressure maximum | 75 | mm Hg | 3 in Hg, at rated speed and load |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable intake restriction - clean filter element | 380 | mm H2O | 15 in H2O |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable intake restriction - dirty filter element | 635 | mm H2O | 25 in H2O |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable restriction to fuel pump - clean filter | 100 | mm Hg | 4 in Hg, at rated power |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable restriction to fuel pump - dirty filter | 200 | mm Hg | 8 in Hg, at rated power |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable restriction to pump - clean filter | 100 | mm Hg | at rated power |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable restriction to pump - dirty filter | 200 | mm Hg | at rated power |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable return line restriction | 63 | mm Hg | |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable return line restriction with check valves and/or overhead tanks | 165 | mm Hg | 6.5 in Hg |
| Pressure | Oil pressure - minimum at idle RPM | 138 | kPa | |
| Pressure | Oil pressure, main oil rifle - maximum at rated RPM | 483 | kPa | 15W-40 oil at 107 C [225 F] |
| Pressure | Oil pressure, main oil rifle - minimum at rated RPM | 310 | kPa | 15W-40 oil at 107 C [225 F] |
| Pressure | Oil pressure, main oil rifle, maximum at rated RPM | 483 | kPa | 15W-40 oil at 107 C [225 F] |
| Pressure | Oil pressure, main oil rifle, minimum at idle RPM | 138 | kPa | 15W-40 oil at 107 C [225 F] |
| Pressure | Oil pressure, main oil rifle, minimum at rated RPM | 310 | kPa | 15W-40 oil at 107 C [225 F] |
| Pressure | Throttle air cylinder leak test pressure | 689 | kPa | no leakage allowed |
| Pressure | Throttle air cylinder test pressure | 560 | kPa | extension rod retracted |
| Speed | Engine speed - must not exceed | 2400 | RPM | any circumstances |
| Speed | Engine speed must not exceed | 2400 | RPM | under any circumstances |
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 | 50 percent ethylene glycol / 50 percent water | Low-silicate antifreeze meeting ASTM D4985 (less than .10% silicate) | 50/50 gives -34 F freeze point and 228 F boiling point; working range 40 to 60 percent antifreeze; use refractometer, not hydrometer; pre-charge 1.5 SCA units per gallon | ||
| Coolant | 50/50 low-silicate antifreeze and quality water | ASTM D4985 (less than 0.10% silicate as Na2SiO5) | Must be pre-charged with supplemental coolant additives (DCA4) to 1.5 units per gallon; never below 1.2 or above 3 units per gallon. Do not use soluble oils. | ||
| Coolant | 60 percent ethylene glycol / 40 percent water | Low-silicate antifreeze | -54°C to -32°C | Arctic specification coolant mixture for -32 to -54 C [-25 to -65 F] | |
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40 | API CE or CF4 | Cummins Premium Blue or equivalent; CD or CD/SF acceptable where CE/CF4 not available; sulfated ash must not exceed 1.85 mass percent | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 5W-30 synthetic CE/SF | API CE or CF4 | below -23°C | For ambient temperatures consistently below -23 C [-10 F] with no provision to keep engine warm | |
| Fuel | ASTM No. 2 diesel | No. 2 D; blends of No. 2 D and No. 1 D below 0 C [32 F] | Viscosity must be kept above 1.3 cSt; maximum cloud and pour points 6 C [10 F] lower than ambient | ||
| Grease | Water pump type grease (Amoco Rykon Premium No. 2 / Chevron SRI / Exxon Unirex N2 / Shell Dolium R / Texaco Premium RB) | Fan idler pivot arm and front engine support lubrication |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
⚠ Over-tensioning of alternator belts can result in premature accessory drive bushing wear and seal leakage.
Tools: GT-1293 Burroughs Tension Gauge
Tools: ST-669 Torque Wrench Adapter
⚠ The dipstick will break if the scribe mark is too deep.
Tools: scribe
⚠ The injector plunger is under spring tension. Do NOT allow the tool to slip.
Tools: 3822575 adjustment kit, 3822574 rocker lever actuator, ST-669 adapter
⚠ Use the correct chart for the engine being serviced or the parts will be damaged.
Tools: 3376592 Inch Pound Torque Wrench, ST-669 Torque Wrench Adapter, feeler gauge
⚠ Use the correct chart for the engine or the parts will be damaged.
⚠ Crosshead adjustment must always be made before adjusting the valves.
Tools: 3376592 inch pound torque wrench, 3822575 injector and valve adjustment kit, 3822574 rocker lever actuator, ST-669 torque wrench adapter
⚠ Holes, loose end seals, dented sealing surfaces and other damage require immediate element replacement.
⚠ Pull the cover and element straight out to avoid damage.
⚠ Do NOT remove the radiator cap from a hot engine.
⚠ Do not allow oil to get in the filter; it will adversely affect the DCA.
⚠ Do not use caustic cleaners; aluminum components will be damaged.
⚠ Wait until temperature is below 50 C [120 F] before removing the pressure cap.
⚠ Do not use caustic cleaners in the cooling system. Aluminum components will be damaged.
⚠ Wait until the temperature is below 50 C [120 F] before removing the coolant system pressure cap.
⚠ The fan belt idler is under tension. Do NOT allow your hands between the idler and belt or fan hub.
Tools: 8-point socket, breaker bar
Tools: dial indicator
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110/190, 115/200 | 3 | Code 31 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 120/208 | 3 | Code 4 | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 120/208, 127/220 | 3 | Code 519 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 120/240 | 3 | Code 5D | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 127/220 | 3 | Code 8 | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 139/240 | 3 | Code $ (99 on nameplate) | 4 | No Standard Voltage Code, number 99 is marked on the nameplate for reference information |
| 200/346 | 3 | Code 523 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 220/380 | 3 | Code 7 | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 220/380, 230/400 | 3 | Code 520 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 240/416 | 3 | Code 7X | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 240/416, 254/440 | 3 | Code 521 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 240/416, 254/440 | 3 | Code 522 | Reconnectible stator | |
| 240/480 | 3 | Code 6D | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 277/480 | 3 | Code 4X | 4 | 60 Hz |
| 347/600 | 3 | Code 9X | 4 | 60 Hz |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| UC224C | Alternator Model | alternator |
| UC274F | Alternator Model | alternator |
| 052045 | Lead Acid Battery - Dry (Export) | battery |
| 011261 | Battery Lead (-VE) | battery_lead |
| 011262 | Battery Lead (+VE) | battery_lead |
| 011270 | Battery Lead, +ve | battery_lead |
| 035095 | Clamp Bolt | bolt |
| 427560 | Battery Boot, Single Outlet | boot |
| 427561 | Battery Boot, Copper Link | boot |
| 035090 | Battery Clamp | clamp |
| 049001 | Clip | clip |
| 010156 | Heater Hose Connection | connection |
| 010159 | 1” NPT x 16 I/D Hose Connector | connector |
| 0300-4623-26 | DFJD (600V) | current_transformer |
| 0300-4623-51 | DFJD BR (0-480V) | current_transformer |
| 149-1689 | Element (Dual Fuel/Water Separator) | fuel_filter |
| FF202 | Fuel, Spin-On | fuel_filter |
| FS1216 | Fuel/Water Sep Spin-On | fuel_filter |
| 155-0675 | Gasket (Water Outlet) | gasket |
| 155-1030 | Gasket (Exhaust Header) | gasket |
| 415-0486 | Gasket (Fuel Tank - Overhead/Underground Supply) | gasket |
| 526-0063 | Gasket (Fuel Tank) | gasket |
| M-4352580 | Upper Gasket Set | gasket |
| 503-0359 | Hose (Cooling System - Standpipe) | hose |
| 503-0788 | Hose (Cooling System - Standpipe) | hose |
| 3822575 | Injector and valve adjustment kit | injector |
| 011281 | STR/STR - STR/Earth Lead (-VE) | lead |
| 011250 | Battery Link | link |
| 050861 | 11/4’’ NPT x 1’’ NPT Hex Nipple | nipple |
| 715250 | M8 Steel Wing Nuts | nut |
| 151-0399 | Controller (Electric Governor) | other_service |
| 151-0419 | Actuator (Electric Governor) | other_service |
| 159-0020 | Cap, Tank | other_service |
| 307-0839 | Valve, Solenoid (Cooling System - Standpipe) | other_service |
| 307-1861 | Valve, Solenoid (Overhead Supply) | other_service |
| 309-0407 | Valve, Float (Overhead Supply) | other_service |
| 3096680 | Piston STC 13.8:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3096681 | Piston KT Series 15.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3096682 | Piston KTA Series 14.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3096683 | Piston 13.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3096684 | Piston KTA 15.7:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3096685 | Piston STC 13.9:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 331-0027 | Switch, Thermostatic | other_service |
| 332-2634 | Clamp, Retainer 4 Prior To December 1996 Production (Mounted On Top And Side Of Control Box Wrapper) | other_service |
| 3628731 | Piston STC Kit | other_service |
| 3630913 | Piston KTA-50-G7 | other_service |
| 3631241 | Piston Kit STC 13.9:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3631242 | Piston Kit 13.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3631243 | Piston Kit KTA 15.7:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3631244 | Piston Kit KTA Series 14.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3631245 | Piston Kit KT Series 15.5:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3631246 | Piston Kit STC 13.8:1 Ratio | other_service |
| 3803530 | Piston Assembly STC | other_service |
| 3804747 | Piston Kit KTA-50-G7 | other_service |
| 3804885 | Piston KTA-50-G8/G9 | other_service |
| 4089847 | Piston Kit GTA38/19 | other_service |
| 4090013 | Piston Kit KTA-38-M2 | other_service |
| 4090029 | Piston Kit QSK19CE | other_service |
| 4090181 | Piston GTA38/19 | other_service |
| 4097889 | Piston KTA-38-M2 | other_service |
| 4910463 | Piston QSK19R/M | other_service |
| 4910465 | Piston QSK Series | other_service |
| 4916177 | Piston GTA/GQSK19 | other_service |
| 4918058 | Piston QSK19CE | other_service |
| 4922319 | Piston QSK19C | other_service |
| 4955233 | Piston Kit QSK19R/M | other_service |
| 4955235 | Piston Kit QSK Series | other_service |
| 4955236 | Piston Kit QSK19C | other_service |
| 4955238 | Piston Kit GTA/GQSK19 | other_service |
| 508-0018 | Washer, Insulating (1/4" ID) | other_service |
| 518-0548-24 | Clamp, Retainer Begin December 1996 Production (Mounted On Top And Side Of Control Box Wrapper On The Side Towards The Control Box Cover) | other_service |
| 518-0548-42 | Clamp, Retainer 4 Prior To December 1996 Production (Mounted On Top And Side Of Control Box Wrapper) | other_service |
| 960-0104 | other_service | |
| 960-0142 | other_service | |
| 960-0263 | other_service | |
| 960-0606 | other_service | |
| 960-0609 | other_service | |
| M-3804747 | Piston Kit | other_service |
| V2403-M-E3BG | Engine Model | other_service |
| 05050151 | Reducer, 1/2” x 1/8” NPT | reducer |
| 706187 | M4 x 12 mm Steel Cheesehead Screw | screw |
| 01930388 | Sender, Oil Temperature | sensor |
| 150-0717 | Switch Assembly, Overspeed | sensor |
| 151-0411 | Pickup, Magnetic | sensor |
| 960-0504 | PCC Control Service Manual | service_manual |
| 960-0507 | Detector Control Service Manual | service_manual |
| 010167 | Heater Support | support |
| 03090269 | Switch, Low Engine Temperature (LET) | switch |
| 418520 | Battery Terminal, On Line | terminal |
| 010112 | Thermostat | thermostat |
| 309-0243 | Valve, Control - Temperature Regulating | thermostat |
| 035105 | Battery Tray | tray |
| 716007 | M4 Plain Washer, Thick, Steel, Form A | washer |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
The Cummins/Onan KTA38-D(M1) has a displacement of 37.5 liters with 12 cylinders.
The Cummins/Onan KTA38-D(M1) powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan KTA38.