The Cummins/Onan KTA38-G9 is a 38 L 12-cylinder turbo charged and after-cooled engine rated at 1500 rpm, producing up to 1089 kW. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the C1250 D5A and KTA38. It holds 114 L (30.1 gal) of oil.
Also known as: Cummins KTA38-G9
Part of the Cummins/Onan KTA38 engine family — 13 variants share parts & fitment.
| Oil capacity | 114.0 L |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 38.0 L |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Aspiration | turbo Charged and after-cooled |
| Rated speed | 1500 rpm |
| Gross power | 1089 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 |
| All belts | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Cooling fan | Check | 250 hr | 6 mo | Check for cracks, loose rivets, bent or loose blades |
| Engine oil | Change | 250 hr | 6 mo | Whichever occurs first |
| Fan idler pivot arm | Lubricate | 250 hr | 6 mo | Water pump type grease until grease appears |
| Front engine support | Lubricate | 250 hr | 6 mo | Chevron SRI grease or equivalent |
| Fuel filter | Replace | 250 hr | 6 mo | |
| Hoses | Inspect | 250 hr | 6 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 | |
| Cold start aids | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Seasonal |
| Crankshaft end clearance | Inspect | 1500 hr | 12 mo | |
| 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 | |
| Fan idler pulley tensioner | Adjust | 1500 hr | 12 mo | |
| Heat exchanger zinc plugs (marine only) | Check | 1500 hr | 12 mo | Change if 50 percent eroded |
| Valves and injectors | Adjust | 1500 hr | 12 mo | First service — Initial adjustment at 1500 hours; thereafter not again before 6000 hour injector calibration |
| Air compressor | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Discharge and intake checks |
| Coolant | Change | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean and flush cooling system |
| Crankcase breather element | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean/replace |
| Engine protection system | Adjust | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Calibrate |
| 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 |
| Injectors | Clean | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Clean and calibrate |
| Thermostats and seals | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | |
| Turbocharger | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | |
| Vibration damper | Inspect | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Replace after 24,000 hours; K2000 dampers replaced every 12,000 hours |
| Water pump | Replace | 6000 hr | 24 mo | Rebuild or replace |
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 | Fan hub bearing end clearance | 0.03 MIN / 0.15 MAX | 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 | Alternator belt tension | 356 | N | 80 lbf, Burroughs tension gauge GT-1293 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 thickness variation (four readings 90 degrees apart) | must not vary more than 0.25 | mm | 0.010 in |
| Pressure | Coolant pressure cap minimum | 50 | kPa | 7 psi |
| 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 return line restriction | 63 | mm Hg | 2.5 in Hg |
| Pressure | Maximum allowable return line restriction with check valves and/or overhead tanks | 165 | mm Hg | 6.5 in Hg |
| 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 | 100 psi |
| Pressure | Throttle air cylinder test pressure | 560 | kPa | 80 psi |
| Speed | Engine speed must not exceed | 2400 | RPM | under any circumstances |
| Temperature | LTA modulating thermostat range | 74 - 82 | C | 165 - 180 F |
| Temperature | Oil temperature maximum | 120 | C | 250 F |
| Temperature | Standard modulating thermostat range | 80 - 90 | C | 175 - 195 F |
| Torque | Air compressor unloader valve body capscrew | 15 | Nm | 120 in-lb |
| Torque | Air compressor unloader valve cap | 40 | Nm | 30 ft-lb |
| Torque | Alternator adjusting link and mounting capscrews | 55 | Nm | 40 ft-lb |
| Torque | Crosshead adjusting screw lock nut (with ST-669 adapter) | 35 | Nm | 25 ft-lb |
| Torque | Crosshead adjusting screw lock nut (without adapter) | 40 | Nm | 30 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fan belt idler assembly capscrews | 60 | Nm | 45 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fan hub assembly to fan support (12 pt capscrew) | 285 | Nm | 210 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fan idler arm shock absorber capscrews | 60 | Nm | 45 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fan idler control rod adjusting screw jam nuts | 55 | Nm | 40 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fan idler control rod capscrews | 90 | Nm | 65 ft-lb |
| Torque | Fuel pump drive coupling capscrews | 45 | Nm | 35 ft-lb |
| Torque | Injector adjusting screw (alignment/setting) | 11 then 10 | Nm | 100 in-lb then 90 in-lb |
| Torque | Injector adjusting screw lock nut (with ST-669 adapter) | 45 | Nm | 35 ft-lb |
| Torque | Injector adjusting screw lock nut (without adapter) | 60 | Nm | 45 ft-lb |
| Torque | Injector hold down clamp capscrew | 16 | Nm | 145 in-lb |
| Torque | Injector jumper tube connector screw | 25 | Nm | 20 ft-lb |
| Torque | Oil drain plug | 100 | Nm | 75 ft-lb |
| Torque | Rocker lever cover | 40 | Nm | 30 ft-lb |
| Torque | Rocker lever shaft (12 pt capscrew) | 90 | Nm | 65 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.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | ||
| Engine oil | SAE 15W-40 | API CE or CF4 (CD or CD/SF where CE/CF4 not available) | Multigrade preferred; sulfated ash limit must not exceed 1.85 mass percent. Arctic operation (below -23 C) use synthetic CE/SF 5W-30. | ||
| Fuel | ASTM No. 2 diesel | Below 0 C use blends of No. 2D and No. 1D. Viscosity must be kept above 1.3 cSt. Do NOT mix gasoline or alcohol with diesel fuel. | |||
| 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.
⚠ Prevent damage to the indicator by allowing the lever to return slowly.
Tools: 3822575 injector and valve adjustment kit, 3822574 rocker lever actuator, ST-669 Torque Wrench 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
⚠ 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 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.
Tools: dial indicator
Tools: 3375049 filter wrench
⚠ Avoid direct contact of hot oil with your skin.
⚠ Fill the oil filters with clean lubricating oil before installation.
Tools: 3375049 oil filter wrench
⚠ Put a warning tag on the engine: The engine does NOT contain oil. Do NOT operate the engine.
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-G9 engine has an oil capacity of 114.0 liters.
The Cummins/Onan KTA38-G9 has a displacement of 38.0 liters with 12 cylinders.
The Cummins/Onan KTA38-G9 powers 2 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan C1250 D5A, Cummins/Onan KTA38.