HomeEnginesCummins/Onan KTA38G4

Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 Engine

The Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 is a 37.8 L 12-cylinder turbo aftercooled engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 1020 DFJD, 928, CP1100-6 and CS1250-6. It holds 140 L (37.0 gal) of oil and 336.5 L (88.9 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins KTA38G4

37.8 L
Displacement
12
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
140.0 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity140.0 L
Coolant capacity336.5 L
Displacement37.8 L
Cylinders12
AspirationTurbo Aftercooled
Rated speed1800 rpm

Service intervals

31
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air cleaner element - restrictionCheck250 hr6 moReplace air cleaner element as required
All beltsCheck250 hr6 mo
Cooling fanCheck250 hr6 moCheck for cracks, loose rivets, bent or loose blades
Engine oilChange250 hr6 moWhichever occurs first
Fan idler pivot armLubricate250 hr6 moWater pump type grease until grease appears
Front engine supportLubricate250 hr6 moChevron SRI grease or equivalent
Fuel filterReplace250 hr6 mo
HosesInspect250 hr6 moCheck/replace as required
Oil filtersChange250 hr6 moChange filters with oil
Pulley tensionerCheck250 hr6 mo
BatteriesCheck1500 hr12 mo
Cold start aidsCheck1500 hr12 moSeasonal
Crankshaft end clearanceInspect1500 hr12 mo
Engine (steam clean)Clean1500 hr12 moBefore conducting any 1500 hour maintenance
Engine mounting bolts and nutsCheck1500 hr12 moTighten loose; inspect rubber
Engine protection systemCheck1500 hr12 mo
Fan idler pulley tensionerAdjust1500 hr12 mo
Heat exchanger zinc plugs (marine only)Check1500 hr12 moChange if 50 percent eroded
Valves and injectorsAdjust1500 hr12 moFirst service — Initial adjustment at 1500 hours; thereafter not again before 6000 hour injector calibration
Air compressorInspect6000 hr24 moDischarge and intake checks
CoolantChange6000 hr24 moClean and flush cooling system
Crankcase breather elementReplace6000 hr24 moClean/replace
Engine protection systemAdjust6000 hr24 moCalibrate
Fan hubInspect6000 hr24 moEnd clearance and grease leakage
Fan idler pulley assemblyReplace6000 hr24 moRebuild or replace as necessary
Fuel pumpClean6000 hr24 moClean and calibrate
InjectorsClean6000 hr24 moClean and calibrate
Thermostats and sealsReplace6000 hr24 mo
TurbochargerInspect6000 hr24 mo
Vibration damperInspect6000 hr24 moReplace after 24,000 hours; K2000 dampers replaced every 12,000 hours
Water pumpReplace6000 hr24 moRebuild 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.

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCrankshaft end clearance0.13 MIN / 0.51 MAXmm
ClearanceFan hub bearing end clearance0.03 MIN / 0.15 MAXmm
ClearanceFloat switch assembly float lift clearance below C-clip stop1/8inch (3 mm)use a feeler gauge
ClearanceGenerator-to-engine angular alignment (T.I.R.).001 in. per inch of radius (center of shaft to indicator axis), maximumin750 kW gensets and larger
ClearanceThermostat seal installation depthno more than 0.51mmbelow top of cast edge
ClearanceTurbocharger BB (RR-151) and (RR-153) end clearance0.09 MIN / 0.13 MAXmm
ClearanceTurbocharger BB bearing radial clearance - RR-1510.75 MAXmm0.030 in
ClearanceTurbocharger BB bearing radial clearance - RR-1530.55 MAXmm0.021 in
ClearanceTurbocharger axial end play - HC5A0.05 MIN / 0.13 MAXmm
ClearanceTurbocharger axial end play - HT71000.06 MIN / 0.16 MAXmm
ClearanceTurbocharger axial end play - T18A0.10 MIN / 0.23 MAXmm
ClearanceTurbocharger radial clearance compressor impeller - HC5A0.15 MIN / 0.45 MAXmm
ClearanceTurbocharger radial clearance turbine wheel - HC5A0.20 MIN / 0.55 MAXmm
GapHeat exchanger zinc plug erosion limit Aapproximately 19mm0.75 in; new 51 mm [2 in]
GapHeat exchanger zinc plug erosion limit Bapproximately 6.4mm0.25 in; new 16 mm [0.625 in]
OtherAVR Droop setting5% at full load, 0 PF
OtherAVR voltage regulation (load regulation)approximately ±0.5% RMS
OtherAir compressor discharge carbon deposit thickness limit2mm1/16 in
OtherAlternator belt tension356N80 lbf, Burroughs tension gauge GT-1293
OtherBattery specific gravity (high ambient, above 95F/35C)1.225recommended to reduce electrolyte loss
OtherBattery specific gravity (recharge threshold)below 1.260
OtherGOV GAIN default value for paralleling applications70%
OtherMaximum vibration damper thickness - Houdaille66.38mm2.574 in
OtherMaximum vibration damper thickness - Made in England Before F-8265.91mm2.595 in
OtherMaximum vibration damper thickness - Made in England F-82 and After65.66mm2.585 in
OtherOver/Under Frequency Sensor Module - Over Hz Set, 50 Hz nominal55Hzreset 53 Hz
OtherOver/Under Frequency Sensor Module - Over Hz Set, 60 Hz nominal65Hzreset 63 Hz
OtherOver/Under Frequency Sensor Module - Under Hz Set, 50 Hz nominal45Hzreset 47 Hz
OtherOver/Under Frequency Sensor Module - Under Hz Set, 60 Hz nominal55Hzreset 57 Hz
OtherOver/Under Voltage Sensor Module time delaytypically 25 percent, approximately 2.5seconds
OtherOvercrank cranking limit75secondsthree 15-second cranking cycles with two 15-second rest periods
OtherPTD injector travel verification specification7.80 MIN / 7.82 MAXmm
OtherPTD non-top stop injector travel adjustment7.82mm
OtherPTD non-top stop injector travel limits7.77 to 7.87mm
OtherREG VHZ (underfrequency roll-off) adjustable range1 through 50; normal range 7 through 21
OtherStart delay adjustment range0 to 300seconds
OtherStop delay adjustment range0 to 600seconds
OtherTwo pulley fan drive belt tension (set)2668.9 to 2891.3N600 to 650 lbf
OtherTwo pulley fan drive belt tension (verify)2891.3 to 3336.2N650 to 750 lbf
OtherUnder Frequency Roll Off (UFRO) knee point, 50 Hz units48 to 49Hz
OtherUnder Frequency Roll Off (UFRO) knee point, 60 Hz units58 to 59Hz
OtherVibration damper thickness variation (four readings 90 degrees apart)must not vary more than 0.25mm0.010 in
PressureCoolant pressure cap minimum50kPa7 psi
PressureEngine oil pressure - K19 normal50-70psi (345-482 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure - K38 normal45-65psi (310-448 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure - K50 normal50-70psi (345-482 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure - L10/M11 normal30-50psi (207-345 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure - NTA 855 normal35-50psi (241-345 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure - V28 normal50-90psi (345-620 kPa)run mode
PressureEngine oil pressure shutdown limit - L10/M1120psi (138 kPa)run mode value
PressureEngine oil pressure shutdown limit - L10/M118psi (55 kPa)idle mode value
PressureEngine oil pressure warning limit - L10/M1112psi (83 kPa)idle mode value
PressureEngine oil pressure warning limit - L10/M1125psi (172 kPa)run mode value
PressureExhaust back pressure maximum75mm Hg3 in Hg, at rated speed and load
PressureK19 engine idle oil pressure20psi (138 kPa)idle
PressureK19 engine normal oil pressure50-70psi (345-482 kPa)normal run
PressureK19 oil pressure shutdown/warning limitsshutdown 35 psi (241 kPa) run; warning 40 psi (276 kPa) run; shutdown 10 psi (69 kPa) idle; warning 15 psi (103 kPa) idlepsi (kPa)
PressureK38 engine idle oil pressure20psi (138 kPa)idle
PressureK38 engine normal oil pressure45-65psi (310-448 kPa)normal run
PressureK38 oil pressure shutdown/warning limitsshutdown 35 psi (241 kPa) run; warning 40 psi (276 kPa) run; shutdown 10 psi (69 kPa) idle; warning 15 psi (103 kPa) idlepsi (kPa)

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
Coolant50/50 low-silicate antifreeze and quality waterASTM 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.
Coolantsoft water / E.G. / DCA mixtureCooling system to be filled with soft water/E.G./DCA mixture (on-site review checklist).
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API 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.
FuelASTM No. 2 dieselBelow 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.
FuelDieselDay tank fuel transfer pump maintains reservoir of diesel fuel in the day tank.
GreaseWater 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
GreaseLithium based grease, Mobilux No. 2 or Shell Alvania R3-30°C to 120°C2.74 oz (81 ml)End bearing lubricant; grease equally divided between bearing, bearing cap cavity and bearing cartridge cavity.

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

Fault codes

52
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
101IDLE MODEIndicates that the engine is operating in idle mode. Grounding the engine idle input causes generator build-up to be inhibited and the engine to be governed at 800 RPM.WarningRemove ground from engine idle input to return to normal speed and voltage.
102EMERGENCY STOPIndicates local or remote Emergency Stop.ShutdownTurn the switch clockwise and allow it to pop out (local only). Move the Run/Off/Auto switch to Off. Press the Reset switch. Select Run or Auto, as required.
200LOW OIL PRESSUREIndicates engine oil pressure has dropped to an unacceptable level.WarningIf generator is powering critical loads and cannot be shut down, wait until next shutdown period and then follow 201-SHUTDOWN procedure. Access the Oil Pressure menu prior to clearing the fault.
201LOW OIL PRESSUREIndicates engine oil pressure has dropped below the shutdown trip point.ShutdownCheck oil level, lines and filters; replenish if low; reset control and restart.
204OIL PRES SENDERIndicates that the control has sensed that the engine oil pressure sender is out of its working range.WarningCheck that the engine oil pressure sender is properly connected.
210LOW COOLANT TEMPWarning occurs when engine coolant temperature is 70°F (21°C) or lower.WarningIndicates engine coolant heater is not operating or is not circulating coolant. Check coolant heater power supply, low coolant level, and heater element current draw.
211HIGH COOLANT TEMPIndicates the engine coolant temperature is getting close to the recommended maximum temperature limit: 215° F (102° C) − standby or 207° F (97° C) − primary.WarningReduce load if possible; check air inlets and outlets and remove obstructions to airflow.
212HIGH COOLANT TEMPIndicates engine has overheated (coolant temperature above 215° F (102° C) − standby or 207° F (97° C) − primary).ShutdownAllow engine to cool; check airflow, fan belt, coolant mixture, blower fan and circulation pumps.
213COOLANT SENDERResistance of the coolant temperature sender is out of range.WarningCheck the resistance of the sender; should be 500 to 2k ohms.
214LOW COOLANT LVLIndicates engine coolant level has fallen below the trip point.WarningCheck coolant level in radiator and coolant recovery bottle; replenish if low; look for leaks.
215LOW COOLANT LVLIndicates engine coolant level has fallen below the trip point.ShutdownAllow engine to cool; check coolant level and leakage points; reset control and restart.
220MAG PICKUPMag pickup speed indication is not being sensed or does not match generator set output frequency.ShutdownRestart and check RPM; check PCC model setting; inspect and test MPU.
221FAIL TO CRANKPossible fault with control or starting system.ShutdownCheck fuse F3 on the Engine Interface board. Check for poor battery cable connections; clean battery cable terminals and tighten. Recharge or replace a discharged or defective battery.
222OVERCRANKPossible fuel system problem.ShutdownCheck for empty fuel tank, leaks, plugged fuel lines; replace dirty fuel or air filter; reset and restart.
223OVERSPEEDIndicates engine has exceeded normal operating speed. (115% ±1% of nominal).ShutdownCheck mechanical fuel linkage and actuator; check governor output module (A38) and digital board (A32).
224FAIL TO SYNCHRONIZEGenerator set has not synchronized to the system bus within the allowable time frame.WarningCheck governor system stability; adjust governing and synchronizer parameters; check fuel system.
226FAIL TO CLOSEParalleling breaker has been given a signal to close, but has not closed properly.ShutdownVerify breaker charging mechanism; check close signal; verify auxiliary contact signals.
230LOW DC VOLTAGEIndicates battery voltage is below 10 VDC.WarningRecharge or replace the battery; check the battery charger fuse. Clean and tighten battery cable connections. Check engine DC alternator; replace if normal charging voltage is not obtained. Check float level if applicable.
231HIGH DC VOLTAGEIndicates battery voltage exceeds 32 VDC.WarningLower battery charger float level if applicable; check engine DC alternator.
232WEAK BATTERYIndicates battery voltage drops below 60% of nominal for two seconds, during starting.WarningSee LOW DC VOLTAGE 230.
240LOW FUEL−DAYIndicates day tank fuel supply is running low.WarningCheck fuel supply and replenish as required.
241LOW FUELLow fuel signal received.WarningCheck fuel supply and replenish; check for short to ground in external wiring.
250EEPROM ERRORPCC memory error; data corruption of critical operating parameters.ShutdownPerform initial start setup procedure; replace digital board (A32) if fault repeats.
251EEPROM ERRORPCC memory error; data corruption of noncritical operating parameters.WarningPerform adjustment and calibration procedures; replace digital board (A32) if fault repeats.
252EEPROM ERRORPCC memory error; data corruption of noncritical operating parameters.WarningVerify selected values; repeat save operation; replace digital board (A32) if fault repeats.
260CUSTOMER FAULT 1When a customer defined input is closed to ground, the corresponding fault message is displayed. Default message; editable for customer site requirements.WarningIsolate source of false signal; repair external wiring or replace A34.
261GROUND FAULTWhen a customer defined input is closed to ground, the corresponding fault message is displayed. Default message; editable for customer site requirements.WarningIsolate source of false signal; repair external wiring or replace A34.
262RUPTURE BASINWhen a customer defined input is closed to ground, the corresponding fault message is displayed. Default message; editable for customer site requirements.WarningIsolate source of false signal; repair external wiring or replace A34.
263HIGH GEN TEMPWhen a customer defined input is closed to ground, the corresponding fault message is displayed. Default message; editable for customer site requirements.WarningIsolate source of false signal; repair external wiring or replace A34.
270PHASE ROTATIONThe phase relationship between the generator set and the system bus is not matched.ShutdownVerify genset phase rotation matches bus; verify control wiring to bus PT module.
272FIRST STARTPowerCommand control is not receiving a proper signal from the system master first start sensor.WarningVerify Master First Start Sensor and interconnection wiring.
301HIGH AC VOLTAGEOne or more phase voltages exceeded 130% of nominal, or exceeded 110% of nominal for 10 seconds.ShutdownCheck PCC, alternator, excitation circuit, and PT/CT module wiring.
303LOW AC VOLTAGEOne or more phase voltages dropped below 85% of nominal for 10 seconds.ShutdownCheck PMG/field wiring, rotating rectifier, load and connectors.
313UNDER FREQUENCYIndicates that engine speed has dropped below 90% of nominal for 10 seconds. Five seconds before shutdown, a Load Dump signal is initiated.ShutdownCheck fuel supply, intake air supply and load.
320OVERCURRENTIndicates that generator output current has exceeded 110% of rated for 60 seconds.WarningCheck load and load lead connections.
321OVERCURRENTIndicates that generator output current has exceeded 110% of rated, and that a PCC time/current calculation has initiated an overcurrent shutdown.ShutdownCheck load and load lead connections.
322SHORT CIRCUITIndicates that generator output current has exceeded 175% of rated.ShutdownCheck load and load lead connections.
330OVERLOADThree-phase power output exceeds 105% of standby (or 115% of prime) rating.WarningCheck load and load lead connections.
335REVERSE POWERPower is flowing into the generator set rather than out from the unit.ShutdownVerify CT connections, load sharing lines, and generator set frequency/voltage.
337LOSS OF EXCITATIONAlternator excitation system is improperly adjusted or has failed.ShutdownCheck output voltage calibration, load sharing lines, and leading power factor loads.
FAULT 1Fault 1Undedicated customer-defined fault; may be programmed as timed or non-timed shutdown or fault light only.
FAULT 2Fault 2Undedicated customer-defined fault, same features as Fault 1.
HI ENG TEMPHigh Engine TemperatureEngine shut down due to critically high coolant temperature (above 215F/102C).Shutdown
LO FUELLow FuelFuel supply is marginally low, if equipped (Detector-12).Warning
LO OIL PRESLow Oil PressureEngine shut down due to critically low oil pressure (below 14 psi/97 kPa).Shutdown
LOW ENG TEMPLow Engine TemperatureEngine water jacket temperature is 70F/21C or lower; indicates possible inoperative coolant heater (Detector-12).Warning
OVERCRANKOvercrankStarter locked out because of excessive cranking time (limited to 75 seconds).Shutdown
OVERSPEEDOverspeedEngine shut down because of excessive speed.Shutdown
PRE HI ENG TEMPPre-High Engine TemperatureCoolant temperature is marginally high (205F/97C or higher).WarningAttend to when generator set is shut down.
PRE LO OIL PRESPre-Low Oil PressureEngine oil pressure is marginally low (20 psi/138 kPa or less).WarningAttend to when generator set is shut down.
RUNRunGreen lamp comes on when both primary and secondary starter circuits open after unit starts.Info
SWITCH OFFSwitch OffGenerator set is not in automatic start operation mode (flashing red).Info

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
Aligning Generator with Engine (Angular Alignment) adjustment

⚠ Accidental starting of the generator set during this procedure presents the hazard of severe personal injury or death.

Tools: Dial indicator, Shims

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable(s) before beginning.
  2. Fasten a dial indicator to the generator shaft or cooling fan with the sensing point on the capscrew head or flat surface of the drive disc at the bolt circle diameter.
  3. Bar the engine over in a clockwise rotation as viewed from engine flywheel; do not allow it to roll back on compression.
  4. Determine the total indicator reading (T.I.R.) as the sum of the maximum positive and negative dial indicator readings over one revolution.
  5. Measure the distance from the center of the generator shaft to the indicator measuring point.
  6. Measure the distance from the generator side of the flex discs to the center of the generator mounting bolt.
  7. Compare the distances; multiply this ratio times one half the T.I.R. to approximate the amount of shims to remove or add.
Alternator Belt Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Over-tensioning of alternator belts can result in premature accessory drive bushing wear and seal leakage.

Tools: GT-1293 Burroughs Tension Gauge

  1. Loosen the alternator and adjusting link mounting capscrews.
  2. Loosen the jam nuts on the adjusting screw.
  3. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to tighten the belt tension.
  4. Check the belt tension with a gauge.
  5. Tighten the jam nuts on the adjusting screw to 55 Nm [40 ft-lb].
  6. Tighten the adjusting link and alternator mounting capscrews to 55 Nm [40 ft-lb].
  7. Check the belt tension again.
Angular Alignment Procedure (Generator to Engine) adjustment

⚠ Accidental starting during this procedure presents the hazard of severe personal injury or death.

⚠ Do not bar engine over by prying on fan blade.

Tools: dial indicator

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable(s) before beginning.
  2. Fasten a dial indicator to the generator shaft or cooling fan with sensing point resting on the drive disc capscrew head/flat surface at the bolt circle diameter.
  3. Bar the engine over in a clockwise rotation as viewed from the engine flywheel; do not allow it to roll back on compression at the end of travel of each reading.
  4. Record the total indicator reading (T.I.R.) as the sum of the maximum positive and negative dial indicator readings over one engine revolution.
  5. Compare the measured T.I.R. to the maximum allowed (.001 in. per inch of radius from center of shaft to indicator axis); add or remove shims under the generator mounting feet to correct.
Axial Alignment Procedure (Generator to Engine) adjustment

Tools: dial indicator

  1. Fasten a dial indicator holding device to the skid base, engine block, or generator shell with the sensor point resting on the generator shaft hub.
  2. Bar the engine over in a clockwise rotation through a couple of rotations, recording indicator readings at eight equally spaced points around the shaft diameter to obtain axial T.I.R.
  3. Reduce the measured T.I.R. runout by one half if excessive vibration remains after angular alignment.
Crossheads - Adjustment adjustment

Tools: ST-669 Torque Wrench Adapter

  1. Adjust the crossheads on the cylinder that has both valves closed.
  2. Loosen the crosshead adjusting screw locknuts on the intake and exhaust valve crossheads.
  3. Turn the adjusting screw out at least one turn.
  4. Hold the crosshead down against its guide.
  5. Turn the adjusting screw in until it touches the top of the valve stem but does not raise the crosshead.
  6. Hold the adjusting screw and tighten the lock nut to the torque value.
Dipstick Calibration adjustment

⚠ The dipstick will break if the scribe mark is too deep.

Tools: scribe

  1. Drain the oil from the pan.
  2. Install the dipstick in the dipstick tube.
  3. Use clean 15W-40 oil to fill the oil pan to the specified low level.
  4. Remove the dipstick and scribe a mark across the dipstick at the oil level. Mark the low level with an L.
  5. Install the dipstick and add additional oil to the specified full level.
  6. Remove the dipstick and scribe a mark across the dipstick at the oil level. Mark the high oil level with an H.
PT (type D) Injector - Adjustment adjustment

⚠ 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

  1. Assemble the parts of an injector and valve adjustment kit, Part No. 3822575, or equivalent, and install it on the cylinder.
  2. Adjust the indicator so the tip touches the top of the injector plunger.
  3. Lower the indicator 12.25 mm [0.5 inch] to allow for travel. Lock the indicator support to the post.
  4. Use a rocker lever actuator, Part No. 3822574, or equivalent. Depress the lever until the injector bottoms two or three times.
  5. Hold the lever with the injector plunger firmly bottomed and set the indicator to ZERO.
  6. Turn the adjusting screw until the indicator reads the specified travel.
  7. Tighten the locknut to the torque value.
  8. Check the injector adjustment and repeat if not within specification.
Valves - Adjustment adjustment

⚠ 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

  1. Select a feeler gauge for the correct valve lash specification and insert the gauge between the rocker lever and the crosshead.
  2. Torque wrench method: use Part No. 3376592 inch pound torque wrench and tighten the adjusting screw to 0.68 Nm [6 in-lb].
  3. Feel method: use a screwdriver and turn the adjusting screw only until the lever touches the feeler gauge.
  4. The adjusting screw must not turn when the locknut is tightened.
  5. Tighten the locknut to the value indicated.
  6. The feeler gauge must slide backward and forward with only a slight drag.
  7. Attempt to insert a feeler gauge 0.03 mm [0.001 in] thicker; the lash is not correct when the thicker gauge will fit.
  8. Repeat until clearance is correct on both intake and exhaust valves.
Generator/PCC Control Isolation Procedure diagnostic

⚠ HIGH VOLTAGE. Touching uninsulated high voltage parts inside the control box can result in severe personal injury or death.

Tools: Voltmeter, Jumpers, 12 volt battery

  1. Throw the line circuit breaker OFF and shut down the set.
  2. Remove accessory box cover; remove plug P10 from A37 J10.
  3. Prepare to measure output voltage across generator terminals.
  4. Connect 12V battery jumpers to X (P10-6 red) and XX (P10-3 brown).
  5. Check polarity; incorrect polarity makes the test inconclusive.
  6. Start set and connect battery negative to the XX lead.
  7. Rated or higher balanced voltage means generator circuitry is OK.
  8. Unbalanced voltage: troubleshoot main stator; low voltage: exciter/field.
Insulation Resistance (Megger) & Polarization Index (PI) Testing diagnostic

⚠ The windings of medium-voltage (601 through 15,000 volts) generator sets must be dry before the generator is operated.

Tools: Megger or insulation resistance meter, Grounding cluster, High voltage gloves

  1. Perform the Generator Set Grounding Procedure.
  2. Disconnect plug J10 from A37 and AC control leads 4,5,6,7,8.
  3. If RTD option installed, ground all six RTD temperature leads (18 leads).
  4. Perform Insulation Resistance Test and PI Test for desired windings.
  5. Megger test: apply voltage for up to one minute.
  6. PI test: apply voltage for ten minutes; record 1-minute and 10-minute readings.
  7. PI ratio of 2 or greater is good for new and in-service sets.
  8. Investigate and correct low readings before returning set to service.
Megger and PI Test diagnostic

⚠ Medium-voltage (601 to 15,000 volts) windings must be dry before the generator is operated.

Tools: Megger or Insulation Resistance Meter, Wheatstone bridge or digital ohmmeter, Grounding Cluster

  1. Perform the Generator Set Grounding Procedure.
  2. Disconnect plug J10 from the voltage regulator output module and the AC control leads (marked 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
  3. If RTD option installed, ground all six RTD temperature leads (18 leads total).
  4. Perform the Winding Resistance Test for the desired windings.
  5. Perform the Insulation Resistance (Megger) Test and PI Test for the desired windings.
  6. Megger test: apply voltage for up to one minute.
  7. PI test: apply voltage for ten minutes; record resistance at one minute and ten minutes.
  8. PI is the ten-minute reading divided by the one-minute reading; ratio of two or greater is good.
Testing Diodes diagnostic

⚠ Layers of dust can cause diodes to overheat and fail. Brush dust off regularly.

Tools: Ohmmeter

  1. Disconnect the diode pigtails from the terminal posts.
  2. Using an ohmmeter, measure resistance between pigtail and mounting plate.
  3. Reverse meter test probes and repeat the tests.
  4. Resistance should be high in one direction and low in the other.
  5. If high or low in both directions, replace the diode.

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

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
12 lead generator setsLoad wires are routed through the CTsReconnectable gensets (12 leads) have dual secondary CTs (3 pins); CT wire 2/3 to pin 2 (high voltage) or pin 3 (low voltage).
6 lead generator setsGenerator output leads are routed through the CTsNon-reconnectable gensets (6 leads) have single secondary CTs (2 pins).
Cummins PowerCommand generic AC Reconnect Wiring Diagram 625-2755 (Rev. D) and 625-3100 (Rev. F)Applies to models DFAA, DFAB, DFAC, DFBF, DFCB, DFCC, DFEB, DFEC, DFFB, DFGA, DFGB, DFJA, DFJB, DFJC, DFJD, DFLB, DFLC, DFLD, DFMB (625-2755) and models DFAA-DFMB plus DFCE, DFED, DQAA, DQAB, DQBA, DQBB (625-3100).
A (U)CT21U load leads (A phase)CT dot must face the generator; CT terminal 1 connects to metering circuit, terminal 2/3 to ground.
B (V)CT22V load leads (B phase)CT dot must face the generator; terminal 1 to metering circuit, terminal 2/3 to ground.
C (W)CT23W load leads (C phase)CT dot must face the generator; terminal 1 to metering circuit, terminal 2/3 to ground.
110/190, 115/2003Code 31Reconnectible stator
120/2083Code 4460 Hz
120/208, 127/2203Code 519Reconnectible stator
120/2403Code 5D460 Hz
127/2203Code 8460 Hz
139/2403Code $ (99 on nameplate)4No Standard Voltage Code, number 99 is marked on the nameplate for reference information
200/3463Code 523Reconnectible stator
220/3803Code 7460 Hz
220/380, 230/4003Code 520Reconnectible stator
240/4163Code 7X460 Hz
240/416, 254/4403Code 521Reconnectible stator
240/416, 254/4403Code 522Reconnectible stator
240/4803Code 6D460 Hz
277/4803Code 4X460 Hz
347/6003Code 9X460 Hz

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan KTA38G4?

The Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 engine has an oil capacity of 140.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan KTA38G4?

The Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 has a displacement of 37.8 liters with 12 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 engine?

The Cummins/Onan KTA38G4 powers 6 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 1020 DFJD, Cummins/Onan 928, Cummins/Onan CP1100-6, Cummins/Onan CS1250-6, Cummins/Onan DFJD.