HomeEnginesCummins/Onan L634T

Cummins/Onan L634T Engine

The Cummins/Onan L634T is a turbocharged engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the DL6T. It holds 10.8 L (2.9 gal) of oil and 20.6 L (5.4 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Onan L634T

1800 rpm
Rated speed
10.8 L
Oil capacity

Engine specifications

Oil capacity10.8 L
Coolant capacity20.6 L
Aspirationturbocharged
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

2
  • PRE HI ENG TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.
    Fix: Indicates engine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 215°F (102°C). If engine can be stopped, follow procedures in step 3. Use the following procedures if generator is powering critical loads and cannot be shutdown. a. Check air inlets and outlets and remove any obstructions to airflow. b. Open doors or windows in generator area to increase ventilation. c. Reduce load if possible by turning off non-essential equipment.
  • Green RUN lamp lights following engine start-up.
    Fix: Indicates all engine systems are normal. No corrective action required.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan L634T.

Service intervals

16
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Coolant LevelCheck50 hr
Crankcase Oil and FilterChange200 hrFirst service — Perform after first 50 hours on new sets
Fan BeltCheck50 hr
Generator SetInspect50 hrWith engine running, visually/audibly check exhaust for leaks
Oil LevelCheck50 hr
Valve Lash ClearanceCheck400 hrFirst service — Perform after first 50 hours on new sets; refer to L-Series Engine Service Manual
Air CleanerCheck100 hrPerform more often under extremely dusty/dirty conditions
Exhaust Condensate TrapDrain100 hr
Fuel LevelCheck100 hr
Battery ConditionCheck200 hr
Electrolyte LevelCheck200 hr
Generator AssemblyClean200 hr
Air Cleaner ElementChange400 hr
Crankcase Breather Cap (DL6TB)Clean400 hr
Fuel FilterChange400 hr12 moWhichever comes first
Generator BearingInspect500 hrReplace every five 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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapOverspeed switch magnetic air gap0.005inch (0.13 mm)must not be less than
OtherBattery electrolyte specific gravity (fully charged)about 1.260specific gravityat 80 deg F (27 deg C)
OtherControl breaker rating7amperes
OtherField breaker rating5amperes
OtherLow oil pressure delay circuit7.5 to 12.5secondsafter start-disconnect relay energized
OtherMaximum allowable exhaust back pressure41inches (1041 mm) H2O
OtherOvercranking timer limit45 to 75seconds
OtherRemote breaker rating7amperes
OtherSwitching regulator (standard setting) nominal switching frequencyapproximately 125Hz
PressureAir cleaner cleaning air pressure35psi (241 kPa)
PressureAir cleaner rinse water pressure maximum40psi (276 kPa)
PressureLow oil pressure shutdown (LO OIL PRES)14psi (97 kPa)
PressureLow oil pressure switch closes14psi (97 kPa)
PressureOil pressure gauge normal range30 to 55psi (207 to 380 kPa)operating temperature
PressureOil pressure gauge range0 to 100psi (0 to 700 kPa)
PressurePre-low oil pressure switch closes20psi (138 kPa)
PressurePre-low oil pressure warning20psi (138 kPa)
ResistanceCommutating reactor L21 coils 1-20.031 to 0.37ohmsat 77 deg F (25 deg C)
ResistanceCommutating reactor L21 coils 3-40.037 to 0.46ohmsat 77 deg F (25 deg C)
ResistanceCommutating reactor coil to frameinfinityohms
ResistanceExciter rotor winding between lead pairs T1-T2, T2-T3, T1-T30.6 to 0.7ohmsat 68 deg F (20 deg C)
ResistanceExciter stator / rotor / generator winding insulation to ground1 megohm (1,000,000 ohms) or greaterohmsminimum
ResistanceExciter stator winding between F1+ and F2-13.05 to 15.95ohmsat 77 deg F (25 deg C)
ResistanceVoltage reference transformer T21 primary winding (H leads)350-427 / 333-407 / 303-371 / 282-344 / 531-649ohms
SpeedEngine rated speed (per flow charts)1800rpm
SpeedFrequency-to-speed conversion1hertz = 30 r/min
SpeedOverspeed switch contact closure2200 to 2250rpm
TemperatureHigh engine temperature shutdown220F (104 C)
TemperatureHigh engine temperature switch closes222deg F (106 deg C)
TemperatureLow engine temperature switch closes below70deg F (21 deg C)
TemperatureLow engine temperature warning (LO ENG TEMP)70F (21 C)engine block temperature
TemperatureOil temperature gauge range150 to 300deg F (66 to 149 deg C)
TemperaturePre-high engine temperature switch closes216deg F (102 deg C)nominal
TemperaturePre-high engine temperature warning215F (102 C)
TemperatureWater temperature gauge normal range165 to 195F (74 to 91 C)depending on load and ambient
TemperatureWater temperature gauge range100 to 250deg F (40 to 121 deg C)
TorqueCapscrews holding drive disc to engine flywheel (8)39ft. lbs. (52 Nm)
TorqueDrive disc placement bolts (8)70 to 80ft. lbs. (95 to 108 Nm)
TorqueEnd bell stud nuts20ft. lbs. (27 Nm)
TorqueExciter rotor lock nut130 to 150ft. lbs. (176 to 203 Nm)
TorqueFan belt tension60lbs (267 N)
TorqueFuel injection line connecting nut torque18ft-lbs (24 N-m)
TorqueGenerator field leads F1+ and F2- terminals on exciter assembly23 to 26inch lbs. (2.6 to 2.9 Nm)
TorqueRotating rectifier nuts F1+, F2-, CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4, CR5, CR624lbs-in. (2.7 Nm)
TorqueStator attachment ring capscrews (12) on DL4 and DL639ft. lbs. (52 Nm)
VoltageBattery cable voltage drop (negative post to block; positive post to solenoid stud)less than 0.3volt
VoltageBattery charge rate DC ammeter range+/- 30amperes
VoltageBattery charging alternator output voltage13.8 to 14.8voltsengine running, stabilized
VoltageCharge battery if specific gravity below1.215
VoltageExciter field voltage across TB1-5 and 6 (or TB1-11)5VDCor more
VoltageMaximum charge rate for set-mounted battery charging alternator35amperes
VoltageResidual AC voltage across TB2-2 and H15 to 10VAC
VoltageSolenoid contact voltage drop across contacts1voltmaximum
VoltageSpecific gravity, fully charged battery1.26080F (27C)
VoltageStandard regulator calibration (set V1 to 208 VAC)90-110VDCV2 output
VoltageStandard regulator range test A (V1=203 VAC)> 180VDC
VoltageStandard regulator range test A (V1=211 VAC)< 60VDC
VoltageStandard regulator range test B (V1=205 VAC)> 140VDC
VoltageStandard regulator range test B (V1=213 VAC)< 10VDC
VoltageVoltage at K1 start solenoid terminal S (S10 in Start)at least 7VDC

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
CoolantEthylene glycol anti-freeze (permanent type) with rust/corrosion inhibitor, no stop-leak additiveUse at least 50/50 mixture of anti-freeze and clean, soft water
Engine oil15W-40, 30W, 20, 20W-20, 10W (API CD/SF, CD/SE, or MIL-L-2104C); synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 (MIL-L-46167, MIL-L-2104C, MIL-L-46152B)API CD/SF, CD/SE, MIL-L-2104CMineral base 5W-20/5W-30 not recommended under any conditions; select grade for lowest expected temperature
FuelASTM 2-D (No. 2 Diesel) or ASTM 1-D (No. 1 Diesel), Cetane 45 minimumASTM 2-D / ASTM 1-DUse No. 1 diesel below 0C (32F) and during long light-load periods; cloud point at least 10 degrees below lowest expected fuel temperature
GreaseMolykote grease or equivalentApply a thin film to the mating surfaces of the end bearing and the end bell bearing hole.
OtherApproved water for battery electrolyteAdd approved water to keep battery electrolyte at proper level.

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

8
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
HI ENG TEMPHigh Engine TemperatureEngine overheated above 220F (104C) or low coolantShutdownCheck coolant level, airflow, fan belt
LO ENG TEMPLow Engine TemperatureEngine block temperature below 70F (21C)InfoWait for block temperature to rise
LO OIL PRESLow Oil PressureOil pressure dropped to 14 psi (97 kPa)ShutdownCheck oil level, reset control
OVERCRANKOvercrankEngine failed to start after 45-75 seconds crankingShutdownCheck fuel system
OVERSPEEDOverspeedEngine exceeded normal operating speedShutdownContact Onan Dealer or Distributor
PRE HI ENG TEMPPre-High Engine TemperatureEngine temperature approximately 215F (102C)WarningCheck ventilation, reduce load
PRE LO OIL PRESPre-Low Oil PressureOil pressure dropped to 20 psi (138 kPa)WarningCheck oil level
SWITCH OFFSwitch OffStart/Stop/Remote switch in Stop positionInfoMove switch to Remote for automatic starting

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
Fan Belt Adjustment adjustment

Tools: belt adjustment tool

  1. Loosen alternator bolt through elongated slot in mounting bracket
  2. Slide alternator until fan belt tension of 60 lbs (267 N) is obtained
  3. Tighten alternator mounting bolt to lock in place
  4. Check tension and repeat if necessary
Reconnection (Test Q) adjustment
  1. Refer to the generator reconnection possibilities when changing voltage.
  2. Reconnect lead W12 (inside control box) to the proper H terminal (H2, H3, H4, H5, or H6) depending on voltage selected.
  3. Change jumper W12 from TB2-2 to the proper TB2 terminal.
Voltage Adjustment (Test P) adjustment

Tools: voltmeter

  1. Center the panel-mounted voltage adjustment knob vertically.
  2. Start the set and allow it to stabilize at the correct frequency and speed.
  3. Standard regulator: turn R18 counterclockwise to decrease voltage, clockwise to increase; set no-load voltage (e.g. 246 volts for 120/240 connection).
  4. Standard regulator: turn R26 counterclockwise until voltage hunts, then clockwise until stable.
  5. Switching regulator: turn R36 counterclockwise to increase voltage, clockwise to decrease; set no-load voltage.
  6. Switching regulator: turn R5 counterclockwise until voltage hunts, then clockwise until stable.
Alternator Checkout (C) diagnostic

Tools: DC ammeter, voltmeter

  1. With engine running, check the battery charge rate DC ammeter; it should show a slight charge tapering to zero.
  2. If constant discharge or constant high charge, stop set and check drive belt, terminal connections, and lead wires.
  3. Use a voltmeter between output terminal and ground; nominal output should be 13.8 to 14.8 volts.
  4. If output high (over 15 volts), check for loose or corroded voltage regulator leads; replace regulator if shorted.
  5. If output low, problem could be worn/broken brushes, open regulator, or open field diode.
Battery Cable Checkout (B) diagnostic

Tools: voltmeter

  1. With the starter motor operating, check voltage drop from battery negative post to cylinder block.
  2. Check voltage drop from battery positive post to battery terminal stud on the solenoid.
  3. Normally each should be less than 0.3 volt.
  4. Clean all connections in any part of the circuit showing excessive voltage drop.
Fuel Solenoid Checkout (F) diagnostic
  1. To check energized-to-run operation, listen for a click in injection pump when start switch is placed in run position.
  2. If no click and there is power to solenoid, the fuel solenoid must be replaced.
  3. To check energized-to-stop operation, listen for a click when switch is placed in stop position.
  4. If no click and there is no power to solenoid, the fuel solenoid must be replaced.
Relay Checkout (E) diagnostic

Tools: voltmeter, 12-volt source

  1. Connect 12 volts across relay coil terminals; relay should activate if coil is okay.
  2. Connect a 12-volt source to one side of relay contacts.
  3. Connect a voltmeter to other side of relay contact and 12-volt source; 12 volts appear when relay energized indicates contact is okay.
Solenoid Checkout (D) diagnostic

Tools: voltmeter, jumper wire

  1. Apply battery positive (B+) to the terminal marked S.
  2. Jumper a ground wire to the solenoid mounting bracket; solenoid should activate.
  3. If contacts are good, 12 volts should be read between terminal I and ground.
  4. Voltage drop across the contacts should never exceed one volt in circuit application.
Switch Checkout (G) diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Remove battery B+ cable.
  2. Place ohmmeter leads across switch.
  3. Open and close switch while observing ohmmeter.
  4. A normally open (NO) switch should show infinite resistance open and continuity closed; NC is opposite.
  5. Replace switch if defective.
Testing Commutating Reactors (L21 and L22) diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Remove reactor leads from terminal board for testing.
  2. Measure resistance between coils 1-2 and 3-4; should be 0.031-0.37 and 0.037-0.46 ohms at 77 deg F (25 deg C).
  3. Measure resistance between coils and from any terminal to frame; should be infinity.
Testing Exciter Rotor (Test J) diagnostic

Tools: Wheatstone Bridge, ohmmeter

  1. Use a Wheatstone Bridge for this test.
  2. Disconnect main rotor field leads at F1+ and F2- and disconnect leads from diodes CR1-CR6.
  3. Test between exciter lead pairs T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3; resistance should be 0.6 to 0.7 ohms at 68 deg F (20 deg C).
  4. Connect ohmmeter between each CR lead and rotor laminations; less than one megohm indicates defective ground insulation.
Testing Exciter Stator (Test H) diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Disconnect F1+ and F2- exciter field leads from terminal block in generator end bell.
  2. Measure resistance between field leads; should be 13.05 to 15.95 ohms at 77 deg F (25 deg C).
  3. Connect ohmmeter between either field lead and exciter stator laminations on highest range; resistance must be one megohm or greater.

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
110/2201Connect lead W12 to H6 (per Figure 26 reconnection table)50 Hz. Figure 26 generator voltage connections. OCR partially garbled.
115/2301Connect lead W12 to H6 (per Figure 26 reconnection table)50 Hz. Figure 26 generator voltage connections. OCR partially garbled.
120/2401Connect lead W12 to H5 (per Figure 26 reconnection table)60 Hz. Figure 26 generator voltage connections. OCR partially garbled.
120/2401Reconnectible generator (code 15/515)W12 (TB2) to H3/H4/H5/H6 on voltage reference transformer12-lead generator reconnection
220/3803Non-reconnectible (code 7)H3
347/6003Non-reconnectible (code 9X)H5
VariousReconnect lead W12 (inside control box) from TB2-2 to the proper H terminal (H2, H3, H4, H5, or H6) depending on voltage selectedW12, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6Figure 25. Single phase generators use leads 1 and 4 (lead 2 not used); three phase generators use leads 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 for control input and metering.

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 L634T?

The Cummins/Onan L634T engine has an oil capacity of 10.8 liters.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan L634T engine?

The Cummins/Onan L634T powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan DL6T.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan L634T engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan L634T is: PRE HI ENG TEMP lamp lights. Engine continues to operate.. Fix: Indicates engine has begun to overheat and engine temperature has risen to approximately 215°F (102°C). If engine can be stopped, follow procedures in step 3. Use the following procedures if generator is powering critical loads and cannot be shutdown. a. Check air inlets and outlets and remove any obstructions to airflow. b. Open doors or windows in generator area to increase ventilation. c. Reduce load if possible by turning off non-essential equipment..