Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 Engine
The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 is a 6 L 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the C60 N6.
Also known as: Cummins Inc. QSJ5.9G-G2
Part of the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.
Engine specifications
| Displacement | 6.0 L |
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| Cylinders | 6 |
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| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
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Common problems
15- Engine Oil Pressure Low (Shutdown) — Engine oil pressure is below the low oil pressure shutdown threshold (less than 10 psig for more than 2 seconds) 415
Cause: Lubricating oil level is low
Fix: Check the oil level; add or drain oil, if necessary - Engine Coolant Temperature Above Normal (Warning) — Engine coolant temperature has exceeded the warning threshold (220 °F [105 °C]) for high coolant temperature 146
Cause: High ambient temperature
Fix: Measure the air temperature entering the air intake louver of the generator set enclosure if enclosed, or cooling air to the radiator if not enclosed; verify the expected cooling system ambient temperature capability; inspect for recirculation of cooling discharge air into the generator set enclosure air inlet or the area surrounding the radiator cooling air inlet - Mechanical or internal component wear or damage
Cause: Internal engine damage
Fix: Analyze the oil and inspect the filters to locate an area of probable damage; inspect and further investigate area of probable damage - Fuel Consumption Is Excessive
Cause: Excessive loads
Fix: Make sure that the load on the generator set does not exceed the generator set kW rating; re-visit the generator set sizing process to make sure that the generator set is correctly sized for the application, especially if new loads have been introduced into the system; refer to the T-030 manual for proper generator set sizing and application - Fuel Pressure Low — This fault is used when an optional low fuel pressure switch is installed 2118
Cause: Low fuel pressure
Fix: Check fuel supply and change as required - Engine Shuts Off Unexpectedly or Dies during Deceleration
Cause: Emergency Stop (if used)
Fix: Make sure that the Emergency Stop circuit is not energized - Engine Is Difficult to Start or Does Not Start
Cause: Battery voltage is low, interrupted, or open
Fix: Check the battery connections, unswitched battery supply circuit, and fuses; correct or replace if necessary - Engine Experiences Low Power, Poor Acceleration, or Poor Response
Cause: Excessive load
Fix: Ensure that the load on the generator set does not exceed the generator set kW rating; revisit the generator set sizing process to ensure that the generator set is correctly sized for the application, especially if new loads have been introduced into the system - Unstable Voltage (With Load)
Cause: Engine governing unstable
Fix: Refer to the engine service manual (if applicable) or E-Controls service manual - Poor Voltage Regulation (With Load)
Cause: Unbalanced load
Fix: Check voltage and load current on all phases; if unbalanced, redistribute the load more evenly across the phases - Low Fuel (Warning or Shutdown) — This fault is used when an optional low fuel level switch is installed 1318
Cause: Low fuel pressure
Fix: Measure the fuel pressure at the fuel pump inlet - Engine Starts but Will Not Keep Running
Cause: Battery voltage is low, interrupted, or open
Fix: Check the battery connections, unswitched battery supply circuit, and fuses; correct or replace if necessary - Engine Runs Rough or Misfires
Cause: Ignition system issues
Fix: Inspect the spark plugs, clean or replace the spark plugs if necessary; test the ignition coils using a coil on a plug tester (or in-line spark tester) to isolate the faulty coil, replace the faulty coil if necessary; check the coil wiring, inspect connectors and wires for breaks, and test continuity - Unstable Voltage (No Load)
Cause: Engine governing unstable
Fix: Check for engine governor hunting with a frequency meter or tachometer, or cyclic irregularities in the engine with InPower; if any engine DTC fault codes are present, troubleshoot them using the E-Controls manual; check fuel supply pressure to ensure that it is consistent; ensure that the throttle assembly moves freely, clean it if necessary; check the spark plugs for buildup, ensure that a spark is present at each cylinder, repair or replace them if necessary; check for any exhaust restriction, clean or replace components as necessary; check for an intake leak, repair or replace components as necessary; check for proper function of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, and the wiring to the ECM from the sensors, repair or replace components as necessary; check the fuel mix control valve for proper operation, such that it can move freely and easily, clean or replace the valve if necessary - Remote E-Stop — The state of the Remote Emergency Stop has been changed 1434
Cause: The Remote Emergency Stop button has been activated
Fix: Reset the Remote Emergency Stop
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2.
Service intervals
3| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|
| External load bank test | Test | 2 hr | | Load generator to 100% of rated load for a period of two (2) hours; provide complete report with recommendations |
| Generator transfer switch testing | Test | | 6 mo | Testing of the generator transfer switch to be completed bi-annually on each generator |
| Preventative maintenance | Other | | 6 mo | Required semi-annually for: Ingersol-Rand Trailer; Kohler Trailer; Service Center - PW; South WWTP; North WWTP; Pine Street Water Well; Water Well 5 & 6 |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
2Preventative Maintenance Tasks (Quarterly and Semi-Annual) maintenance
- Replace oil, air, water, and fuel filters with new filters, if needed
- Check and tighten all electrical connections on generators
- Check and clean battery connections; check and record battery charge rates
- Start and load generator; while running check and record coolant temperature
- Check function of day tank pump
- Check voltage and hertz; adjust if needed
- Check for exhaust leaks
- Check fuel level
- Check all fluid levels
- Check for fluid leaks
- Check and tighten all belts; replace if necessary
- Provide report listing conditions of all systems
- Tighten all electrical connections in transfer switches; may require non-business hours at no additional charge
- Provide one (1) external load bank test to 100% of rated load for two (2) hours; provide complete report with recommendations
- Test the generator transfer switch bi-annually on each generator
Scheduled Maintenance Tasks (Requested) maintenance
- Start and run generator unloaded
- Check voltage and frequency; adjust if necessary
- Check all fluid levels
- Check for fluid leaks
- Check and adjust all belts, if necessary
- Oil changes based on run times/month
- Provide report listing conditions of all systems
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 QSJ5.9 family
4| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|
| 3824510 | Cummins electronic cleaner | Service part / kit |
| A047A982 | EControls GCP E-Com USB interface cable | Service part / kit |
| A026M166 | accessory seal kit | Seal |
| B180313494 | Onan C50N6 March Inspection | Service type |
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 displacement of the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2?
The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 has a displacement of 6.0 liters with 6 cylinders.
Which generators use the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 engine?
The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan C60 N6.
What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 engine?
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G2 is: Engine Oil Pressure Low (Shutdown) — Engine oil pressure is below the low oil pressure shutdown threshold (less than 10 psig for more than 2 seconds). Cause: Lubricating oil level is low. Fix: Check the oil level; add or drain oil, if necessary.