Home›Engines›Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3

Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 Engine

The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 is a 6 L 6-cylinder turbocharged and aftercooled engine. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the C100 N6 and C80 N6.

Also known as: Cummins Inc. QSJ5.9G-G3

Part of the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9 engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.

6.0 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders

Engine specifications

Displacement6.0 L
Cylinders6
AspirationTurbocharged and Aftercooled

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-G3.

Parts cataloged across the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9 family

4
Part #DescriptionCategory
3824510Cummins electronic cleanerService part / kit
A047A982EControls GCP E-Com USB interface cableService part / kit
A026M166accessory seal kitSeal
B180313494Onan C50N6 March InspectionService 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-G3?

The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 has a displacement of 6.0 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 engine?

The Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 powers 2 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan C100 N6, Cummins/Onan C80 N6.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan QSJ5.9G-G3 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.