HomeEnginesCummins/Onan QSK50

Cummins/Onan QSK50 Engine

The Cummins/Onan QSK50 is a 50.3 L 16-cylinder 4-cycle industrial diesel engine rated at 1900 rpm, producing up to 1400 kW. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the D-3519, D-3521, DQGAA and DQGAB. It holds 204 L (53.9 gal) of oil and 161 L (42.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins QSK50

Part of the Cummins/Onan QSK50 engine family — 6 variants share parts & fitment.

50.3 L
Displacement
16
Cylinders
1900 rpm
Rated speed
1400 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity204.0 L
Coolant capacity161.0 L
Displacement50.3 L
Cylinders16
Aspiration4-cycle industrial diesel
Rated speed1900 rpm
Gross power1400 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

12
Cummins/Onan D-3519Cummins/Onan D-3521Cummins/Onan DQGAACummins/Onan DQGABCummins/Onan DQGAGCummins/Onan DQGAHCummins/Onan DQGAJCummins/Onan DQGAKCummins/Onan DQGAMCummins/Onan DQGANCummins/Onan QSK50 SeriesCummins/Onan TA Luft - EPA

How to read your Cummins/Onan engine serial & model number →

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter
Fuel filterFleetguard® ES Filtration, CENTINEL™
Oil filterFleetguard® ES Filtration, CENTINEL™
Battery
Belt
CoolantCENTINEL Advanced Engine Oil Management System4000.0 hours
OilCummins Prelub System216.0 U.S. QT
Spark plug

Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherAC waveform THD (THDV)< 5%no load to full linear load
OtherBMEP at set rated load (prime)1885kPaprime rating
OtherBMEP at set rated load (standby)2109kPastandby rating
OtherBreaker fail to synchronize default time delay120sadjustable 10–900 s
OtherCombustion air124m3/minprime
OtherCombustion air130m3/minstandby
OtherCompression ratio15:1
OtherDerate above 1402 m (4600 ft) / 40 °C4.5% per 305 m (1000 ft) and 11.0% per 10 °C (18 °F)standby and prime
OtherExhaust flow at set rated load261m3/minprime
OtherExhaust flow at set rated load291m3/minstandby
OtherFrequency regulationIsochronous
OtherGovernor regulation classISO 8528 Part 1
OtherHeat rejected, aftercooler circuit19MJ/minprime
OtherHeat rejected, aftercooler circuit21.98MJ/minstandby
OtherHeat rejected, jacket water circuit26.57MJ/minprime
OtherHeat rejected, jacket water circuit29.89MJ/minstandby
OtherHigh AC voltage shutdown default110%% of nominal voltagefor 10 s; adjustable 105–125%, 0.1–10 s
OtherInstantaneous pickup (Ii) range (Micrologic 3.0 and 5.0)1.5–12 x Inx In
OtherLong-time delay tr0.5–24sat 6 x Ir
OtherLong-time pickup (Ir) adjustment range0.4–1.0 x Inx Insensor plug rating In
OtherLow AC voltage shutdown default85%% of reference voltagefor 10 s; adjustable 50–95%, 2–20 s
OtherMax flow rate at max friction head, aftercooler circuit537L/min
OtherMax flow rate at max friction head, jacket water circuit1893L/min
OtherMaximum fuel flow912L/hr
OtherMaximum fuel flow (optional remote radiator)469L/hr
OtherMaximum static head, aftercooler circuit18.3m
OtherMaximum static head, jacket water circuit18.3m
OtherOver frequency shutdown/warning default6Hz above nominalfor 20 s, disabled; adjustable 2–10 Hz above set point, 1–20 s
OtherOver load (kW) warning default105%% of rated kWadjustment range 80–140%, 0–120 s delay; default 60 s
OtherPiston speed11.4m/s
OtherRandom frequency variation± 0.25%
OtherRegenerative power168kW
OtherReverse Var shutdown default20%% of rated Varfor 10 s; adjustable 15–50%, 10–60 s
OtherReverse power shutdown default10%% of standby kWfor 3 s; adjustable 5–20%, 1–15 s
OtherShort circuit protection threshold175%% of ratingoutput current on any phase
OtherTelephone Harmonic Factor (THF)< 3
OtherTelephone Influence Factor (TIF)< 50per NEMA MG1-22.43
OtherTotal heat radiated to room10.1MJ/minprime
OtherTotal heat radiated to room11.3MJ/minstandby
OtherTotal heat rejection52.43MJ/minprime
OtherTotal heat rejection59.88MJ/minstandby
OtherUnder frequency shutdown default6Hz below referencefor 10 s; adjustable 2–10 Hz below set point, 5–20 s
OtherWire stripping length1.38 In (35 mm)in
PressureBMEP at set rated load1606kPaprime
PressureBMEP at set rated load1827kPastandby
PressureMaximum air cleaner restriction3.7kPa
PressureMaximum air cleaner restriction6.2kPa
PressureMaximum back pressure6.78kPa
PressureMaximum back pressure6.8kPaexhaust
PressureMaximum cooling air flow static restriction0.12kPa
PressureMaximum friction head, aftercooler circuit48kPa
PressureMaximum friction head, jacket water circuit67kPa
PressureMaximum fuel inlet restriction16.9kPa
PressureMaximum fuel inlet restriction30kPa
PressureMaximum fuel return line restriction34kPa
SpeedOverspeed limit2100 ±50rpm
SpeedPiston speed9.5m/s
SpeedRated speed1800rpm60 Hz
TemperatureAmbient design (standard set-mounted radiator)50°C
TemperatureExhaust temperature372°Cprime

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
FuelASTM D975 No. 2-DASTM D975Cetane number: 40-50. 300-500 ppm Sulfur. Fuel inlet temperature 40°C (104°F) reference.

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

10
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
27Low AC voltage shutdownVoltage on any phase has dropped below a preset value.ShutdownAdjustable 50-95% of reference voltage, time delay 2-20 seconds; default 85% for 10 seconds.
32Reverse power shutdownReverse power detected.ShutdownAdjustment range 5-20% of standby kW rating, delay 1-15 seconds; default 10%, 3 seconds.
40Reverse Var shutdownReverse reactive power detected.ShutdownAdjustable 15-50% of rated Var output, delay 10-60 seconds; default 20%, 10 seconds.
46Negative sequence overcurrent warningExcessive imbalances in the three phase load currents and/or power factors.WarningControl protects generator from damage due to phase imbalance.
51Overcurrent warning/shutdownImplementation of the thermal damage curve with instantaneous trip level based on CT ratio and application power rating.ShutdownAmpSentry protective relay action; see document R1053 time over current curve.
51GGround fault overcurrentDetects a ground fault via external ground fault relay contact input or measured ground current from external CT.ShutdownTime delays and thresholds adjustable via InPower or HMI.
59High AC voltage shutdownOutput voltage on any phase exceeds preset values; trip time inversely proportional to amount above threshold.ShutdownAdjustable 105-125% of nominal voltage, time delay 0.1-10 seconds; default 110% for 10 seconds.
81 uUnder Frequency ShutdownGenset output frequency cannot be maintained. Adjustable 2-10 Hz below reference governor set point, time delay 5-20 s. Default 6 Hz, 10 s.Shutdown
81oOver frequency shutdown/warningGenset is operating at a potentially damaging frequency level.WarningAdjustable 2-10 Hz above nominal governor set point, 1-20 second delay; default 6 Hz, 20 seconds, disabled.
81uUnder frequency shutdownGenset output frequency cannot be maintained.ShutdownAdjustable 2-10 Hz below reference governor set point, 5-20 second delay; default 6 Hz, 10 seconds.

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

Procedures

3
Trip Unit Operation Verification diagnostic

Tools: Trip unit test kit

  1. Connect a test kit to the trip unit test plug receptacle.
  2. Perform verification tests per instructions shipped with the test kit to verify trip unit functions.
Battery replacement / battery rack installation maintenance
  1. Isolate DC supply before working on battery connections.
  2. Install battery rack with hold-down, floor standing.
  3. Install battery with minimum 2200 amps capacity at -18 °C to 0 °C.
  4. Verify 24 volt negative ground connection.
Trip Unit Switch Adjustment operation

⚠ Wait a minimum of 15 minutes after circuit breaker trips before resetting to allow thermal imaging to reset completely to zero.

Tools: Wire seal MICROTUSEAL

  1. Open switch cover.
  2. Adjust the appropriate switches to desired values.
  3. Replace switch cover.
  4. Use wire seal MICROTUSEAL, if necessary, to provide tamper evidence.

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
12470-138003Wye, 3-phaseWinding no. 6062Temp rise 125/105/80 °C; ADS-521; feature code B448; max surge kVA 91
220/38036 leads6Winding no. 13; 125°C rise rating 2004 kW / 2505 kVA; stator resistance L-L 0.00102 Ohms; rotor resistance 2.31 Ohms @22°C
240/41636 leads6Winding no. 13; 125°C rise rating 2004 kW / 2505 kVA; stator resistance L-L 0.00102 Ohms; rotor resistance 2.31 Ohms @22°C
254/44036 leads6Winding no. 312; 125°C rise rating 2000 kW / 2500 kVA; stator resistance L-L 0.00152 Ohms; rotor resistance 2.31 Ohms @22°C
277/48036 leads6Winding no. 312; 125°C rise rating 2080 kW / 2600 kVA; stator resistance L-L 0.00152 Ohms; rotor resistance 2.31 Ohms @22°C
277/4803Wye, 4 WireFeature code R002-2 Voltage-277/480, 3 Phase, Wye, 4 Wire
346/60036 leads6Winding no. 07; 125°C rise rating 2080 kW / 2600 kVA; stator resistance L-L 0.00220 Ohms; rotor resistance 2.31 Ohms @22°C
3803Wye, 3-phaseWinding no. 7327Temp rise 150/125/105 °C; ADS-335; feature code B595; max surge kVA 312
3803-phaseWye, 3-phaseTemp rise 150/105 °C; Duty S/P/C; Max surge kVA 6716; Alternator data sheet ADS-331; Feature Code B595-2
41603Wye, 3-phaseWinding no. 6307Temp rise 125/105/80 °C; ADS-324; feature code B467; max surge kVA 51
41603-phaseWye, 3-phaseTemp rise 105 °C; Duty P; Max surge kVA 6204; Alternator data sheet ADS-322; Feature Code B312-2
4403-phaseWye, 3-phaseTemp rise 80 °C; Duty P; Max surge kVA 5521; Alternator data sheet ADS-330; Feature Code B689-2
4803Wye, 3-phaseWinding no. 7361Temp rise 125/105/80 °C; ADS-333; feature code B462; max surge kVA 312
4803-phaseWye, 3-phaseTemp rise 125/105 °C; Duty S/P; Max surge kVA 5521; Alternator data sheet ADS-330; Feature Code B276-2
6003Wye, 3-phaseWinding no. 7361Temp rise 125/105/80 °C; ADS-333; feature code B465; max surge kVA 07
6003-phaseWye, 3-phaseTemp rise 125/105 °C; Duty S/P; Max surge kVA 5521; Alternator data sheet ADS-330; Feature Code B602-2

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 QSK50 family

20
Part #DescriptionCategory
140-3230Cleaner, Air (Includes Elements - See Ref. No. 25 and 26)air_filter
140-3963Cleaner, Air (Spec A-C Metal)air_filter
70781NElement, Primary - Air Cleaner - Nelson - Heavy Dutyair_filter
70782NElement, Safety - Air Cleaner - Nelson - Heavy Dutyair_filter
AF25544Element, Primary - Air Cleaner - Fleetguard - Heavy Dutyair_filter
AF25545Element, Safety - Air Cleaner - Fleetguard - Heavy Dutyair_filter
AF2559300Air Cleaner replacement element (Nelson), for Air Cleaner Housing 140-3737air_filter
149-2792Filter, Fuelfuel_filter
149-2837Filter, Fuelfuel_filter
149-2853Filter, Fuel (Triplex Filter)fuel_filter
543-0088Package, Fuel Filterfuel_filter
A030M222Filter, Fuel (Triple Filter)fuel_filter
501-0970-01Line, Fuelhose
503-1705Hose, Humphose
503-2754-01Hose, Oilhose
503-2754-02Hose, Oilhose
102-1335Plug, Oil Drainother_service
140-1260Fitting, Safety Filterother_service
140-1548Indicator, Serviceother_service
6794600Washer, Sealingseal

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 oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan QSK50?

The Cummins/Onan QSK50 engine has an oil capacity of 204.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the Cummins/Onan QSK50?

The Cummins/Onan QSK50 has a displacement of 50.3 liters with 16 cylinders.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan QSK50 engine?

The Cummins/Onan QSK50 powers 12 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan D-3519, Cummins/Onan D-3521, Cummins/Onan DQGAA, Cummins/Onan DQGAB, Cummins/Onan DQGAG.