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Home›Engines›Cummins/Onan V1710-P500

Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 Engine

The Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 is a 1.71 L natural engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the DFT Series. It holds 21 L (5.5 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Cummins V1710-P500

Part of the Cummins/Onan V1710 engine family — 2 variants share parts & fitment.

1.71 L
Displacement
1800 rpm
Rated speed
On this pageSpecsGenerator setsMaintenanceFAQService intervalsTorque & specsFluidsProceduresWiring

Engine specifications

Coolant capacity21.0 L
Displacement1.71 L
AspirationNatural
Rated speed1800 rpm

Common problems

11
  • Fault lamp lights after engine is running
    Cause: Oil level - engine will shut down after approximately 12-1/2 seconds if low oil pressure sensor does not open
    Fix: Check oil level
  • Fault lamp lights immediately after engine starts
    Cause: Overspeed condition as engine starts
    Fix: Check for overspeed condition as engine starts
  • High engine temperature lamp lights after engine is running
    Cause: High temperature condition
    Fix: See Engine service manual
  • Overspeed lamp lights - no fault condition exists
    Fix: Replace overspeed circuit board
  • Overcrank fault lamp lights and engine stops cranking after approximately 75 seconds
    Fix: See engine service manual for troubleshooting fuel system, ignition system, etc.; After correcting problem, reset the engine monitor by moving run-stop-remote switch to stop position, and depressing reset switch; PENN STATE: Move and hold run-stop-remote switch to OFF; Press reset, release and move switch to ON
  • Overcrank fault lamp lights after engine has run for approximately 75 seconds
    Fix: Replace start-disconnect circuit board
  • Low oil pressure lamp lights after engine is running
    Cause: Oil level - engine will shut down after approximately 12-1/2 seconds if oil pressure is low
    Fix: Check oil level
  • Low oil pressure fault lamp lights - no fault condition exists
    Fix: Be cer
  • High engine temperature lamp lights as soon as engine starts
    Cause: Defective sensor or high temperature condition
    Fix: Check for defective sensor or high temperature condition
  • Fault lamp lights and engine stops cranking after approximately 75 seconds
    Fix: See engine service manual for troubleshooting fuel system, ignition system, etc.; After correcting problem, reset the engine monitor by holding run-stop-remote switch in stop position, and depressing reset switch; Release and return to run position
  • Fault lamp lights - no fault condition exists
    Fix: Be certain that no fault condition exists; Disconnect lead 30 and 31 from TB11 inside control box (refer to wiring diagram); If fault lamp still lights with leads disconnected, remove and replace engine monitor plug-in printed circuit board

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Cummins/Onan V1710-P500.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterAir Filter—
Fuel filterFuel Filter—
Oil filterEngine Oil Filter—
BatteryBattery—
BeltBelt—
CoolantCoolant21.0 Gallons—
OilEngine Oil21.0 Gallons—
Spark plugSpark Plug—

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

Service intervals

2
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Crankcase oilChange100 hr
PlantOtherFirst service — At 50% rated load for first 1/2 hour after reaching operating temperature

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

19
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
OtherCompression ratio15.1:1
PressureLow oil pressure cut-out14psi
PressureNormal oil pressure40lbat operating temperature
SpeedAC frequency regulation5%
SpeedEngine speed 50-cycle1500rpm
SpeedEngine speed 60-cycle1800rpm
SpeedGovernor regulation5%
SpeedOverspeed shutdown2100rpm
TemperatureHigh water temperature cut-out215°F
TemperatureNormal operating water temperature190°F
TorqueBlower and Drive Disc to Flywheel120-125ft lb
TorqueDiode, Lock Nut30in-lb
TorqueDrive Disc to Hub275-280ft lb
TorqueEndbell to Support Bracket195-200ft lb
TorqueLock Nut, End Bearing150-200ft lb
TorqueLock Nut, Exciter450-500ft lb
VoltageAC voltage regulation2%
VoltageBattery charging DC alternator output35amp
VoltageNominal battery voltage24V

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
Coolantclean soft water with rust and scale inhibitor; ethylene glycol base antifreeze if freezing37.0 gallonsRadiator capacity; heat exchanger capacity 35 gallons
Engine oilMIL-L-2104A military specification oil; MS or DG service oilsMIL-L-2104A13.0 U.S. gallonsUse oil of recommended viscosity according to ambient temperature. Do not use multi-viscosity oil such as 10W-30. Do not mix brands or grades.
FuelRefer to Cummins manual for fuel oil specificationsKeep fuel supply clean

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

Procedures

10
Engine Speed Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Original factory governor setting should not be disturbed.

Tools: tachometer, frequency meter

  1. See that injection pump is properly timed to engine. Refer to Cummins engine manual.
  2. Refer to instructions in Cummins manual for governor adjustment.
  3. Adjust engine speed to 1800-rpm for 60-cycle operation and 1500-rpm for 50-cycle operation.
  4. Use accurate tachometer or frequency meter connected to AC generator output terminals. Multiply frequency by 30 to obtain engine speed.
  5. Check generator voltage. Make slight re-adjustment of speed setting to obtain preferred voltage at average load. A range of 1830 to 1890-rpm (61 to 63 cycles) should give desired voltage.
Testing Rotating Rectifier Assembly diagnostic

Tools: ohmmeter

  1. Remove access cover from exciter end of generator.
  2. Isolate each of the six diodes before proceeding.
  3. Use an ohmmeter to measure resistance in individual diode. Reverse leads and repeat.
  4. A good diode should have high resistance one measurement and low when leads are reversed.
  5. Check all diodes in accordance with reverse measurement step.
Generator Alignment for DFT Generating Plants installation

Tools: mounting bolts as jackscrews, shims

  1. Set plant on its mounting foundation.
  2. Remove two mounting bolts securing generator support to skid base. Remove shims.
  3. Secure skid base to mounting foundation.
  4. Measure clearance from top surfaces of skid base to both mounting surfaces of generator support.
  5. Add clearance and weight correction figure to determine total shims required.
  6. Use mounting bolts as jackscrews to increase clearance and place shims.
  7. Lower generator to rest on shims. Total clearance must equal base-to-support clearance plus weight correction.
  8. Remove jackscrew bolts and install as mounting bolts. Secure and lock.
Battery Electrolyte Dilution for Hot Locations maintenance

⚠ Avoid skin or clothing contact with electrolyte. Dispose safely.

Tools: hydrometer, filler bulb

  1. Fully charge the battery.
  2. With battery still on charge, draw off electrolyte above plates in each cell using hydrometer or filler bulb.
  3. Refill each cell with distilled water to normal level.
  4. Continue charging for 1 hour at 4- to 6-ampere rate.
  5. Test each cell. If specific gravity still above 1.225, repeat steps 2-4 until reading is 1.225.
Dust and Dirt maintenance
  1. Keep plant clean. Keep cooling system free of dirt, etc.
  2. Service air cleaners as frequently as necessary.
  3. Change crankcase oil every 100 operating hours.
  4. Keep oil and fuel in dust-tight containers.
  5. Keep injector pump linkage clean.
Out-of-Service Protection maintenance

Tools: rust inhibitor, SAE #50 oil, clean cloth, cover

  1. Run plant until thoroughly warm.
  2. Drain oil from oil base while still warm. Refill and attach warning tag stating oil viscosity used.
  3. Remove each injector. Pour 1 oz. (two tablespoons) of rust inhibitor or SAE #50 oil into each cylinder. Install injector.
  4. Service air cleaner as outlined in Cummins manual.
  5. Clean governor linkage and protect by wrapping with clean cloth.
  6. Plug exhaust outlets to prevent entrance of moisture, bugs, dirt, etc.
  7. Wipe entire unit. Coat parts susceptible to rust with light film of grease or oil.
  8. Provide suitable cover for entire unit.
  9. If battery is used, disconnect and follow standard battery storage procedure.
High Temperature Operation operation
  1. See that nothing obstructs air flow to and from plant.
  2. Keep cooling system clean.
  3. Use correct SAE No. oil for temperature conditions.
Low Temperature Operation operation
  1. Use correct SAE No. oil for temperature conditions. Change oil only when engine is warm.
  2. Use fresh fuel. Protect against moisture condensation.
  3. Keep fuel system clean, and batteries in well charged condition.
  4. Partially restrict cool air flow but use care to avoid overheating.
  5. Refer to Cummins manual for additional information.
Brush Assembly Removal repair

Tools: screwdriver

  1. Remove three No. 10-24 screws fastening voltage regulator to DC alternator. Remove regulator to access phenolic cover, disconnecting leads as required.
  2. Remove two No. 8-32 screws on phenolic cover and lift out cover and gasket.
  3. Pull brush assembly straight up and lift out.
  4. For reassembly, reverse procedure.
Replacement of Diodes repair

⚠ Excessive heat can damage a diode.

Tools: soldering iron, wrenches, needle nose pliers

  1. Unsolder leadwires from diode terminal.
  2. Use proper size wrenches to hold body of diode while removing nut attaching diode to heat sink.
  3. Push diode free of its mounting hole in heat sink.
  4. Install new diode in same position (or direction) as defective diode.
  5. Insert new diode into mounting hole in heat sink or bracket. Secure with nut and washer.
  6. Connect leadwires to appropriate terminals.
  7. Solder leadwires removed from defective diode to terminal of new diode. Use needle nose pliers to absorb heat.
  8. Replace access cover.

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
120/208 or 277/4803T1, T2, T3, TO3-phase 4-wire wye. TO grounded. Single-phase lower voltage, three-phase higher. For 3-phase operation TO not used.
120/208 to 240/4163reconnectionReconnectible generator, 3-phase 4-wire, Y connected. One version.
120/2403T1, T2, TO3-phase 4-wire delta. T1 and T2 hot, TO neutral. For single-phase 120V use T1 or T2 and TO.
139/240 to 277/4803reconnectionReconnectible generator, 3-phase 4-wire, Y connected. Other version.
3-phase 3-wire3T1, T2, T3No terminal is grounded. Single-phase current obtained from any two plant terminals. Load on any one single-phase circuit must not exceed 1/3 rated capacity.

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 V1710 family

8
Part #DescriptionCategory
305C455Regulator, VoltageAvr
511-37Belt, Alternator DriveBelt
320P240Bracket, Mounting - EngineBracket
364-6Rectifier, Gate Controlled 300-Volt, 5.5 Ampere - Neg. BaseService part / kit
B184PHASE SELECTOR SWITCHService part / kit
309B178Switch, High Water Temperature Cut-Off - Non - Adjustable - Replaces 309B1Sensor
309B64Switch, Low Oil Pressure Cut-off (Mounts on Engine) Optional Equipment - Replaces switch used Prior to Spec "F" with higher pressure break.Sensor
309-0253ThermostatThermostat

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 V1710-P500?

The Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 has a displacement of 1.71 liters.

Which generators use the Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 engine?

The Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan DFT Series.

What is a common problem with the Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Cummins/Onan V1710-P500 is: Fault lamp lights after engine is running. Cause: Oil level - engine will shut down after approximately 12-1/2 seconds if low oil pressure sensor does not open. Fix: Check oil level.