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Detroit Diesel S50 Engine

The Detroit Diesel S50 is a 8.5 L 6-cylinder turbocharged, intercooled engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 156 kW. It powers generator sets from Atlas Copco and Cummins/Onan, including the QAS228 Gd USA and 4D6. It holds 6.8 L (1.8 gal) of oil and 9.2 L (2.4 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Detroit Diesel S50

8.5 L
Displacement
6
Cylinders
1800 rpm
Rated speed
156 kW
Gross power

Engine specifications

Oil capacity6.8 L
Coolant capacity9.2 L
Displacement8.5 L
Cylinders6
Aspirationturbocharged, intercooled
Rated speed1800 rpm
Gross power156 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

2

Shared across brands: Atlas Copco, Cummins/Onan

Atlas Copco QAS228 Gd USACummins/Onan 4D6

How to read your Detroit Diesel engine serial & model number →

Common problems

15
  • Alternator does not excite
    Cause: Blown fuse
    Fix: Replace fuse
  • Lower than rated voltage at load
    Cause: Intervention by protection
    Fix: Current too high, power factor lower than 0.8; speed lower than 4% of rated speed
  • Low voltage at no load
    Cause: Voltage potentiometer out of setting
    Fix: Reset voltage
  • Higher than rated voltage at load
    Cause: Voltage potentiometer out of setting
    Fix: Reset voltage potentiometer
  • Unstable voltage
    Cause: Speed variation in engine
    Fix: Check regularity of rotation
  • After being excited alternator does not excite
    Cause: Voltage potentiometer out of setting
    Fix: Reset voltage
  • High voltage at no load
    Cause: Voltage potentiometer out of setting
    Fix: Reset voltage potentiometer
  • VSG input low 11
  • VSG input high 12
  • TPS circuit low 22
  • TPS circuit high 21
  • Too many SRS (missing TRS) 41
  • Too few SRS (missing SRS) 42
  • SEL short or open circuit 32
  • Oil pressure low 45

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Detroit Diesel S50.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterClean/Replace—2000 hr
Fuel filterReplace—500 hr
Oil filterReplace—2000 hr
BatteryReplace—500 hr
BeltReplace—2000 hr
CoolantCheck/Clean9.2—500 hr
OilHigh-quality, mineral, hydraulic or synthesized hydrocarbon oil with rust and oxidation inhibitors, anti-foam and anti-wear properties is recommended.6.8—2000 hr
Spark plugCheck/Replace—2000 hr

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

Common questions

What is the oil capacity of the Detroit Diesel S50?

The Detroit Diesel S50 engine has an oil capacity of 6.8 liters.

What is the displacement of the Detroit Diesel S50?

The Detroit Diesel S50 has a displacement of 8.5 liters with 6 cylinders.

Which generators use the Detroit Diesel S50 engine?

The Detroit Diesel S50 powers 2 generator set(s), including Atlas Copco QAS228 Gd USA, Cummins/Onan 4D6.

How often should you change the oil in the Detroit Diesel S50?

The Detroit Diesel S50 oil change interval is every 2000 hours.

What is a common problem with the Detroit Diesel S50 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Detroit Diesel S50 is: Alternator does not excite. Cause: Blown fuse. Fix: Replace fuse.