Home›Engines›Ford LRG-423

Ford LRG-423 Engine

The Ford LRG-423 is a 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine rated at 2800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Cummins/Onan, including the 20 ES.

Also known as: Ford Motor Company LRG-423

2.3 L
Displacement
4
Cylinders
2800 rpm
Rated speed

Service parts for the LRG-423

The cheapest captured merchant offer per filter — see the full cross-reference below for every OEM/aftermarket option.

Oil system

1 required

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Verify against your serial number before ordering.

Engine specifications

Displacement2.3 L
Cylinders4
Rated speed2800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

1
Cummins/Onan 20 ES

Common problems

2
  • The engine does not start SC1635c
    Fix: Check the following while the genset is operating: START / STOP / REMOTE SWITCH INDICATOR LAMPS, CIRCUIT BREAKERS
  • Engine does not start
    Fix: Check the following while the genset is operating: START / STOP / REMOTE SWITCH INDICATOR LAMPS, CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Ford LRG-423.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Fuel filter—
Oil filter9576P550008 Amazon eBay $18.95
BeltPointer Triangle (on Inner Timing Belt Cover)6K282 Amazon eBay
Coolant filter—
OilXO-5W30-QSP (Super Premium Motor Oil), Ford specification ESE-M2C153-E4.0 quarts U.S.—
Spark plugAWSF52C; gap 1.07-1.17mm (0.042-0.046 in.)12405400 hr eBay $47.99 KuduParts $37.00

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
Spark plugsClean400 hrEach 400 hours of engine operation remove spark plugs and clean and adjust the electrode. Clean and visually check spark plug high tension leads for secure fit and replace if necessary.
Timing beltReplace3000 hr60 moIf the timing belt has greater than 3,000 hours or five years of use, replace it.

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

52
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCamshaft end play0.001-0.007in.Service limit 0.009
ClearanceCamshaft journal-to-bearing clearance0.001-0.003in.Service limit 0.006
ClearanceCamshaft runout (maximum allowable)0.03mm (0.0012 in.)
ClearanceCollapsed tappet gap0.035-0.055 (allowable); 0.040-0.050 (desired)in. @ cam
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance0.0008-0.0015 (desired); 0.0008-0.0026 (allowable)in.
ClearanceConnecting rod side clearance0.0035-0.0115in.Service limit 0.014
ClearanceCrankshaft end play0.07-0.20mm (0.003-0.008 inch)
ClearanceCrankshaft runout (maximum)0.05mm (0.002 in.)
ClearanceCylinder bore out-of-round (maximum allowable)0.127mm (0.005 in.)
ClearanceCylinder bore taper (maximum allowable)0.127mm (0.005 in.)
ClearanceCylinder head/block deck flatness - maximum variation0.076 over 152; 0.152 overallmm (0.003 in. over 6 in.; 0.006 in. overall)
ClearanceMain bearing clearance (bearings 2-5)0.020-0.066mm (0.0008-0.0026 inch)
ClearanceMain bearing clearance (front main)0.010-0.056mm (0.0004-0.0022 inch)
ClearancePiston-to-bore clearance (select fit)0.0254-0.0508 (new); 0.0254-0.0762 (service limit)mm
ClearanceValve stem-to-valve guide clearance (exhaust)0.0015-0.0032in.Service clearance limit 0.0055 max.
ClearanceValve stem-to-valve guide clearance (intake)0.0010-0.0027in.Service clearance limit 0.0055 max.
GapSpark plug gap1.07-1.17mm (0.042-0.046 in.)
OtherCamshaft lobe lift (intake/exhaust)0.2163in.
OtherFuel pump maximum current draw1.5Amp.
OtherFuel pump minimum flow1.3 qt./minute, 2.6 pint/minute@ 4 PSI, 12V input
OtherHydraulic leak-down rate2-8secondsplunger to leak down 3.18mm (1/8 in.) of travel with 22.65 kg (50 lb.) load
OtherTheoretical valve lift zero lash (intake/exhaust)0.402in.
OtherValve spring installed height38.61-40.38mm (1.52-1.59 inch)
PressureEngine oil pressure250-490kPa (36-71 psi)at 3,000 rpm
PressureFuel pressure maintained at full loadminimum 4PSI
PressureFuel pump shutoff pressure6-7.5PSI
PressureOil pressure (hot)40-60psiat 2000 rpm
SpeedBase ignition timing9degrees BTDCat 750 rpm, not adjustable
SpeedLow idle speed700-800rpm
SpeedMaximum engine operating speed - no load (high idle)3050rpm
SpeedRated engine speed2800rpm
TorqueCamshaft sprocket bolt71-95N·m (52-70 lb-ft)
TorqueConnecting rod nut34-41 (initial); 41-49 (final)N·m (25-30 lb-ft initial; 30-36 lb-ft final)
TorqueCrankshaft position sensor bolt8-12N·m (72-108 lb-in)
TorqueCrankshaft pulley bolt125-165N·m (92-121 lb-ft)
TorqueCylinder head bolts70N·m (52 lb-ft)Tighten in sequence to 70 N·m, retighten in sequence to 70 N·m, then turn all bolts an additional 90-100 degrees in sequence
TorqueEngine front cover bolts13-16N·m
TorqueExhaust manifold bolts20-30 (step 1); 60-80 (step 2)N·m (15-22 lb-ft; 44-59 lb-ft)Two stages
TorqueGenerator mounting bracket bolts40-55N·m (29-40 lb-ft)Sequence required
TorqueIntake manifold bolts26-38N·m (19-28 lb-ft)In sequence
TorqueMain bearing cap bolts68-81 (initial); 102-115 (final)N·m (50-60 lb-ft initial; 75-85 lb-ft final)
TorqueOil filter insert to cylinder block28-35N·m
TorqueOil pan bolts14-16N·m (124-144 lb-in)
TorqueOil pressure sender11-24N·m (8-18 lb-ft)
TorqueOil pump screws10-14N·m (89-124 lb-in)
TorqueOil pump shaft sprocket bolt40-55N·m (29-40 lb-ft)
TorqueSpark plugs9-20N·m (7-15 lb-ft)
TorqueStarter mounting bolt21-27N·m (15-20 lb-ft)
TorqueTiming belt tensioner adjusting bolt35-45N·m (26-33 lb-ft)
TorqueTiming belt tensioner spring pivot bolt40-55N·m (29-40 lb-ft)
TorqueValve cover retaining bolts9-13N·m (80-115 lb-in)
TorqueWater pump to block bolts20-30N·m (15-22 lb-ft)

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
Engine oil1OW-30 or 1OW-40 engine oilFor mechanical governor oil level; fill until it drips out of the oil level hole.
Engine oilXO-5W30-QSP (Super Premium Motor Oil)Ford specification ESE-M2C153-E4.0 quarts U.S.Add one quart with filter change.
GreaseFord Multi-Purpose Grease DOAZ-19584-AAFord specification ESR-M1C159-AFor lubricating cam follower/roller finger follower contact points and valve spring retainer keys.

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

Procedures

8
Float Adjustment (Holley Model 1940) adjustment

⚠ When bending the tang, do not force the Viton-tipped fuel inlet needle against the seat or the Viton tip on the needle will be damaged.

Tools: Straightedge

  1. Remove carburetor assembly from the intake manifold and drain the fuel from the fuel bowl.
  2. Invert the fuel bowl cover and place a straightedge across the surface of the fuel bowl.
  3. The toes of the floats should just lightly touch the straightedge; adjust by bending the float tang.
  4. Both floats must be parallel and not cocked or offset; bend the float shafts to even out the floats and recheck.
Idle Mixture Adjustment (Holley Model 1940) adjustment
  1. Run engine 5-10 minutes at a fast idle speed or until normal operating temperature is reached.
  2. With engine off, turn idle mixture adjustment screw in until lightly seated, then back out two turns.
  3. Start engine. Turn screw in until engine begins to run rough or stumble due to a lean mixture.
  4. Slowly turn needle out until engine begins to roll due to a rich mixture.
  5. Slowly turn needle in to a point between the two extremes until engine runs smoothly (favor a slightly rich setting).
Idle Speed Adjustment (Holley Model 1940) adjustment

Tools: Tachometer

  1. Run engine 5-10 minutes at fast idle or until normal operating temperature is reached.
  2. Connect a tachometer to the engine.
  3. Turn the idle speed screw until engine speed is at specifications (in to increase, out to decrease).
  4. After each adjustment, pull back on the throttle lever and release; engine speed should increase then return to normal.
Timing Belt Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Do not rotate crankshaft counterclockwise as the timing belt may jump a cog, putting camshaft out of time.

Tools: Camshaft Belt Tension Adjusting Tool T74P-6254-A

  1. Loosen timing belt spring pivot bolt.
  2. Hold tensioner with Camshaft Belt Tension Adjusting Tool T74P-6254-A.
  3. While holding tensioner, loosen adjusting bolt and gradually release spring tension.
  4. Using adjusting tool, pry tensioner away from belt and while holding, tighten adjusting bolt.
  5. Install timing belt over crankshaft sprocket, then proceeding counterclockwise over oil pump and camshaft sprockets.
  6. Loosen tensioner adjusting bolt allowing tensioner pulley to press against belt.
  7. Rotate crankshaft two revolutions clockwise and bring slowly to number one cylinder firing position.
  8. Recheck timing mark alignment; repeat if not aligned.
  9. Rotate tensioner assembly against belt with torque wrench up to 40-45 N·m (29-33 lb-ft) and tighten adjusting bolt.
  10. Tighten adjusting bolt to 35-45 N·m (26-33 lb-ft).
  11. Tighten spring pivot bolt to 40-55 N·m (29-40 lb-ft).
Compression Test diagnostic

Tools: Compression gauge (Rotunda Compression Tester 059-R0009), Auxiliary starter switch

  1. Make sure oil in crankcase is of the correct viscosity and at proper level, and battery is properly charged.
  2. Operate the engine until it is at normal operating temperature; turn off ignition, then remove all spark plugs.
  3. Set throttle plates in wide-open position.
  4. Install a compression gauge in No. 1 cylinder.
  5. Install auxiliary starter switch; crank engine at least five compression strokes and record highest reading.
  6. Repeat test on each cylinder, cranking approximately the same number of compression strokes.
Oil Pressure Test diagnostic

Tools: Engine Oil Pressure Gauge T73L-6600-A, Transmission Test Adapter D87C-77000-A

  1. Disconnect and remove the oil pressure sensor from the engine.
  2. Connect an Engine Oil Pressure Gauge T73L-6600-A and Transmission Test Adapter D87C-77000-A to the oil pressure sensor screw port.
  3. Run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached.
  4. Run the engine at 3,000 rpm and record the gauge reading.
Spark Plug Removal and Installation maintenance

Tools: Spark Plug Wire Remover T74P-6666-A, Spark plug gap tool

  1. Remove ignition wires as outlined.
  2. Loosen spark plugs and remove any dirt or foreign material from spark plug areas of cylinder head with compressed air.
  3. Remove spark plugs and mark location using a piece of masking tape.
  4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check and adjust spark plugs. Tighten spark plugs to 9-20 N·m (7-15 lb-ft).
Valve Cover and Gasket Removal maintenance
  1. Remove ignition cables out of ignition coil and place to the side.
  2. Remove bolts and valve cover (6582).
  3. Remove valve cover gasket (6584) from valve cover.
  4. If necessary, remove oil filler cap (6766).

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

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

34

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Filters for this engine

  • Oil filter: Ford 9576P550008 Donaldson P550008 Wix 51775 Ac Delco X29 Baldwin RS3934

Cross-referenced via Donaldson + OEM/engine-maker interchange — options to verify against your serial number, not confirmed for every exact variant.

Also used in

4
  • Genie S-60 — Boom Lift
  • Genie S-65 — Boom Lift
  • Jlg 600A — Boom Lift
  • Jlg 600SJ — Boom Lift

Other equipment known to use this engine, via filter-application cross-reference — useful for sourcing parts even when your exact machine isn't listed elsewhere on this page.

Common questions

What is the displacement of the Ford LRG-423?

The Ford LRG-423 has a displacement of 2.3 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the Ford LRG-423 engine?

The Ford LRG-423 powers 1 generator set(s), including Cummins/Onan 20 ES.

What oil filter does the Ford LRG-423 use?

The Ford LRG-423 uses oil filter part numbers Ford 9576P550008, Donaldson P550008, Wix 51775.

What is a common problem with the Ford LRG-423 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Ford LRG-423 is: The engine does not start. Fix: Check the following while the genset is operating: START / STOP / REMOTE SWITCH INDICATOR LAMPS, CIRCUIT BREAKERS.