The General Motors Vortec (V-6) is a 4.3 L engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Kohler, including the 38RCL. It holds 4.5 L (1.2 gal) of oil and 4.5 L (1.2 gal) of coolant.
Also known as: General Motors Vortec (V-6)
Part of the General Motors Vortec engine family — 4 variants share parts & fitment.
| Oil capacity | 4.5 L |
|---|---|
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 L |
| Displacement | 4.3 L |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the General Motors Vortec (V-6).
| Item | Spec | Capacity | Part # | Interval | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air filter | N/A | — | 500 hr | ||
| Fuel filter | N/A | — | 100 hr | ||
| Oil filter | API Service Class SG, SH or SJ | — | 9 hr | ||
| Battery | Group 27F | 058665 | Amazon eBay | ||
| Belt | N/A | — | 3 hr | ||
| Oil | SAE 15W-40 | 4.5 quarts | 0A37970001 | 9 hr | Amazon eBay $16.00 NAPA $9.09 |
| Spark plug | 0.045 inch (1.1 mm) | — | 500 hr |
Pooled from every document that names this exact engine — confirm the interval and part number against your unit's serial number.
| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil level | Check | 24 hr | Check the oil level in the crankcase every 24 hours of operation or before the engine is started each day | |
| Air cleaner element | Inspect | 100 hr | ||
| Change engine oil and filter | Change | 100 hr | ||
| Check all bolts and nuts for tightness | Check | 100 hr | ||
| Air cleaner element | Replace | 1000 hr | ||
| Belts and belt tension | Check | 1000 hr | ||
| Engine coolant | Replace | 5000 hr | 60 mo | When long-life coolant used |
| Check coolant level | Check | 0 mo | ||
| Check engine oil level | Check | 0 mo | ||
| Check for fluid leaks | Check | 0 mo |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.51 | mm (0.02 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.7--0.8 | mm (0.028--0.030 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.76 | mm (0.03 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.8--0.9 | mm (0.03--0.04 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.89 | mm (0.035 in.) | |
| Gap | Spark plug gap | 0.9--1.0 | mm (0.036--0.04 in.) | |
| Temperature | Block heater thermostat cut-off temperature | 27--38 | °C | coolant temperature |
| Temperature | Block heater thermostat cut-off temperature | 80--100 | °F | coolant temperature |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 15 | Nm (11 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 18 | Nm (13.3 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 24.4--29.8 | Nm (18--22 ft. lb.) | |
| Torque | Spark plug torque | 25 | Nm (18 ft. lb.) |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Fluid | Grade | Standard | Ambient | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant | 50% ethylene glycol | 0.6 L | Provides freezing protection to --37_C (--34_F) and overheating protection to 129_C (265_F). Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Coolant added after block heater installation is approximately 0.6 L (0.2 gal). | ||
| Coolant | Long-life coolant | Change interval 5000 hours or 5 years when long-life coolant used; do not mix coolant types | |||
| Engine oil | SAE 5W-30 | API Starburst (for gasoline engines) | below -18°C | 4.7 L | For below -18C (0F) |
| Engine oil | SAE 10W-30 | API Starburst (for gasoline engines) | above -18°C | 4.7 L | For -18C (0F) and above; CC/CD classification and straight-weight industrial/stationary oils not acceptable |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Code | Name | Meaning | Severity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Sens Lost | AC Sensing Lost | In Auto mode, generator output AC sensing is lost; starts 10 seconds after crank disconnect. Warning after 1 second if no output detected after crank disconnect; shutdown after 3 seconds if voltage was present and then lost. | Warning | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Accy PwrOver | Accessory Power Overload | Over current fault on the accessory controller power output | Warning | |
| Accy PwrOver Warning | Accessory Power Overload | An over current fault (short circuit) on the accessory controller power output. | Warning | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Alt Protect Shtdwn | Alternator Protection Shutdown | High generator current detected; shuts down to protect alternator windings from overheating (38RCL only). | Shutdown | Reduce the load. |
| ATS Com Error | ATS Communication Error | Warning is displayed if RXT interface connection is lost. | Warning | Check communication wiring between transfer switch interface board and generator set. |
| ATS PhaseRot | ATS Phase Rotation Mismatch | Transfer switch phase rotation does not match; ATS will not transfer. | Warning | Correct the ATS connection per the ATS Installation manual, wiring diagrams, and labels on the transfer switch. |
| Aux Input | Auxiliary Input | An optional customer-connected input is closed (digital input from optional PIM). | Shutdown | Check customer-supplied equipment. |
| Batt Chg Flt | Battery Charger Fault | Input to PIM from an external battery charger (not the built-in charger). | Warning | Check external battery charger. |
| Battery Voltage High | Battery Voltage High | Engine starting battery voltage rises above 125% of the battery voltage setting for more than 10 seconds; inhibited during crank cycle. | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition; check the battery charger operation. |
| Battery Voltage Low | Battery Voltage Low | Engine starting battery voltage falls below the battery voltage setting (typically 12.5 volts) for more than 90 seconds when engine not running; inhibited during crank cycle. | Warning | Check the battery rating and condition; check the battery charger operation; charge or replace the battery. |
| CAN comm fault | CAN Communications Fault | Engine CAN communications fault. | Shutdown | Check wiring to ECM; check power to ECM. |
| Engine Coolant Temperature High | Engine Coolant Temperature High | Engine coolant temperature exceeds the maximum temperature for more than 5 seconds; active after crank disconnect. | Shutdown | Check for blocked air inlets and exhaust outlets. |
| Engine Oil Pressure Low | Engine Oil Pressure Low | Engine ECM indicates low oil pressure for more than 5 seconds; active 30 seconds after crank disconnect. | Shutdown | Check for leaks in the lubrication system; check the oil level and add oil if low. |
| EngineSpeed High | Engine Speed High | Engine speed exceeds 115% of normal running speed for more than 0.3 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| EngineSpeed Low | Engine Speed Low | Engine speed drops below 85% of normal running speed for more than 3 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce the load; contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Exer Not Sch | Exercise Not Scheduled | No exercise has been scheduled on the RDC2 controller. | Warning | See exerciser setup instructions. |
| Generator Frequency High | Generator Frequency High | Governed frequency exceeds 110% of the system's frequency setpoint for more than 10 seconds; active 10 seconds after engine start. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Generator Frequency Low | Generator Frequency Low | Governed frequency falls below 90% of system frequency setting for more than 10 seconds, or 1 Hz below setting for more than 60 seconds; active 10 seconds after engine start. | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set; contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Generator VoltageL1-L2 High | Generator Voltage High | Output voltage exceeds 120% of the system nominal voltage for more than 2 seconds. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Generator VoltageL1-L2 Low | Generator Voltage Low | Output voltage falls below 80% of the nominal system voltage for more than 10 seconds. | Shutdown | Reduce the load and restart the generator set; contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Lo Crank Vlt | Low Cranking Voltage | Battery voltage falls below 60% of system battery voltage for more than 6 seconds while the starter is engaged. | Warning | Charge or replace the battery. |
| Locked Rotor | Locked Rotor | No engine rotation is sensed during cranking; shuts down 3 seconds after the fault is detected. | Shutdown | Check the battery; check for loose connections; contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| MainPwrOverL Shutdown | Main Power Overload | An over current fault on the controller power output (short circuit). | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Not in Auto | Not in Automatic Mode | The generator set is not in Automatic (standby) mode; remote start/stop commands from a transfer switch or remote switch will be ignored. | Warning | Press AUTO to place the generator set in Automatic mode, when appropriate. |
| Over Crank | Over Crank | Three unsuccessful starting attempts. | Shutdown | Check the fuel supply, spark plug, and battery; check for loose connections; contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Speed Sensor Fault | Speed Sensor Fault | Engine speed sensor has failed or engine stalled. | Shutdown | Contact an authorized distributor/dealer for service. |
| Total Power High ShtDwn | Total Power High Shutdown | Measured load is greater than 102% of the generator set power rating for more than 1 minute (38RCL only). | Shutdown | Reduce the load. |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Tools: digital voltmeter, personal computer, SiteTech software
Tools: digital voltmeter
Tools: clamp-on DC current probe or DC current meter
⚠ Always identify and correct the cause of a fault shutdown before resetting the controller.
Tools: Command prompt, Telnet Client
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Voltage | Phase | Connection | Leads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100/200 | 1 | Single | ||
| 100/200 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 110/220 | 1 | Single | ||
| 110/220 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 115/230 | 1 | Single | ||
| 120 | 1 | Single | Genset System Voltage/Frequency/Phase table for controller setup | |
| 120/208 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 120/240 | 1 | Single | ||
| 120/240 | 3 | Delta | ||
| 127/220 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 220 | 1 | Single | ||
| 220/380 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 230 | 1 | Single | ||
| 230/400 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 240 | 1 | Single | ||
| 240/416 | 3 | Wye | ||
| 277/480 | 3 | Wye |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
| Part # | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 0A4637 | Air Cleaner | Air filter |
| GM16944 | Element, air cleaner | Air filter |
| NGE012014 | Charge Air Cooler Bolts | Bolt |
| 058665 | BATTERY 12VDC 90-AH 27F | Service part / kit |
| GM36247 | Exhaust pipe | Service part / kit |
| GM58703 | Assy, J1939/ModBus/Ethernet Converter (network bridge) | Service part / kit |
| GM71612-MA1 | X-612-25 | Service part / kit |
Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.
The General Motors Vortec (V-6) engine has an oil capacity of 4.5 liters.
The General Motors Vortec (V-6) has a displacement of 4.3 liters.
The General Motors Vortec (V-6) powers 1 generator set(s), including Kohler 38RCL.
The General Motors Vortec (V-6) oil change interval is every 9 hours.
A commonly reported issue on generators using the General Motors Vortec (V-6) is: The generator set cranks but does not start, starts hard, lacks power, or operates erratically. Cause: Air cleaner clogged. Fix: Clean and/or replace the air cleaner..