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Hercules G4800 series Engine

The Hercules G4800 series is a 6-cylinder naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and turbocharged with aftercooling engine rated at 9197 rpm. It powers generator sets from Hercules, including the G4800 and GTA4800.

Also known as: Hercules Engines, Inc. G4800 series

6
Cylinders
9197 rpm
Rated speed

Engine specifications

Cylinders6
Aspirationnaturally aspirated, turbocharged, and turbocharged with aftercooling
Rated speed9197 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

2
Hercules G4800Hercules GTA4800

Common problems

8
  • SYSTEM HAS WEAK OR NO OUTPUT
    Fix: Check stator (9) resistance - replace if defective - see 5.0 below. Check circuit board assembly (27) - replace if defective - see pg. 11.
  • ONE OUTPUT DOES NOT FIRE
    Fix: Check that the 2-lead pick-up coil connector is fully plugged into the circuit board receptacle. If not, replace pick-up coil assembly (26a) - see pg. 11.
  • Fuel System - Fuel Pump Malfunction - 2, Ignition System - Spark Plug Misfire - 8 F 2&8 4
  • Engine - Cylinder C - Spark Plug Misfire - 2 E Cc 2
  • Distributor - Distributor Timing Off - 6 D D 6
  • Cylinder C - Excessive Spark Plug Wear - 3 Cc E 3
  • CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTOR PIN VOLTAGE does not meet specified range
    Fix: Check and ensure that the circuit board connector pin voltage is within the specified range (114-126 VDC for 572 602, 572 612 'E', 143-157 VDC for 572 603, 572 613 'E', and 143-157 VDC for 572 604, 572 614 'G', 143-157 VDC for 572 606, 572 616 'G') at 500 RPM. If out of range, check the circuit board and replace if necessary.
  • Battery Fault - 5 B F 5

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Hercules G4800 series.

Maintenance schedule

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—3000 hr
Fuel filter—125 hr
Oil filter—125 hr
Battery—3000 hr
Belt—125 hr
Coolant—500 hr
Coolant filter—
Oil40-3104703500 hr Amazon eBay
Spark plug—500 hr

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

Service intervals

25
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Cylinder head nutsTest2 hrFirst service — Retorque after two hours of service on new or reconditioned engine
Valve tappet clearanceAdjust500 hrFirst service — Reset after two hours of service on new or reconditioned engine
Crankcase oilChange125 hrFirst service — New or reconditioned engine; suggested first change each 50 hours for first 100 hours
Fuel supply tankClean100 hrInspect; wash with clean fuel oil if necessary; remove air from fuel filters
RadiatorClean125 hrInspect; clean if clogged or scale formation
Oil filterChange125 hr
Primary fuel filterReplace125 hrReplace primary fuel filter only
accessory drive beltsAdjust125 hrTighten; 125 hours or 3000 miles
crankcase breatherClean125 hr125 hours or 3000 miles
crankcase oil and oil filtersChange125 hr125 hours or 3000 miles
fan beltsAdjust125 hrInspect and adjust if loose; after each 125 hours operation
oilChange125 hrFirst service — 1st oil change & filters at 125 Hrs, then every 500 Hrs
radiator air passagesCheck125 hrClean if dirty; 125 hours or 3000 miles
spark plug gapCheck125 hr125 hours or 3000 miles
AlternatorLubricate400 hrThree to four drops engine oil
Starting motorLubricate400 hrIf equipped with oilers
Air filterChange500 hrChange air filter
EngineInspect500 hrLoose connections, leaks in oil/fuel/water, cracks, free action of moving parts
Fuel pump timingAdjust500 hrCheck and adjust if necessary
Injector nozzlesClean500 hrClean, inspect and set if loss of performance or exhaust smoke density indicates a problem
engine general conditionInspect500 hr500 hours or 12000 miles; loose connections, leaks, cracks
governor and throttle linkageAdjust500 hr500 hours or 12000 miles
spark plugsChange500 hr500 hours or 12000 miles
timingAdjust500 hrCheck and adjust; 500 hours or 12000 miles
Air cleaner primary elementReplace1000 hr12 moReplace yearly, every 1000 hours, or after 10 cleanings, whichever comes first

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCamshaft bearing clearance.001 - .003in.
ClearanceCamshaft end play0.006-0.015instandard
ClearanceCamshaft end thrust.006 - .010in.
ClearanceCompression ring end gap0.014-0.024instandard
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing.0014 - .0044in.
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing maximum clearance0.0065inmaximum
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing running clearance0.0014-0.0044instandard
ClearanceConnecting rod journal diameter2.9970-2.9980instandard
ClearanceConnecting rod journal wear limit2.9960inwear limit
ClearanceConnecting rod side clearance.007 - .013in.
ClearanceCrank gear to crankshaft.0003 - .0013in.
ClearanceCrankshaft end clearance.010 - .015in.
ClearanceCrankshaft end play0.010-0.014instandard
ClearanceCrankshaft end play maximum0.018inmaximum
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing clearance.0018 - .0048in.
ClearanceCylinder sleeve inside diameter4.5630-4.5645instandard
ClearanceCylinder sleeve inside diameter wear limit4.5665inwear limit
ClearanceMain bearing journal diameter3.6210-3.6220instandard
ClearanceMain bearing journal wear limit3.6190inwear limit
ClearanceMain bearing oil clearance0.0032-0.0062instandard
ClearanceMain bearing oil clearance wear limit0.0080inwear limit
ClearanceOil ring end gap0.015-0.025instandard
ClearancePiston fit in new sleeve0.0037-0.0053innew
ClearancePiston pin running clearance in piston0.0002-0.0006instandard
ClearancePiston pin running clearance in piston maximum0.002inmaximum
ClearancePiston pin running clearance in rod0.0016-0.0020instandard
ClearancePiston pin running clearance in rod maximum0.0030inmaximum
ClearancePiston pin to connecting rod bushing.0016 - .002in.
ClearancePiston pin to piston.0002 - .0006in.
ClearancePiston to cylinder clearance, 3 ring piston part #380045, bottom of skirt.006 - .0085in.
ClearancePiston to cylinder clearance, 3 ring piston part #380045, top of piston.017 - .0215in.
ClearancePiston to cylinder clearance, 4 ring piston part #380407, bottom of skirt.007 - .0095in.
ClearancePiston to cylinder clearance, 4 ring piston part #380407, top of piston.039 - .0425in.
ClearancePush rod length14.744 + 0.015in
ClearanceRocker arm running clearance0.002-0.004instandard
ClearanceRocker arm running clearance maximum0.0050inmaximum
ClearanceRocker arm to rocker arm shaft.002 - .004in.
ClearanceSide clearance 2nd ring, 3 ring piston part #380045.0035 - .0055in.
ClearanceSide clearance 2nd ring, 4 ring piston part #380407.001 - .0025in.
ClearanceSide clearance 3rd ring, 4 ring piston part #380407.0025 - .0035in.
ClearanceSide clearance oil control ring, 3 ring piston part #380045.001 - .003in.
ClearanceSide clearance oil control ring, 4 ring piston part #380407.001 - .003in.
ClearanceSide clearance top ring, 3 ring piston part #380045.0035 - .0055in.
ClearanceSide clearance top ring, 4 ring piston part #380407.001 - .0025in.
ClearanceTop of cylinder block to top of piston protrusion.01185 - .02775in.
ClearanceTop of liner cylinder block protrusion.0005 - .004in.
ClearanceValve guide clearance exhaust0.0021-0.0045instandard
ClearanceValve guide clearance exhaust maximum0.0057inmaximum
ClearanceValve guide clearance intake0.0015-0.0039instandard
ClearanceValve guide clearance intake maximum0.0045inmaximum
ClearanceValve lash exhaust.025in.Hot and cold
ClearanceValve lash intake.010in.Hot and cold
ClearanceValve lifter running clearance0.0033-0.0048instandard
ClearanceValve stem to guide exhaust.0048 - .0056in.
ClearanceValve stem to guide intake.0021 - .0039in.
Gap2nd ring gap at 4.5625, 3 ring piston part #380045.016 - .026in.
Gap2nd ring gap at 4.5625, 4 ring piston part #380407.013 - .023in.
Gap3rd ring gap at 4.5625, 4 ring piston part #380407.013 - .023in.
GapOil control ring gap at 4.562, 3 ring piston part #380045.016 - .026in.
GapOil control ring gap at 4.562, 4 ring piston part #380407.016 - .026in.

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
Coolant50/50 mixtureWater and antifreeze mixture; never run engine with coolant boiling
CoolantClean water or antifreeze solution7.5 Gal (including radiator)Use good commercial neutralizer; do not use oil, fuel oil or kerosene in cooling solution
Engine oil10W30For ambient temperature range minus 10°F to 50°F
Engine oil20W40For ambient temperature range 10°F to 60°F
Engine oilSAE 10WAPI CC or CD (MIL-L-2104B or C)22.0 Qts (w/filter)Single viscosity, low ash oil; ambient -10 to 30 F
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API CDMultigrade oils with CD Classification only; ambient -10 F and up
Engine oilSAE 20 - 20WAPI CC or CDAmbient 30 to 60 F
Engine oilSAE 20 Detergent oil, Series No. 1Break-in oil for new engine; use for at least 50 hours; change each 25 hours
Engine oilSAE 30API CC or CDAmbient 40 F and up
FuelDiesel fuel oilFlash point 125 F minimum; carbon residue 0.35 percent maximum; water and sediment 0.10 percent by volume maximum; ash 0.02 percent by weight maximum; distillation 90 percent point 640 maximum/540 minimum; viscosity at 100 F 2.0 centistokes minimum to 4.3 centistokes maximum; sulphur 1.0 percent maximum; cetane number 45 minimumMust be clean, completely distilled, stable and noncorrosive; cloud point should be 10 F below lowest expected fuel temperature
FuelNatural GasOctane rating 115-120; Btu/Ft LHV 900HD-5 propane: octane 95, 2400 Btu/Ft; digester gas: octane 115-120, 600 Btu/Ft; landfill gas: octane 115-120, 400-450 Btu/Ft

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

Procedures

12
Installing And Timing Roosa DM Pump adjustment

Tools: Torque wrench

  1. Spot vibration damper at proper degree mark before TDC No. 1 compression.
  2. Install new O-ring seal on pump attaching flange.
  3. Remove timing hole cover; rotate pump until timing marks register.
  4. Install pump to drive gear, aligning keyway.
  5. Install lockwasher and nuts on attaching studs.
  6. Install flat washer and nut on pump shaft; torque to 150 ft lbs.
  7. Recheck timing.
  8. Install drive gear cover plate and timing hole cover.
Altronic V ignition system installation installation

⚠ An improperly installed or operating ignition system may lead to improper engine operation which consequently could pose the threat of personal injury to operators or other nearby personnel.

Tools: timing light, clear silicone grease such as Dow Corning DC-200

  1. Set engine so No. 1 cylinder is at ignition firing point 20° BTDC.
  2. Remove oil fill cap and verify #2 Exh. rocker is in down position; if not, rotate engine 180°.
  3. Determine rotation of Altronic V unit (CW).
  4. Rotate drive coupling until red mark on shaft lines up with proper mark on housing.
  5. Mount unit to engine keeping red lines together as close as possible.
  6. If lines cannot meet, remove four back cover screws, pull back cover, rotate driven gear until marks line up.
  7. Reinstall cover engaging gears; securely tighten four fastening screws.
  8. Check final timing using timing light at idle speed; rotate unit CW to retard, CCW to advance.
  9. Mount ignition coils as close as possible to engine spark plugs; use only Altronic coils.
  10. Use clear silicone grease on all high tension connections and boots.
Timing box installation installation

⚠ Deviation from these installation instructions may lead to improper engine operation which could cause personal injury to operators or other nearby personnel.

Tools: 24 AWG conductor .032 inch insulation wire Altronic part no. 603 102

  1. Mount 581 603 unit so connections are protected from weather; maximum temperature exposure not exceeding 150°F (65°C).
  2. Use 24 AWG conductor, .032 inch insulation wire (Altronic part no. 603 102) for all connections.
  3. Keep leads from Altronic V unit to timing box under 25 feet (7.6m).
  4. Keep leads from timing box to switch or relay under 24 inches (610mm).
  5. Keep timing unit wiring separate from all other wiring; do not bundle.
  6. Ground case of 581 603 box to engine ground; do not connect directly to ignition system common coil ground.
  7. Consult application chart for V terminal; leave open-circuited or grounded per chart.
  8. For manual adjustable timing, install Altronic V with timing marks lined up and engine set 7 degrees advanced from most advanced desired timing; use timing adjustment screw.
  9. For two preset timing points, wire terminals A and B to switch or relay contacts; set advanced timing with contacts closed, then open contacts and set retarded timing with adjustment screw.
To install the oil pan installation
  1. Clean oil pan thoroughly; remove old gaskets from oil pan and cylinder block.
  2. Inspect inside of engine for loose nuts, screws, cotter pins, lock wires; tighten or replace.
  3. Cement new oil pan gasket to oil pan.
  4. Draw up all screws evenly and progressively.
  5. Install drain plugs.
  6. Install starter motor and connect cables.
  7. Refill with oil to correct level.
  8. Reinstall bayonet gauge assembly.
To install the oil pump installation
  1. Attach pump to bearing caps and securely bolt in place.
  2. Assemble suction and pressure lines to pump and securely fasten to engine with brackets.
  3. Install oil pan.
  4. Fill crankcase to proper level with correct grade of lubricating oil.
Priming The Fuel System -- Air Lock Trouble maintenance
  1. Loosen fuel filter vent cocks.
  2. Allow fuel from tank to flow into filter until solid fuel comes from vent cocks.
  3. Close vent cocks.
  4. Crank engine if necessary to permit priming pump to draw fuel.
To install the cylinder head maintenance

⚠ Do not use any sealants, aluminum paint etc., on this gasket.

⚠ Do not re-torque hot. If any seepage occurs, re-torque cold only.

  1. Ensure gasket surfaces are clean; install new cylinder head gasket.
  2. Step torque head cold: Step 1 110 ft. lbs.; Step 2 130 ft. lbs.; Step 3 157 ft. lbs.; Step 4 re-torque 157 ft. lbs.
  3. Do not use sealants or aluminum paint on gasket.
  4. Do not re-torque hot; if seepage occurs, re-torque cold only.
Starting The Engine The First Time operation
  1. Fill fuel tank with suitable fuel oil; bleed air from lines and filter.
  2. Fill cooling system with clean water or antifreeze.
  3. Fill crankcase to full mark with lubricating oil.
  4. Turn engine over three or four times with starter.
  5. Start engine by operating starting button.
  6. Allow engine to run several minutes before applying load.
To Install The Bellhousing repair
  1. Install new bellhousing gasket to cylinder block.
  2. Check mounting dowels tight and in good condition.
  3. Install bellhousing and torque nuts in sequence.
  4. Install rear motor support screws.
  5. Install flywheel.
  6. Install clutch or torque converter.
To Install The Connecting Rods repair
  1. Assemble connecting rod and piston; insert retaining rings.
  2. Inspect crankshaft and polish if rough.
  3. Install piston rings.
  4. Turn crankshaft to correct position.
  5. Apply lubricating oil to bores, pistons, rings, pin.
  6. Space piston rings so no two slots align.
  7. Compress rings and push piston into bore.
  8. Install bearing shells, cap, tighten cap screws, check side movement.
To Install The Flywheel And Indicate repair

Tools: Dial indicator

  1. Reverse removal instructions.
  2. Use indicator to check pilot bore concentricity.
  3. Attach indicator to check flywheel face.
  4. Install starting motor.
  5. Install clutch and transmission.
To Remove The Bellhousing repair
  1. Remove clutch or power take-off mechanism.
  2. Remove flywheel.
  3. Support rear of crankcase.
  4. Remove rear motor support screws.
  5. Remove bellhousing attaching stud nuts.
  6. Pull bellhousing away from engine.

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

Common questions

Which generators use the Hercules G4800 series engine?

The Hercules G4800 series powers 2 generator set(s), including Hercules G4800, Hercules GTA4800.

How often should you change the oil in the Hercules G4800 series?

The Hercules G4800 series oil change interval is every 500 hours.

What is a common problem with the Hercules G4800 series engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Hercules G4800 series is: SYSTEM HAS WEAK OR NO OUTPUT. Fix: Check stator (9) resistance - replace if defective - see 5.0 below. Check circuit board assembly (27) - replace if defective - see pg. 11..