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John Deere PE4024TF281 Engine

Name: John Deere PE4024TF281 Engine
Brand: John Deere

The John Deere PE4024TF281 is a 2.4 L 4-cylinder liquid cooled, 4-stroke engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 36 kW. It powers generator sets from Magnum, including the MMG35D, MMG35FH and MMG35FHDCAN6. It holds 8 L (2.1 gal) of oil and 15.1 L (4.0 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: John Deere PE4024TF281

2.4 L

Displacement

Cylinders

1800 rpm

Rated speed

36 kW

Gross power

On this pageSpecs Generator sets Maintenance FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fault codes Procedures Wiring

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	8.0 L
Coolant capacity	15.1 L
Displacement	2.4 L
Cylinders	4
Aspiration	liquid cooled, 4-stroke
Rated speed	1800 rpm
Gross power	36 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

Magnum MMG35D Magnum MMG35FH Magnum MMG35FHDCAN6

How to read your John Deere engine serial & model number →

Common problems

The door covering the customer connection lugs/cam lock receptacles is opened. null
Overspeed or Underspeed Shut down
Fix: Disconnect all loads and restart the generator. Read the frequency (Hz) on the LCD display. With no loads on the generator, the frequency should read 60.0 Hz. If the frequency is above or below 60.0 Hz, the engine speed will have to be adjusted. See the engine manual for throttle adjustments on mechanically governed units and see the electronic governor manual for electronically controlled units.
Overcrank Shut down
Fix: Check the fuel level in the tank. Check for proper operation of the fuel pump. Check air filter for blockage. If the engine will not start, consult the engine operation and maintenance manual for additional information on troubleshooting starting problems.
LOW OIL PRESSURE SHUT DOWN
Cause: Oil pressure is less than 20 psi (138 kPa).
Fix: Check the engine oil level with a dipstick. Visually inspect for oil leaks. If oil level is good, restart and verify oil pressure within five seconds. Check the oil pressure sender.
LOW FUEL LEVEL SHUT DOWN
Cause: Fuel level is low or fuel tank has leaks.
Fix: Check the fuel level on the LCD window. Ensure no leaks in the fuel tank. Check the fuel level sender and connecting wiring for damage.
LOW COOLANT LEVEL SHUT DOWN
Cause: Coolant level in the radiator is low.
Fix: Allow engine to cool. Check coolant level in the radiator. Access the radiator cap by removing the access panel from the top of the enclosure.
High Coolant Temperature Shut down
Fix: Check the coolant level in the overflow jug. Restart the engine and read the coolant temperature to verify High Coolant Temperature Shut down. Stop the engine immediately if the coolant temperature is 230°F (110°C) or more. Allow the engine to cool. Add coolant to the overflow jug if it is low and then check the level of coolant in the radiator. To access the radiator cap, you must remove the access panel from the top of the enclosure directly above the radiator. Add coolant until it is 3/4” below the filler neck. Secure the radiator cap back into its original position. Check the radiator shroud and ducting for blockage and remove any foreign matter. Inspect coolant hoses, engine block and water pump for visible leaks.
ECU alarm FailureCode FC
Shutdown Generator Line 3 Voltage Irregularity Sd Gen L3 <V
Shutdown Generator Line 2 Voltage Irregularity Sd Gen L2 <V
Shutdown Generator Line 1 Voltage Irregularity Sd Gen L1 <V
OVERSPEED OR UNDERSPEED SHUTDOWN
Cause: Engine speed is above or below 60.0 Hz.
Fix: Disconnect all loads and check engine speed with no load, adjust throttle as needed.
OVERCRANK SHUTDOWN
Cause: Engine will not start.
Fix: Check fuel level, check fuel pump operation, clean air filter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE SHUTDOWN
Cause: Oil level is low or engine has oil leaks.
Fix: Check the oil level, visually inspect the engine for leaks, check the oil pressure sender.
LOW FUEL LEVEL SHUTDOWN
Cause: Fuel level is low, fuel tank has leaks, or fuel level sender and wiring are damaged.
Fix: Check the fuel level, check for leaks, inspect the fuel level sender and wiring.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the John Deere PE4024TF281.

Maintenance schedule

Item	Spec	Part #	Interval
Air filter		—
Fuel filter		—	500 hr
Oil filter		—	250 hr
Battery		—	500 hr
Belt		—	2000 hr
Coolant	Change the oil and oil filter after the first 100 hours, then every 250 hours.	—	250 hr
Coolant filter	AfterCool, Cooling, Cranking, EmergMan, Init, Loaded, Not Ready, Pause, Prestart, Ready, Running, Shutdown, Starting, Stop	—
Oil	Change the oil and oil filter after the first 100 hours, then every 250 hours.	—	250 hr
Spark plug		—

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

Service intervals

Item	Action	Hours	Months	Notes
Engine oil and oil filter	Change	100 hr		First service — Kubota: change after the initial 50 hours of operation, then at the appropriate interval thereafter
Oil filter cartridge	Replace	50 hr		First service — Kubota engine schedule (initial 50 hours, then at appropriate interval)
Maintenance reminder (Time to Service)	Other	250 hr		WrnMaintenance set at 250 hours of engine running time
Wheel bearings, trailer	Lubricate		12 mo	Minimum recommended lubrication every 12 months or 12,000 miles (19,312 km)

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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Other	Altitude derating	2-4	% per 1000 ft (305 m)	plus 1% per 10°F (3-5°C) above 72°F (22.2°C)
Other	Fuel level shut down setpoint	5	%	Sd Fuel Level setpoint
Other	Fuel level warning setpoint	15	%	Wrn Fuel Level setpoint
Other	Maintenance (Time to Service) interval	250	hours	engine running time
Other	Starter cool-down after failed crank	120	seconds	minimum two minutes before repeating start sequence
Other	V Detect time delay	45	seconds	before controller records generator nominal output voltage
Other	Voltage tolerance vs. selector switch setting	10	%	greater deviation causes shut down
Pressure	Engine oil pressure (normal operating)	35-80	psi	(241-552 kPa)
Pressure	Engine oil pressure shut down setpoint	20	psi	(138 kPa) engine controller shuts engine down below this
Pressure	Oil pressure after restart	5	psi	must read within five seconds (34 kPa)
Pressure	Oil pressure display range	0-100	psi	(10-689 kPa)
Speed	Engine operating speed	1800	rpm
Speed	Generator output frequency (no load)	60	Hz	no loads connected
Temperature	Ambient air temperature maximum for operation	120	°F	(49°C)
Temperature	Coolant temperature display minimum	100	°F	(38°C); zero displayed until reached
Temperature	Engine coolant temperature shut down	230	°F	(110°C)
Temperature	Viscous fan clutch temperature range	170-200	°F	(77-93°C) varies by unit model
Torque	Generator drive plate bolts	46	ft-lbs	(49 Nm)
Torque	Trailer wheel lug nuts - first pass	20-25	ft-lbs	(27-33 Nm)
Torque	Trailer wheel lug nuts - second pass	50-60	ft-lbs	(67-81 Nm)
Torque	Trailer wheel lug nuts - third pass	90-120	ft-lbs	(122-162 Nm)
Voltage	Battery voltage (engine running, 12 volt systems)	13-14	V	engine running
Voltage	Battery voltage (engine running, 24 volt systems)	24-26	V	engine running
Voltage	Voltage regulation	+/- 1	%

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

Fault codes

Code	Name	Meaning	Severity	Action
AnInIOM Sd	Analog Input IOM Shutdown	Shutdown alarm configurable on the input of IG-IOM/IGS-PTM.	Shutdown
AnInIOM Wrn	Analog Input IOM Warning	Warning alarm configurable on the input of IG-IOM/IGS-PTM.	Warning
Battery Flat	Battery Flat (low battery)	If the controller switches off during starting sequence due to bad battery condition, it doesn't try to start again and activates this protection.	Shutdown
Binary Input	Binary Input	Configurable warning/shutdown alarms on the inputs of IL-NT.
ChrgAlternFail	Charge Alternator Fail	Failure of the alternator to charge the battery.	Warning
EmergencyStop	Emergency Stop	If the input Emergency Stop is opened or the red E-Stop button is pushed, shutdown is immediately activated.	Shutdown
Engine Temp Sd	Engine Temperature Shutdown	Water temperature is greater than Sd Water Temp setpoint.	Shutdown
Engine Temp Wrn	Engine Temperature Warning	Water temperature is greater than Wrn Water Temp setpoint.	Warning
Fgen<, >	Generator Frequency Out of Limits	The generator frequency is out of limits given by Gen >f and Gen <f setpoints.	Shutdown
Fuel Level Sd	Fuel Level Shutdown	Fuel level is smaller than Sd Fuel Level setpoint (5%).	Shutdown
Fuel Level Wrn	Fuel Level Warning	Fuel level is smaller than Wrn Fuel Level setpoint (15%).	Warning
GCB fail	Generator Circuit Breaker Fail	Failure of the generator circuit breaker.	Shutdown
Igen unbl	Generator Current Unbalanced	The generator current is unbalanced.	Shutdown
Low BackupBatt	Low Backup Battery	RTC backup battery is flat (low).	Warning
Oil Press Sd	Oil Pressure Shutdown	Oil pressure is smaller than Oil Press Sd setpoint.	Shutdown
Oil Press Wrn	Oil Pressure Warning	Oil pressure is smaller than Oil Press Wrn setpoint.	Warning
Overload	Overload	The load is greater than the value given by Overload setpoint.	Shutdown
Overspeed	Overspeed	The protection comes active if the speed is greater than Overspeed setpoint.	Shutdown
ParamFail	Parameter Fail	Wrong checksum of parameters. Happens typically after downloading new firmware or changing of the parameter. The controller stays in INIT mode. Check all parameters, write at least one new parameter.		Check all parameters; write at least one new parameter
PickupFault	Pickup Fault	Failure of the magnetic pick-up sensor for speed measurement.	Shutdown
SPN:100	EngOil Press	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter (SPN shown as FC on bottom left of LCD).		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:102	Boost Press	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:105	Intake Temp	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:110	EngCool Temp	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:1485	ECU MainRelay	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:175	EngOil Temp	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter; oil temp always displays #####.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:629	Controller #1	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:636	PositionSensor	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:637	TimingSensor	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:651	InjectorCyl#1	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:652	InjectorCyl#2	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:653	InjectorCyl#3	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:654	InjectorCyl#4	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:655	InjectorCyl#5	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:656	InjectorCyl#6	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
SPN:677	EngStartRelay	John Deere ECU alarm list parameter.		Refer to John Deere Operator's Manual
Sd IOM fail	IOM Fail	IOM/IGS-PTM module failure.	Shutdown
SprinkIActive	Sprinkler Active	The protection is active if the output Sprinkler is closed.	Warning
Start failed	Start Failed	Unit did not start.	Shutdown	After starter cools two minutes, press FAULT RESET and retry
Stop fail	Stop Fail	Unit did not stop.	Shutdown
Ubat	Battery Voltage Out of Limits	Battery voltage is out of limits given by Batt Undervolt setpoints.	Warning
Underspeed	Underspeed	During starting of the engine, when the RPM reaches the value of Starting RPM setpoint, the starter is switched off and the speed of the engine can drop under Start RPM again. Then the underspeed protection becomes active. Protection evaluation starts 5 seconds after start up.	Shutdown
Vgen unbal	Generator Voltage Unbalanced	The generator voltage is unbalanced more than the value of Volt unbal setpoint.	Shutdown
Vgen<, >	Generator Voltage Out of Limits	The generator voltage is out of limits given by Gen <V and Gen <V setpoints.	Shutdown
Wrn ECU Alarm	ECU Alarm Warning	ECU alarm list is not empty.	Warning	View ECU Alarm List; resolve fault and clear code
Wrn RA15 fail	RA15 Module Failure Warning	Warning alarm in case of lost connection to IGL=RA15 module.	Warning
WrnMaintenance	Maintenance Warning	The period for servicing is set by the WrnMaintenance setpoint. The protection comes active if the running hours of the engine reach this value.	Warning	Service unit and reset Time to Service to 250 hours

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

Procedures

Adjusting the Display Backlighting adjustment

Press and hold ENTER.
Press the up or down arrow on the Diagnostics keypad to increase or decrease brightness.
Release the ENTER button when the desired brightness is attained.

Checking Generator Drive Plate Torque maintenance

Tools: Torque wrench

Disconnect the engine starting battery.
Remove the generator fan guard.
Torque each of the drive plate bolts to 46 ft-lbs (49 Nm).
Reinstall the generator fan guard. Reconnect the battery.

Lubricating Trailer Wheel Bearings maintenance

Tools: Grease gun with standard fitting

Remove the small rubber plug on the grease cap.
Attach a standard grease gun fitting to the grease zerk fitting.
Pump grease into the fitting until new grease is visible around the nozzle.
Use only high quality grease made for wheel bearing lubrication.
Wipe excess grease from the hub with a clean cloth.
Replace the rubber plug when finished.

Resetting the Time to Service Reminder maintenance

⚠ An '*' on the LCD means the setpoint cannot be changed without a password. Contact Technical Support.

With unit shut down, power up the controller with the Control On/Off toggle switch.
Press PAGE SELECT; text list appears with cursor at Password.
Press down arrow to move cursor to the Engine Protect line.
Press ENTER; WrnMaintenance appears at top left.
Press ENTER; current run time hours appear.
Press up arrow to reset the current run time hour setting to 250.
Press ENTER to save the setting.
Move the CONTROL ON/I toggle switch to CONTROL OFF/O.

AUTO (Remote) Starting of the Generator operation

⚠ Verify contacts on any remote switch are OPEN before pressing AUTO.

Tools: Jumper wire, minimum 16 gauge

Perform a manual start at least once to verify engine operation.
If checking the remote start circuit, remove wires from the remote start terminal block.
Press the AUTO button; LCD highlights AUTO.
Attach a jumper wire (minimum 16 gauge) across the two remote start terminals.
Engine should crank, start and run.
Remove the jumper wire; engine will stop. Reconnect transfer switch wires.
Close the main circuit breaker (ON/I).
Secure the generator by closing and locking all access doors.

Auto Exercise Timer Setup operation

⚠ The controller must be in AUTO mode to run at the programmed time.

⚠ Use a trickle battery charger or solarizer to prevent the controller from draining the battery while in AUTO mode.

Press PAGE SELECT until Password appears at top of screen.
Press down arrow until Date/Time is selected and press ENTER.
Press down arrow until Timer1 Repeat is selected and press ENTER.
Choose the day or days the unit should run and press ENTER.
Select Timer1 ON Time, adjust start time, and press ENTER.
Select Timer1Duration, adjust run length, and press ENTER.
Press PAGE SELECT three times to return to the main menu.
Press the AUTO button to switch modes to automatic.

Auxiliary Fuel Tank Option Operation operation

Shut down the unit and check the internal tank fuel level is above five percent.
Attach auxiliary tank fuel lines to the AUXILIARY FUEL INLET and AUXILIARY FUEL OUTLET fittings.
Open the AUXILIARY FUEL INLET and OUTLET valves inside the right front door.

Fuel Transfer Pump Option Operation operation

Shut down the unit (not required if external bulk supply is already connected).
Attach the external bulk fuel supply to the FUEL TRANSFER INLET fitting.
Turn on the Fuel Transfer Switch.

Manual Starting of the Generator operation

⚠ CARBON MONOXIDE: USING A GENERATOR INDOORS CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES!

⚠ NEVER start the unit under load; breakers must be OFF in MANUAL mode.

Tools: Flat head screwdriver

Move the CONTROL ON/OFF toggle switch to the CONTROL ON/I position.
LCD indicates MAN mode and Ready; Ready/Manual LED lit.
Press the green ENGINE START button; prestart countdown begins (20 seconds).
Engine cranks and starts; Running screen displays.
Allow the 45 second V Detect countdown to complete.
Check for excessive noise, vibration, coolant, oil, or fuel leaks.
Verify AC output voltage and frequency are correct (about 60 Hz no load).
Switch main circuit breaker ON, then add convenience outlet loads.

Pre-Start Check List operation

⚠ This check list applies to both manual and remote starting of the generator.

Read and understand ALL safety sections.
Make sure the control ON/OFF toggle switch is in the OFF (O) position.
Make sure the main and convenience circuit breakers are switched OFF (O).
Check the generator is properly grounded to a good earthen ground.
Check all electrical connections at the connection lugs are wired correctly and tight.
Check the voltage selector switch is set to the desired voltage and is locked.
Check oil, coolant, and fuel levels and engine battery connections.
Check engine fan belt tension and condition, and exhaust system components.

Shutting Down the Generator operation

Notify personnel using generator power that power will be turned off.
Remove all loads by opening all circuit breakers (OFF/O).
Let the engine run about five minutes to cool down.
Push the red ENGINE STOP button.
Move the CONTROL ON/OFF toggle switch to CONTROL OFF/O.
For extended storage time, disconnect the battery.

Towing the Trailer operation

⚠ NEVER tow trailer using defective parts!

Use the jack to raise or lower the trailer onto the hitch of the towing vehicle; lock the hitch coupling.
Attach the safety chains or cables; rotate the jack into travel position and secure the locking pin.
Connect trailer wiring to the tow vehicle; check stop and signal lights.
Make sure all doors are closed and secure.
Check for proper inflation of the trailer tires.
Check the wheel lugs; tighten or replace any loose or missing.
Check the weight of the trailer is equal across all tires.

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

Voltage	Phase	Connection	Leads	Notes
120	3	Dedicated 12 lead generator - LOW DELTA	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option
208/120	3	3 Position Voltage Selector Switch - 208/120V 3-PHASE	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	L1-L2=208V, L1-N=120V; L2-L3=208V, L2-N=120V; L3-L1=208V, L3-N=120V
208/120	3	4 Position Voltage Selector Switch option - 208/120V 3-PHASE		Without convenience outlet buck transformer: GFCI outlets 120V, twist-lock outlets 120/208V
208/120	3	Dedicated 12 lead generator - LOW WYE	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option
240/120	1	3 Position Voltage Selector Switch - 240/120V 1-PHASE	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	L1-L3=240V; L1-N=120V; L3-N=120V; L2-N = -------
240/120	1	4 Position Voltage Selector Switch option - 240/120V 1-PHASE		GFCI outlets 120V; twist-lock outlets 120/240V
240/120	1	Dedicated 12 lead generator - LOW ZIG ZAG	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option
240/120	3	4 Position Voltage Selector Switch option - 240/120V 3-PHASE (DELTA)		GFCI outlets 120V; TWIST-LOCK OUTLETS SHOULD NOT BE USED
240/120	3	Dedicated 12 lead generator - HIGH DELTA	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option
480/240	1	Dedicated 12 lead generator - HIGH ZIG ZAG	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option
480/277	3	3 Position Voltage Selector Switch - 480/277V 3-PHASE	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	L1-L2=480V, L1-N=277V; L2-L3=480V, L2-N=277V; L3-L1=480V, L3-N=277V
480/277	3	4 Position Voltage Selector Switch option - 480/277V 3-PHASE		Without convenience outlet buck transformer: GFCI outlets 139V, twist-lock outlets 240/139V
480/277	3	Dedicated 12 lead generator - HIGH WYE	T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6,T7,T8,T9,T10,T11,T12	Wiring block diagram - dedicated 12 lead generators option

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

What is the oil capacity of the John Deere PE4024TF281?

The John Deere PE4024TF281 engine has an oil capacity of 8.0 liters.

What is the displacement of the John Deere PE4024TF281?

The John Deere PE4024TF281 has a displacement of 2.4 liters with 4 cylinders.

Which generators use the John Deere PE4024TF281 engine?

The John Deere PE4024TF281 powers 3 generator set(s), including Magnum MMG35D, Magnum MMG35FH, Magnum MMG35FHDCAN6.

How often should you change the oil in the John Deere PE4024TF281?

The John Deere PE4024TF281 oil change interval is every 250 hours.

What is a common problem with the John Deere PE4024TF281 engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the John Deere PE4024TF281 is: The door covering the customer connection lugs/cam lock receptacles is opened..