Mitsubishi L3 Engine
The Mitsubishi L3 is a 0.95 L 3-cylinder natural engine rated at 1800 rpm, producing up to 8.4 kW. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the MLT6.
Also known as: Mitsubishi L3
Engine specifications
| Displacement | 0.95 L |
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| Cylinders | 3 |
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| Aspiration | Natural |
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| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
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| Gross power | 8 kW |
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Common problems
15- Water pump failure
Fix: Contact a GMASD to replace. - Unit cranks but does not start
Cause: Low fuel level
Fix: Check fuel level in tank. Verify fuel pump operation. - PAS engaged
Fix: Verify PAS is off. - Oil pressure switch failure
Fix: Refer to OEM engine operator’s manual to identify corrective action. - Oil leaking from engine
Fix: Inspect the engine for leaks. - Mast lights off, checking outside the control box
Cause: Light fixture is too hot
Fix: Allow light to cool 10–15 minutes before restarting. - Mast lights off, checking inside the control box
Cause: Loose lighting connections
Fix: Inspect the connections inside the control box. - Low oil pressure shutdown
Cause: Low oil level
Fix: Verify oil level on dipstick. Add oil, if needed. - Incorrect mix/frozen radiator
Fix: Thaw the radiator with an external heat source and flush the coolant system with the correct coolant mixture. - High coolant temperature shutdown
Cause: Low coolant level
Fix: Add coolant if needed. Allow engine to cool, then check coolant level in radiator. Restart engine and check coolant temperature. Stop engine immediately if coolant temperature is 210 °F (99 °C) or more. - Generator output incorrect
Cause: Check the incoming voltage to the ballast driver by checking the available voltage on the GFCI receptacle. Incoming voltage should be 120V ± 5V.
Fix: If voltage is incorrect, the generator may require service. - Faulty thermostat
Fix: Contact a GMASD to replace. - Faulty generator capacitor
Fix: Measure the capacitance of the generator capacitor. If measurement is outside rating (as indicated on the capacitor), replace the capacitor. - Faulty fuel filter
Fix: With engine running and lights off, measure voltage and frequency at the GFCI receptacle. Voltage should indicate 120VAC ± 5%, and frequency should indicate 60.7 Hz ± 5%. If frequency and voltage are both low (<114VAC, <58 Hz), replace the fuel filter. - Engine down 000192
Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Mitsubishi L3.
Service intervals
10| Item | Action | Hours | Months | Notes |
|---|
| Battery condition | Inspect | 1 hr | | Mitsubishi schedule |
| Leveling jacks | Lubricate | 1 hr | | As required (Mitsubishi) / 750 hr (Kubota) |
| Belt and belt tension | Adjust | 750 hr | | First service — First 50 Hr (Mitsubishi) |
| Load Bank Resistor resistance | Test | 750 hr | | 30 Ohm ± 10% (Mitsubishi) |
| Oil | Change | 1000 hr | | MLT6SMDS, MLT6SMD, MLT6SK, MLT6SM |
| Oil filter | Replace | 1000 hr | | First service — Maximum service interval |
| Wheel bearing lubrication | Lubricate | | 12 mo | or 12,000 miles (19,312 km) |
| Wheel bearing play check | Check | | 6 mo | Jack up trailer and check for play |
| Winch brake assembly | Clean | | 6 mo | Semi-annually; clean and grease |
| Winch motor brushes | Inspect | | 6 mo | Semi-annually |
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
5| Type | Item | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|
| Other | Load Bank Resistor resistance | 30 | Ohm ± 10% | |
| Torque | Wheel lug nuts, first pass | 20-25 | ft-lbs (27-33 Nm) | first pass |
| Torque | Wheel lug nuts, second pass | 50-60 | ft-lbs (67-81 Nm) | second pass |
| Torque | Wheel lug nuts, third pass | 90-120 | ft-lbs (122-162 Nm) | third pass |
| Voltage | Battery voltage screen normal reading | 12-14 | V | 12 volt systems, engine running |
Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.
Procedures
5Test the PAS diagnostic
- Pull the T-handle (valve must be open before testing) OR press the emergency stop button
- Confirm valve closed by verifying knob rotated perpendicular to pipe centerline
Changing the Engine Oil maintenance
⚠ Allow engine to cool before draining oil or coolant
- Ensure ATS/engine switches OFF before maintenance
- Shut down lights and engine
Lubricating Trailer Wheel Bearings maintenance
Tools: grease gun
- Remove rubber plug from metal end cap
- Attach grease gun fitting to Zerk fitting
- Pump grease until fresh grease visible at nozzle
- Wipe excess grease and replace rubber plug
Raising the Mast—Manual Winch operation
⚠ Do not extend mast beyond colored mark
⚠ Stop immediately if mast hangs up or cable develops slack
- Set up and level the unit
- Inspect mast cables for wear/damage; verify centered in pulleys
- Rotate mast to desired direction using rotation knob
- Rotate winch to slowly extend mast until colored mark on second section is visible
Starting the Unit (Key Switch Models) operation
⚠ Do not continuously crank engine for more than ten seconds
- Verify main circuit breaker and light breaker are OFF
- Turn key to GLOW PLUG position, hold 5 sec (15 sec max)
- Turn key to START position, hold (10 sec max) until engine starts
- Release key; it moves to RUN position
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
13Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.
Also used in
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- New Holland E18SR — Excavator Compact
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC13 — Excavator Tracked
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- Volvo Construction Equipment EC15 — Excavator Tracked
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC15 XT — Excavator Tracked
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC15 XTV — Excavator Tracked
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC15B XT — Excavator Tracked
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC15B XTV — Excavator Tracked
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 Mitsubishi L3?
The Mitsubishi L3 has a displacement of 0.95 liters with 3 cylinders.
Which generators use the Mitsubishi L3 engine?
The Mitsubishi L3 powers 1 generator set(s), including Generac MLT6.
What is a common problem with the Mitsubishi L3 engine?
A commonly reported issue on generators using the Mitsubishi L3 is: Water pump failure. Fix: Contact a GMASD to replace..