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
11- High coolant temperature shutdown
Cause: Low coolant level
Fix: Allow engine to cool, then check coolant level in radiator. Add coolant if needed - Unit cranks, but will not start
Cause: Low fuel level
Fix: Verify fuel level in tank - Mast lights off, checking outside the control box
Cause: Light fixture is too hot
Fix: Allow light to cool 10–15 minutes before restarting. - Low oil pressure shutdown
Cause: Low oil level
Fix: Check oil level. Add oil if necessary - Unit starts, but stumbles and dies
Cause: Low ambient temperature
Fix: Verify if ambient temperature is within unit limits - Unit cranks but does not start
Cause: Low fuel level
Fix: Check fuel level in tank. Verify fuel pump operation. - The lights are flashing
Cause: Dusk-to-dawn sensor adjustment needed
Fix: Adjust the dusk-to-dawn sensor according to Dusk to Dawn Sensor - One or more lights do not turn on
Cause: Light breaker tripped
Fix: Inspect light breakers - Mast lights off, checking inside the control box
Cause: Loose lighting connections
Fix: Inspect the connections inside the control box. - Unit stalls when export power is used
Cause: Load exceeds unit rating
Fix: Turn outlet breaker ON and load sense switch OFF, confirm generator output is 60 Hz ± 2 Hz. Reapply load - Fail to Start — engine does not start and run within three starting cycles; LCD screen displays the "Fail to Start" alarm Fail to Start
Fix: The starting sequence can be repeated after the starter cools for at least two minutes. Pressing the Stop (O) button will clear the alarm and reset the controller.
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
12- Caterpillar 301.6C — Excavator Tracked
- Caterpillar 301.8C — Excavator Tracked
- New Holland E16B — Excavator Compact
- New Holland E18B — Excavator Compact
- New Holland E18SR — Excavator Compact
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC13 — Excavator Tracked
- Volvo Construction Equipment EC14 — Excavator Tracked
- 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: High coolant temperature shutdown. Cause: Low coolant level. Fix: Allow engine to cool, then check coolant level in radiator. Add coolant if needed.