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Mitsubishi MVL3E Engine

Name: Mitsubishi MVL3E Engine
Brand: Mitsubishi

The Mitsubishi MVL3E is a 0.95 L diesel, liquid cooled, 4-stroke engine rated at 1800 rpm. It powers generator sets from Generac, including the MLT4060.

Also known as: Mitsubishi MVL3E

0.95 L

Displacement

1800 rpm

Rated speed

On this pageSpecs Generator sets Maintenance FAQ Service intervals Torque & specs Fluids Procedures

Engine specifications

Displacement	0.95 L
Aspiration	Diesel, liquid cooled, 4-stroke
Rated speed	1800 rpm

Generator sets powered by this engine

Generac MLT4060

How to read your Mitsubishi engine serial & model number →

Common problems

Water Sedimenter - Drain Water
Fix: Drain Water From Water Sediment Separator
Unit cranks, but will not start
Cause: Fuel level low
Fix: Check fuel level in tank. Verify fuel pump operation.
Unit cranks but does not start
Cause: Fuel level low
Fix: Check fuel level in tank. Verify fuel pump operation.
Transformer output low
Fix: Verify voltage from transformer: When a bulb strikes (induces an arc), transformer voltage should be approximately 400 VAC. Next, voltage should drop, slowly rise, then stabilize at 240–260 VAC. On hard-wired models, remove mast junction box cover and insert wire probes into the connector blocks of the light and ground. If correct voltage is not achieved, check the capacitor to determine if capacitor or coil must be replaced.
Restricted air filter
Fix: Inspect air filter for blockage. Refer to OEM engine operator’s manual for additional information.
Overspeed or Underspeed Shutdown
Cause: Frequency setting incorrect
Fix: Disconnect all loads and restart unit. Read frequency (Hz) in the LCD window on controller. Frequency should read 60 Hz. If frequency is above 60 Hz, engine speed will need to be adjusted. Refer to the engine operator’s manual for throttle adjustment information.
Oil pressure switch failure
Fix: Refer to OEM engine operator’s manual to identify corrective action.
Oil leaking from engine
Fix: Visually inspect the engine for leaks.
Mast lights ON, low light output
Cause: Fixture and/or lens is dirty Lamp worn due to normal use Damaged or loose electrical connections Generator output incorrect Low transformer output
Fix: Clean reflective surface inside fixture and both inside and outside surface of glass lens. Use mild soap and water to clean lens. Other chemicals may have an adverse effect on the glass. Replace lamp. Check the mast coil cord, mast junction box and mast light connections. Check the incoming voltage to the ballast. Incoming voltage should be 120V ±5V. If the voltage is incorrect, the engine speed may need to be adjusted or the generator may require service. The voltage from the transformer should read approximately 400VAC as the light “strikes” (induces an arc), then drop and slowly rise back up to stabilize at 240-260VAC. On hard wired models, remove the mast junction box cover and insert the wire probes into the connector blocks for the light and ground. If proper voltage is not achieved, perform capacitor check to determine if the capacitor or coil needs to be replaced.
Mast Lights On But the Light Output is Low
Cause: Fixture and/or lens is dirty
Fix: Clean reflective surface inside fixture and both inside and outside surface of glass lens. Use mild soap and water to clean lens. Other chemicals may have an adverse effect on the glass.
Mast Lights ON but light output low
Cause: Fixture and/or lens is dirty
Fix: Clean components: • Reflective surface of light fixture • Inside and outside surface of glass lens IMPORTANT NOTE: Clean components only with mild soap and water. Other chemicals may damage surfaces and glass.
Mast lights off, checking outside control box
Cause: Light fixture too hot
Fix: Allow light fixture to cool 10–15 minutes before restarting.
Mast lights off, checking inside control box
Cause: Lighting connections loose
Fix: Check connections inside control box.
Mast Lights Off, but Ballast Indicators on Control Panel are On
Cause: Light fixture is too hot
Fix: Allow light to cool 10-15 minutes before restarting.
Mast lights OFF, ballast indicators ON
Cause: Light fixture is too hot Faulty lamp connection Lamp broken Loose lighting connections Damaged or loose electrical cord
Fix: Allow light to cool 10-15 minutes before restarting. Check that the lamp is tight in the socket. Check for broken arc tube or outer lamp jacket, broken or loose components in lamp envelope, or blackening/deposits inside tube. Check the connections inside the mast junction box and each mast light housing/socket. Check the mast electrical cord for damage and check the cord connections inside the control box.

Compiled from service & troubleshooting documentation across every generator set that uses the Mitsubishi MVL3E.

Maintenance schedule

Item	Part #	Interval
Air filter	—
Fuel filter	—	250 hr
Oil filter	—
Battery	—
Belt	—
Coolant	—
Oil	—	50 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
Coolant level	Check	8 hr		Daily or before use
Electrical connections	Check	8 hr		Daily or before use
Fuel level	Check	8 hr		Daily or before use
Oil level	Check	8 hr		Daily or before use
Tire pressure	Check	8 hr		Daily or before use
Engine bolts and nuts	Adjust	50 hr		First service — Initial 50 hours
Engine oil and oil filter	Change	50 hr		First service — Change after the initial 50 hours of operation, then at the appropriate regularly scheduled interval thereafter
Engine oil and oil filter	Replace	50 hr		First service — Initial 50 hours, then yearly or 100 hours
Replace engine oil and oil filter	Change	50 hr		First service — Mitsubishi engine, after initial 50 hours, then at regular interval thereafter
Air cleaner	Check	250 hr		Inspect
Fuel filter	Replace	250 hr
Belt and belt tension	Inspect	400 hr		Inspect and adjust
Fuel tank	Drain	400 hr		Drain water from fuel tank
Glow plugs	Check	500 hr		Diesel engines
Leveling jacks	Lubricate	750 hr
Air cleaner element	Replace		12 mo	Replace yearly, or after six cleanings, whichever occurs first (Mitsubishi engine guide)
Jack Maintenance (lubricate gearing/handle)	Lubricate		12 mo	Perform at least annually
Replace air cleaner element	Replace		12 mo	Kubota engine: yearly, or after six cleanings, whichever occurs first
Trailer Wheel Bearings Lubrication	Lubricate		12 mo	Minimum every 12 months or 12,000 miles (19,312 km)
Trailer wheel bearings	Lubricate		12 mo	Minimum recommended lubrication is every 12 months or 12,000 miles (19,312 km)
Winch brake assembly	Clean		6 mo	Clean and grease brake assembly per winch preventive maintenance schedule (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

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Pressure	Engine oil pressure, normal operating	35-80	psi (241-552 kPa)	engine running
Temperature	Engine coolant temperature, normal operating	100-230	°F (38-110°C)	engine running
Temperature	High Coolant Temperature Shutdown Threshold	210	°F	99°C
Torque	Wheel lug nuts, first pass	20-25	ft-lb (27-33 Nm)	first pass
Torque	Wheel lug nuts, second pass	50-60	ft-lb (67-81 Nm)	second pass
Torque	Wheel lug nuts, third pass	90-120	ft-lb (122-162 Nm)	third pass
Voltage	Engine/DC battery voltage (VBAT)	13.5-15	V	12-volt system, engine running
Voltage	GFCI Outlet / Ballast Supply Voltage	120 ±5	V
Voltage	Transformer Stabilized Voltage	240-260	VAC	after strike, drops then rises and stabilizes
Voltage	Transformer Strike Voltage	approximately 400	VAC	when bulb strikes/induces an arc

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

Fluid	Grade	Standard	Ambient	Capacity	Notes
Coolant	50% glycol, 50% water		below 49°C		Standard mixture; 60/40 and heated options available for cold weather
Coolant	50% glycol, 50% water or 60% glycol, 40% water		below 49°C		Liquid cooled engines with standard 50/50 mixture or optional cold-weather 60/40 configuration
Coolant	50/50 glycol/water or 60/40		below 49°C		Liquid cooled diesel engines
Coolant	40% water / 60% antifreeze		above -36°C		Freezing point -34°F (-36°C); maximum freeze protection is 60% antifreeze
Coolant	50% water / 50% antifreeze		above -24°C		Freezing point -12°F (-24°C); mix demineralized/distilled water with coolant, not hard water
Engine oil	SAE 0W-20 Synthetic		below -18°C		For use below -0°F / -18°C
Engine oil	SAE 10W				From engine oil viscosity chart decal
Engine oil	SAE 15W-40				From engine oil viscosity chart decal
Engine oil	SAE 30W				From engine oil viscosity chart decal
Engine oil	SAE 40W				From engine oil viscosity chart decal
Fuel	No. 2D diesel (above freezing) / No. 1D diesel (at or below freezing); climatized 1D/2D mix also usable in some areas	Ultra-low-sulfur diesel only			Do NOT use home heating oil or bio-diesel fuel
Fuel	Ultra-low-sulfur diesel No. 1D or No. 2D				No. 1D when at or below freezing; No. 2D when above freezing; climatized fuel acceptable
Fuel	Ultra-low-sulfur diesel; No. 1D below freezing, No. 2D above freezing (climatized 1D/2D blend acceptable in some areas)			216.0 L	DO NOT use home heating oil or bio-diesel fuel

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

Procedures

Jack Maintenance maintenance

Apply automotive grease to internal gearing via jack cover or grease fitting near crank (side-wind models)
Rotate jack handle to distribute grease evenly
Apply lightweight oil to handle unit at both sides of tube (side-wind models)
Lubricate caster wheel axle bolt/nut assembly with lightweight oil if equipped
Apply lightweight oil to screw stem (top-wind models)

RPM Quick Drain maintenance

Tools: RPM Quick Drain system hardware

Convenient - no need to reach under machines
Purges and extracts from the sump
Evacuates sump directly to final containment via zero leak quick disconnect
No spills, dripping filters, drain pans or intermediate containers needed
Completes engine oil and filter change in less than 10 minutes

Trailer Wheel Bearing Lubrication maintenance

Tools: Grease gun

Remove small rubber plug on grease cap
Attach standard grease gun fitting to grease zerk fitting
Pump grease until new grease is visible around gun nozzle
Wipe excess grease from hub with clean cloth
Replace rubber plug

Winch Preventive Maintenance maintenance

⚠ Replace cable immediately if damaged

⚠ Replace brake if slippage detected

Check winch is free of dirt, oil, grease, water, and foreign substances
Ensure all mounting bolts tightened to recommended torque values
Check connections are securely tightened and free of corrosion
Inspect cable for damage: cuts, knots, crushed or frayed portions, broken strands
Check brake for slippage or drift by visual inspection when winch is under load

Raising the Mast operation

⚠ Do not extend mast beyond the colored mark on the second mast section

⚠ Stop immediately if the mast hangs up or winch cable develops slack

Set up and level the unit
Check both sets of mast cables for wear or damage; verify centered in pulleys
Press and hold winch control toggle switch upward to telescope mast to desired height
Rotate mast by loosening rotation knob, aim lights, then tighten knob

Shutting Down the Unit - Standard Controls operation

Remove all loads from the outlets
Switch individual circuit breakers for each light OFF (O)
Switch the main circuit breaker OFF (O)
Move the control power switch to STOP

Starting the Engine - Analog Controls operation

⚠ Do not continuously crank engine for more than ten seconds

⚠ Never start the engine with circuit breakers switched on

Verify main circuit breaker and individual light breakers are OFF (O)
Turn key to GLOW PLUG position, hold 10-15 seconds until glow plug indicator turns red
Turn key to START position, hold until engine cranks and starts
Release key; it moves to RUN position
Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature before switching on loads

Towing the Unit operation

⚠ Maximum highway towing speed 55 mph (88.5 km/h); off-road 10 mph (16 km/h) or less

Tools: grease gun

Raise rear jack and release locking pin into travel position
Raise outrigger jacks and slide outriggers into frame until locking pins snap
Use tongue jack to raise/lower trailer onto hitch; lock coupling and attach safety chains
Lubricate grease fittings on leveling jacks
Connect trailer wiring to tow vehicle and check lights
Check wheel lugs; tighten in sequence to specification if removed
Check tire inflation

Lowering the Mast Manually repair

⚠ Continuous use of this procedure could damage the planetary gear brake of the winch

Tools: 3/8 in. hex-wrench

Remove power cables from the two terminals on the winch motor assembly
Remove two flange head screws securing winch motor assembly, retain for reassembly
Carefully remove the motor assembly, keeping the two pieces together
Insert a 3/8 in. hex-wrench into the sleeve bearing
Rotate the wrench counter-clockwise to lower the mast, stopping if slack develops
Install the winch motor assembly and secure with screws once mast is fully down

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

31A60-01100 FridayParts $43.99

Parts listed by aftermarket suppliers as fitting this engine — leads compiled from supplier catalogs; verify the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the displacement of the Mitsubishi MVL3E?

The Mitsubishi MVL3E has a displacement of 0.95 liters.

Which generators use the Mitsubishi MVL3E engine?

The Mitsubishi MVL3E powers 1 generator set(s), including Generac MLT4060.

How often should you change the oil in the Mitsubishi MVL3E?

The Mitsubishi MVL3E oil change interval is every 50 hours.

What is a common problem with the Mitsubishi MVL3E engine?

A commonly reported issue on generators using the Mitsubishi MVL3E is: Water Sedimenter - Drain Water. Fix: Drain Water From Water Sediment Separator.