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Perkins 103-15 Engine

The Perkins 103-15 is a 1.5 L 3-cylinder natural engine rated at 2800 rpm, producing up to 23.5 kW. It powers generator sets from Perkins, including the 103. It holds 5.7 L (1.5 gal) of oil and 5.9 L (1.6 gal) of coolant.

Also known as: Perkins 103-15

Part of the Perkins 103 engine family — 5 variants share parts & fitment.

1.5 L

Displacement

Cylinders

2800 rpm

Rated speed

23 kW

Gross power

On this pageSpecs Generator sets FAQ Torque & specs Procedures

Engine specifications

Oil capacity	5.7 L
Coolant capacity	5.9 L
Displacement	1.5 L
Cylinders	3
Aspiration	Natural
Rated speed	2800 rpm
Gross power	23 kW

Generator sets powered by this engine

Perkins 103

How to read your Perkins engine serial & model number →

Service specifications

Type	Item	Value	Unit	Condition
Clearance	Piston to cylinder clearance - service limit	0,25	mm	service limit
Clearance	Piston to cylinder clearance - standard	0,038 - 0,072	mm	standard (0.00150 - 0.00283 in)
Clearance	Piston to cylinder clearance - standard	0,048 - 0,082	mm	standard (0.00189 - 0.00323 in)
Clearance	Piston to cylinder clearance - standard	0,0525 - 0,0865	mm	standard (0.002070 - 0.003406 in)
Clearance	Valve tip clearance (cold) - Exhaust	0,2	mm	cold
Clearance	Valve tip clearance (cold) - Inlet	0,2	mm	cold
Injection timing	Injection timing (KD30238, KD30239, KD30240)	23.0° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KD30241, KD30242, KD30247, KD30248)	22.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KD30245, KD30246)	18.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KE30260, KE30261, KE30274)	22.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KE30262, KE30263)	16.0° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KF30265, KF30266, KF30276)	21.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KH30255, KH30256, KH30273)	22.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KL30317, KL30318, KL30319, KL30320, KL30323, KL30324, KL30325, KL30326)	17.0° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KN30304, KN30327)	27.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KN30305, KN30306, KN30308, KN30309)	25.5° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KR30331, KR30332, KR30333)	20.0° ± 1°	°
Injection timing	Injection timing (KR30334, KR30335)	16.0° ± 1°	°
Other	Crankshaft deflection - service limit	0,06	mm	(0.0023 in)
Other	Crankshaft deflection - standard	0,03 or less	mm	(0.011 in)
Other	Crankshaft grinding - finish precision (B2)	1.6Z
Other	Crankshaft grinding - radius around oil hole (B3)	2 mm maximum / 5 mm minimum	mm	(0.0787 in max / 0.196 in min)
Other	Crankshaft grinding - radius at pin/journal (B1)	3 mm ± 0,2 mm	mm	(0.118 in ± 0.0078 in)
Other	Crankshaft stepped wear service limit	0,05	mm	(0.0019 in)
Other	Cubic capacity	0,451	ltrs.	(27.5 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	0,676	ltrs.	(41.2 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	0,954	ltrs.	(58.2 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	1,330	ltrs.	(81.1 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	1,496	ltrs.	(91.2 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	1,995	ltrs.	(121.7 in³)
Other	Cubic capacity	2,216	ltrs.	(135.2 in³)
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (service limit)	67,2	mm	service limit
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (service limit)	75,2	mm	service limit
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (service limit)	84,2	mm	service limit
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (standard)	67,000 - 67,019	mm	standard
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (standard)	75,000 - 75,019	mm	standard
Other	Cylinder bore - new block (standard)	84,000 - 84,019	mm	standard
Other	Threaded hole 45° chamfer for M.E.A.S. sealed studs	1,59	mm	(0.0625 in) 45°
Pressure	Compression pressure - standard (102-05, 103-07, 103-10, 103-13)	>2940	kPa	@ 200 rev/min
Pressure	Compression pressure - standard (103-15, 104-19, 104-22)	>2940	kPa	@ 250 rev/min
Pressure	Compression pressure - to be repaired (102-05, 103-07, 103-10, 103-13)	<2450	kPa	(355.5 lbf/in²)
Pressure	Cylinder-to-cylinder compression variation limit	350	kPa	(50 lbf/in²) - cylinders varying more may be faulty
Pressure	Oil pressure relief	262-359	KPa
Pressure	Oil pressure relief	352-448	KPa
Pressure	Oil pressure switch	29,6	KPa
Torque	Lifting hook bolts (A1)	26	Nm	(19 lbf ft / 2,6 kgf m)
Torque	Standard torque M10 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	50	Nm	(5,1 kgf m), pitch 1,5 mm
Torque	Standard torque M10 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	56	Nm	(5,7 kgf m), pitch 1,25 mm
Torque	Standard torque M12 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	75	Nm	(7,6 kgf m), pitch 1,75 mm
Torque	Standard torque M12 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	84	Nm	(8,6 kgf m), pitch 1,25 mm
Torque	Standard torque M14 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	118	Nm	(12,0 kgf m), pitch 2,0 mm
Torque	Standard torque M14 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	132	Nm	(13,5 kgf m), pitch 1,5 mm
Torque	Standard torque M16 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	167	Nm	(17,0 kgf m), pitch 2,0 mm
Torque	Standard torque M16 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	175	Nm	(17,8 kgf m), pitch 1,5 mm
Torque	Standard torque M4 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	3	Nm	(0,3 kgf m), pitch 0,7 mm
Torque	Standard torque M5 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	6	Nm	(0,6 kgf m), pitch 0,8 mm
Torque	Standard torque M6 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	10	Nm	(1,0 kgf m), pitch 1,0 mm
Torque	Standard torque M8 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	26	Nm	(2,7 kgf m), pitch 1,25 mm
Torque	Standard torque M8 setscrew/stud/nut (coarse thread)	30	Nm	(3,0 kgf m), pitch 1,0 mm
Voltage	Electrical system	12	volt

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

Procedures

How to do a compression test diagnostic

Tools: Compression gauge

Ensure the battery and starter motor are in good condition and the battery is fully charged.
To prevent the engine starting, disconnect the engine stop solenoid or set the engine stop control to the 'stop' position.
Ensure the valve tip clearances are set correctly.
Remove the atomisers.
Fit a suitable gauge into the atomiser hole of the cylinder to be tested.
Operate the starter motor and record the pressure; repeat for each cylinder.

Engine preservation maintenance

⚠ Caution: Certain corrosion inhibitor mixtures could cause damage to some engine components. Consult the Perkins Service Department, Peterborough.

⚠ Caution: After storage, before starting, operate the starter motor with the stop switch held in the STOP position until oil pressure is indicated.

Completely clean the outside of the engine.
When preservative fuel is used, drain the fuel system and fill with preservative fuel (POWERPART Lay-Up 1 can be added to normal fuel).
Operate the engine until warm, correct leakages, stop and drain the lubricating oil from the sump.
Renew the canister of the lubricating oil filter.
Fill the sump to the full mark with new clean lubricating oil and add POWERPART Lay-Up 2.
Drain the coolant circuit and fill with an approved antifreeze mixture to protect against corrosion.
Operate the engine for a short period to circulate lubricating oil and coolant.
Disconnect the battery and put it into safe storage fully charged; protect its terminals against corrosion (POWERPART Lay-Up 3).
Clean the engine breather pipe (if fitted) and seal the end of the pipe.
Remove the atomisers and spray POWERPART Lay-Up 2 for 1-2 seconds into each cylinder bore with piston at BDC; turn crankshaft one revolution and refit atomisers with new seat washers.
Remove air filter, release capscrews, remove rocker cover; spray POWERPART Lay-Up 2 around rocker shaft and into induction ports; fit rocker cover and seal manifold with waterproof tape.
Remove the exhaust pipe, spray POWERPART Lay-Up 2 into the exhaust manifold and seal the manifold with waterproof tape.
Seal the vent pipe of the fuel tank or the fuel filler cap with waterproof tape.
Remove the alternator drive belt and put it into storage; spray the engine with POWERPART Lay-Up 3 (do not spray inside the alternator cooling fan).

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

Parts cataloged across the Perkins 103 family

Part #	Description	Category
241454	Element, air cleaner	Air filter
OL0910	Ariens OE Air Filter	Air filter
OL4010	Ariens OE Belt	Belt
OL4690	Ariens Coolant	Coolant
OL4370	Ariens OE Filter	Fuel filter
220537	Gasket	Gasket
07100103	Hub, Wheel- 16 x 6.5-8 Differential	Hub
OL1801	Ariens OE Filter	Oil filter
185206085	Solenoid, 12 Volt Standard Ground	Service part / kit
220509	Stud 1/4 - 20	Service part / kit
241387	Deflector, heat	Service part / kit
241392	Cup, oil	Service part / kit
L980836576	Cummins Onan generator, Model: 100GGHD	Service part / kit
OL2080	Ariens OE Spark Plug	Spark plug
07100030	Tire/Wheel Assembly RH 16 x 6.50 - 8 Differential (Includes 16-18)	Tire wheel assembly
07100031	Tire/Wheel Assembly LH 16 x 6.50 - 8 Differential (Includes 16-18)	Tire wheel assembly
07100108	Tire, x-TRAC 16 x 6.5-8 (003, 011, 103, 302)	Tire wheel assembly
07108700	Tube 16 x 6.50- 8 (003, 011, 103, 302)	Tube

Parts cataloged across all variants of this engine family — verify the exact part fits your specific variant and serial number before ordering.

Aftermarket parts that fit this engine

145206120 FridayParts $16.50 145206170 FridayParts $16.50 145206180 Amazon eBay FridayParts $16.50 145206181 FridayParts $16.50 145206182 eBay FridayParts $16.50 11504791 FridayParts $89.00 U5MK8266 FridayParts $89.00 131017592 FridayParts $506.40 120406050 Amazon eBay FridayParts $31.49 130506300 FridayParts $10.50 131017530 FridayParts $499.00 131406490 FridayParts $59.99 U45011050 FridayParts $42.00 15852-63020 FridayParts $48.45 8Pcs FridayParts $10.99 SinoCMP $79.00 120116160 Amazon eBay FridayParts $179.99 403f FridayParts $17.98 SinoCMP $339.00 403a FridayParts $17.98 404A FridayParts $179.99 402C FridayParts $179.99 26560017 KuduParts $10.00 FridayParts $37.47 26561117 Amazon eBay $21.00 NAPA $11.96 KuduParts $20.00 FridayParts $22.11 130366110 KuduParts $33.00 FridayParts $35.00 145306491 FridayParts $56.99 145306520 FridayParts $85.99 145306620 FridayParts $85.99 145306230 FridayParts $65.99 115016800 FridayParts $229.58 115016720 FridayParts $229.58 115016810 FridayParts $229.58 26510362 KuduParts $23.00 FridayParts $25.00 26510405 KuduParts $30.00 FridayParts $31.50 145216380 FridayParts $59.99 145306460 FridayParts $72.56 410-48049 FridayParts $95.18 9821931 FridayParts $189.99 198517222 FridayParts $23.06 145206210 eBay $20.00 FridayParts $14.44 198217400 FridayParts $22.15 165106350 FridayParts $405.56 145336620 FridayParts $55.00 10000-12167 FridayParts $58.99 385720101 Amazon eBay $19.58 FridayParts $19.90 385720102 FridayParts $19.90 130306360 KuduParts $17.00 FridayParts $19.38 FP-XP-0013208 FP-XP-0022709 82??C?Thermostat FP-XP-0022688 U5MK8261 FridayParts $108.48 FP-XP-0013639 FP-XP-0014325 FP-XP-0012200 FP-XP-0018683

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

Also used in

Atlas Weyhausen 604 — Construction Equipment
Goldoni Tractors 30DT IDEA — Tractor
Hako 3000 D — Tractor
Jcb 803 — Excavator
Jcb 804 — Excavator
Jcb 8052 — Excavator

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 oil capacity of the Perkins 103-15?

The Perkins 103-15 engine has an oil capacity of 5.7 liters.

What is the displacement of the Perkins 103-15?

The Perkins 103-15 has a displacement of 1.5 liters with 3 cylinders.

Which generators use the Perkins 103-15 engine?

The Perkins 103-15 powers 1 generator set(s), including Perkins 103.