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Cummins/Onan 10CW Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan 10CW is a gasoline generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan CW series engine. It is available at 115/230 V and 120/240 V, single-phase and 60 Hz. The set measures 40×28×28 mm (1.6×1.1×1.1 in).

2
Document types

How to read your Cummins/Onan serial & model number →

Service parts for the 10CW

Grouped by system, with how many of each the parts manual calls for.

Air intake

1 required
123A458Air filterfind

Fuel system

1 required
141-533Fuel filterfind

Oil system

1 required

Prices captured from merchant listings; some links are affiliate links. Confirm against your serial number before ordering.

Specifications

Fuelgasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
ControllerBox (Onan)
Voltage options115/230 V, 120/240 V
Phase1
Battery voltage6 V
Battery quantity2
Starting system12 V DC
Dimensions (L×W×H)40×28×28 mm

Engine

Cummins/Onan CW series
Aspirationnaturally aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Cummins/Onan CW series
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterFilter, Breather Tube123A458 buy
Fuel filterFilter, Fuel Inlet141-533 buy
Oil filterCartridge, Oil Filter122-37 Amazon eBay NAPA $17.50
BatteryRemove and store where there is no danger of freezing. A fully charged battery can withstand very low temperatures but an idle battery gradually loses its charge and may become discharged to the point where it will freeze. An idle battery should be given a freshening charge about or 49 days.—
BeltReplace as necessary.—
Coolant—
Coolant filter—
OilReplace with correct oil.—50 hr
Spark plugClean, adjust or replace as needed.—

Service intervals

5
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air Cleaner (Dry cartridge type)Clean50 hrRemove cartridge and shake out accumulated dirt
Crankcase OilChange50 hrUnder dust/dirt or severe conditions; otherwise see chart
Air Cleaner (Dry cartridge type)Replace500 hrReplace cartridge; never wash folded paper
Generator bearingLubricate5000 hr24 moWhen using a grease other than lithium base
Generator BearingsLubricate5000 hr24 moSingle shield type; or 2 years

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

51
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCarburetor Float Setting1-1/4 (plus 1/8, minus zero)inchfrom bottom of float to air intake body
ClearanceCommutator/collector ring brush wear limit - replace when worn to1/2in
ClearanceConnecting Rod Bearings.001 to .003inch
ClearanceConnecting Rod End Play.008 to .011inch
ClearanceCrankshaft Main Bearing Journal - Standard Size2.7493 to 2.7500inch
ClearanceCrankshaft Rod Bearing Journal - Standard Size2.3745 to 2.3750inch
ClearanceCylinder Bore - Oversize4.005 to 4.006inch
ClearanceCylinder Bore - Standard Size4.000 to 4.001inch
ClearanceGovernor Cup Dimension7/32inchfrom snap ring to front surface of governor cup
ClearancePiston Pin Bushing Finish1.1879/1.1882inch
ClearancePiston Pin in Connecting Rod0.0002 to 0.0007inchused pin
ClearancePiston Ring Gap in Cylinder.013 to .025inch
ClearanceThrottle Lever Stop Screw1/32inchat rated speed under no load
ClearanceValve Face Angle44degree
ClearanceValve Seat Angle45degree
ClearanceValve Stem in Guide - Intake.0015 to .003inch
GapMagneto Breaker Points Gap.015inchfull separation
GapSpark plug gap0.018ingas operation
GapSpark plug gap0.025ingasoline operation
OtherBattery Specific Gravity1.225high temperature above 90°F
OtherBrush Wear Limit1/2inchreplace when worn to this length
OtherGenerator Bearing Lubrication2 years or 5,000 operating hourssingle shield type
OtherGenerator Bearing Lubricationsix months or approximately 1200 operating hoursstandard ball bearing grease
PressureOil Pressure20 to 30pounds
ResistanceField coil short circuit - coil reading more than 10% less than average of other three coils10%
SpeedDC generator operating speedapproximately 1980rpm
SpeedGovernor No Load Speed (50-cycle)1590rpmmaximum no load
SpeedGovernor No Load Speed (60-cycle)1890rpmmaximum no load
SpeedGovernor regulation, maximum RPM limit2000rpm
SpeedGovernor regulation, minimum RPM limit1900rpm
SpeedRecommended RPM, full load1960rpmfull load
SpeedRecommended RPM, no load2000rpmno load
TorqueArmature Mounting Screws10-12lb.ft
TorqueConnecting Rod - Place Bolts (No Locks)40-45lb.ft
TorqueConnecting Rod - Screws (With Locks)21-30lb.ft
TorqueCrank Pilot Screw43-48lb.ft
TorqueCylinder Base Nuts58-62lb.ft
TorqueCylinder Head Screws40-45lb.ft
TorqueExhaust Manifold Screws25-30lb.ft
TorqueFlywheel Mounting Screw35-40lb.ft
TorqueFuel Pump Mounting Screws15-20lb.ft
TorqueGenerator Adapter Screws25-30lb.ft
TorqueIntake Manifold Screws25-30lb.ft
TorqueOil Base Screws43-48lb.ft
TorqueOil Pump Mounting Screws7-9lb.ft
TorqueRear Bearing Plate - Nuts (Earlier Models)18-20lb.ft
TorqueRear Bearing Plate - Place Bolts (No Locks)45-50lb.ft
TorqueSpark Plugs25-30lb.ft
TorqueTiming Gear Cover Screws18-20lb.ft
Valve clearanceValve Tappets.012inchcold
Voltage10CW-150R rated generator output voltage250V DC

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

FluidGradeStandardAmbientCapacityNotes
Engine oilSAE 10WDG or MS/DG6.0 U.S. quarts0°F to 30°F
Engine oilSAE 30DG or MS/DG6.0 U.S. quarts30°F to 90°F
Engine oilSAE 50DG or MS/DG6.0 U.S. quartsAbove 90°F
Engine oilSAE 5W (5W-20 if 5W not available)DG or MS/DG6.0 U.S. quartsBelow 0°F
FuelRegular grade automotive gasolineDo not use highly leaded premium
GreaseLithium base greaseMIL-G-10924Generator bearing
GreaseStandard ball bearing greaseFill only a 1/2-section of the bearing with grease; fill the bearing recess and cover 1/2-full
OtherSAE 5 oilGovernor to carburetor linkage
OtherSAE 50 motor oilRust inhibitor oil substitute

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

Procedures

12
Carburetor Adjustment adjustment
  1. Open adjustments 1 to 1-1/2 turns to permit starting.
  2. Warm up engine thoroughly.
  3. Adjust idle with no load: turn out until speed drops, then in until normal.
  4. Apply full load; adjust main: turn in until speed drops, then out until normal.
  5. Ensure governor is properly adjusted.
  6. Set throttle stop screw for 1/32-inch clearance.
Governor Adjustment adjustment
  1. Check carburetor stop lever clearance approximately 1/32 inch.
  2. Adjust ball joint on link.
  3. Pull governor arm toward front several times; check for binding.
  4. Start plant, run at light load to warm up.
  5. Make preliminary no-load adjustment for safe voltage.
  6. Final adjust governor for rated speed and voltage.
Ignition Timing Adjustment adjustment
  1. Remove magneto end cap.
  2. Adjust breaker points to .015-inch gap.
  3. Remove air cover from right hand cylinder.
  4. Slowly turn engine until IMP mark centers in timing hole.
  5. Listen for sharp click from magneto.
  6. If click before mark, timing fast; if after, slow.
  7. Loosen magneto mounting screws and turn magneto to advance or retard.
  8. Repeat until proper timing attained.
Speed Booster Adjustment adjustment
  1. Connect booster external spring to bracket on governor link.
  2. With no load, slide bracket to position of no tension on external spring.
  3. Apply full rated load; output voltage should stabilize.
  4. If frequency rise more than 2 cycles, lessen internal spring tension.
  5. If frequency dip, increase booster internal spring tension.
  6. Clean small hole in short vacuum tube with fine wire.
Valve Tappet Adjustment adjustment
  1. Set tappets for .012 inch clearance intake and exhaust at room temperature.
  2. Ensure tappet is on low point of cam lobe.
  3. Hand crank engine until valve closes, then one complete turn.
  4. Adjust self-locking adjusting screws.
AC Winding Open Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: test lamp set

  1. For 120/240-volt single phase, contact test leads to the two collector rings nearest the ball bearing.
  2. If the lamp fails to light, an open circuit in that winding is indicated.
  3. Repeat contacting the two collector rings nearest the commutator.
  4. If the test is made between the two middle rings, the lamp should not glow.
  5. If it glows, a short between the two windings is indicated.
AC Winding Short Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: armature growler

  1. An armature growler is required for this test.
  2. Follow the test procedure recommended by the growler manufacturer.
Armature Grounded Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: test lamp set

  1. Connect one test lamp lead to a bare metal point on the armature shaft.
  2. Contact the other test lead to the commutator surface.
  3. If the test lamp glows, the dc portion of the armature is grounded.
  4. Repeat the test contacting the collector rings.
  5. If the lamp glows, the ac portion of the armature is grounded.
  6. Replace a grounded armature with a new one.
Field Coil Grounded Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: test lamp set

  1. Connect one test lamp lead to a bare metal part of the generator frame.
  2. Connect the other test lead to the coil terminal F+.
  3. If the test lamp lights, a grounded circuit is indicated.
  4. Remove the screws mounting one pole shoe to the frame.
  5. Push the pole shoe and coil away from the frame.
  6. If the ground is eliminated, the grounded coil is isolated.
  7. Repeat until the grounded coil is located.
  8. Repair the insulation at the point of damage.
Field Coil Open Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: continuity type test lamp set

  1. Tag each lead wire and its connection point when disconnecting.
  2. Connect one test lamp lead to the F+ coil terminals.
  3. Connect the other test lamp lead to the F- coil lead.
  4. If the lamp fails to light, an open circuit in the shunt winding is indicated.
  5. Repeat the test between the S1 and F+ terminals.
  6. If the lamp fails to light, an open circuit in the cranking winding is indicated.
Field Coil Short Circuit Test diagnostic

Tools: sensitive ohmmeter

  1. Use a sensitive ohmmeter to test the resistance of each coil winding.
  2. If one coil reads more than 10% LESS than the average of the other three, it is short circuited.
  3. On electric cranking models, do not confuse the cranking winding with the shunt winding.
Short Between AC and DC Windings Test diagnostic

Tools: test lamp set

  1. Place one test prod on the commutator.
  2. Place the second test prod on one of the slip rings.
  3. If the test light glows, a short between the ac and dc windings is indicated.

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 engine is in the Cummins/Onan 10CW?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW is powered by the Cummins/Onan CW series engine.

What kind of fuel does the Cummins/Onan 10CW run on?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW runs on gasoline.

What voltages is the Cummins/Onan 10CW available in?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW is offered in 115/230 V, 120/240 V, 1-phase.

What size battery does the Cummins/Onan 10CW need?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW uses 2 batteryies, 6 V each, per the manufacturer specification sheet. The starting system is 12 V DC.

Which oil filter part number does the Cummins/Onan 10CW take?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW uses oil filter part number 122-37.

What fuel filter fits the Cummins/Onan 10CW?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW uses fuel filter part number 141-533.

Which air filter part number does the Cummins/Onan 10CW take?

The Cummins/Onan 10CW uses air filter part number 123A458.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
ENGINE CRANKS TOO STIFFLYToo heavy oil in crankcase. Engine stuck.Drain. Refill with light oil. Disassemble and repaiz.
ENGINE CRANKS TOO SLOWLY WHEN CRANKED ELECTRICALLYDischarged or defective battery. Loose connections. Crowded battery terminals. Brushes worn excessively making poor contact. Short circuit in generator load circuit. Pasty of corroded points in start solenoid switch.Recharge or replace. Tighten loose connections. Clean crowded terminals. Replace cable if necessary. Replace brushes or clean commutator. Repaie or replace parts necessary. Disconnect load. Replace Switch.
ENGINE WILL NOT START WHEN CRANKEDFaulty ignition. Lack of fuel or faulty carburetion. Cylinders flooded. Poor fuel. Poor compression.Clean, adjust, or replace points, spark plugs, condenser, etc., or retine ignition. Refill the tank. Check the fuel system. Clean, adjust, or replace parts necessary. Ground spark plug cables. Crank engine with spark plugs removed. Drain. Refill with good fuel. Tighten cylinder heads and spark plugs. Uf still not corrected, grind the valves. Replace piston ings if necessary.
ENGINE RUNS GUT VOLTAGE GOES NOT BUILD UPPoor brush contact. Open circuit, short circuit, or ground in generator.See that brushes seat well on commutator and collector rings, are free in holders, are not worn shorter than 1/2-inch, and have good spring tension. Refer to the GENERATOR section of Maintenance.
VOLTAGE UNSTEADY BUT ENGINE NOT NISFIFUNGSpeed too low. Poor commutation or brush contact. Loose connections. Fluctuating load.Adjust govemor to correct speed. Refinish commutator or undercut mica if necessary, See that brushes seat well on commutator and collector rings, are free in holders, are not worn shorter than 1/2-inch, and have good spring tension. Tighten connections. Correct any abnormal load condition causing trouble.
GENERATOR OVERHEATINGShort in load circuit. Generator overloaded. Improper brush rig position.Correct short circuit. Reduce the load. Refer to the GENERATOR section of MAINTENANCE — See Brush Rig.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Cummins/Onan 10CW troubleshooting guide (52 entries) →

Parts

62
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
002-97Tee, Oil Filter Inlet1Oil filter buy
003A366Hose, Breather Cap to Air Inlet - 4-3/4 in - For models with LPG Pressure-Carburetor1Hose buy
009-46Seal, Oil - Governor Shaft1Seal buy
103C110Gasket, Gear Cover1Gasket buy
110A647Gasket, Valve Cover1Gasket buy
110B645Gasket, Cylinder Base2Gasket Amazon eBay
122-37Cartridge, Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay NAPA $17.50
122C96Filter, Oil - Includes Cartridge1Oil filter buy
123A458Filter, Breather Tube1Air filter buy
133A32Tube, Air Pre-Heater - Optional1Hose buy
140-359Element, Air Cleaner - Mesh Type1Air filter Amazon eBay
140B467Gasket, Air Cleaner Cover1Gasket Amazon eBay
140B495Cartridge, Air Cleaner - Begin Spec R1Air filter Amazon eBay
141-529Gasket Kit1Gasket Amazon eBay
141-533Filter, Fuel Inlet1Fuel filter buy
149A277Gasket, Mounting1Gasket Amazon eBay
149C567Pump, Fuel1Pump Amazon eBay
149K106Repair Kit, Fuel Pump1Fuel pump Amazon eBay
155B492Tube, Exhaust - Flexible - 36 in - Accessory1Hose buy
161-62Seal, Rotor Drive End1Seal Amazon eBay
167-34Plug, Spark1Spark plug Amazon Amazon eBay eBay
167A1213Cable, Spark Plug - Right Hand (shielded, radio noise suppressed)1Spark plug buy
167A1214Cable, Spark Plug - Left Hand (shielded, radio noise suppressed)1Spark plug buy
214A54Brush, Collector Ring8Brush Amazon eBay
214A57Brush, Commutator4Brush Amazon eBay
903-269Hose, Air Pre-Heater - Optional1Hose buy
909-19Seal, Oil - Crankshaft Front1Seal buy
912A1123Spring, Collector Ring Brush8Brush buy
912B1106Spring, Commutator Brush4Brush buy
101K341Bearing Kit, Main - Front or Rear - Includes Thrust Washer and Lock Pins - Precision Type Bronze Faced1Service part / kit buy
110A738Spring, Valve1Service part / kit buy
110B642Valve, Exhaust - Stellite1Service part / kit buy
110B643Valve, Intake1Service part / kit buy
112-90Piston & Pin1Service part / kit buy
113-105Ring Set, Piston - For 1 Piston1Service part / kit FridayParts $96.00
114A57Bushing, Piston Pin - Semi Finished1Service part / kit buy
114B53Bearing Half, Connecting Rod1Service part / kit buy
141-72Float - Gasoline Carburetor only1Service part / kit buy
141B637Carburetor, Pressure - LPG Fuel - Zenith modified by ONAN1Service part / kit buy
141K586Kit, Repair - Carburetor1Service part / kit buy
148A423Vaporizer Assembly - Zenith No. A963B-11Service part / kit buy
148P390Repair Kit, Gas Regulator (Garretson)1Service part / kit buy
149P276Diaphragm and Pull Rod1Service part / kit buy
150K580Booster Replacement Kit, Governor1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
150K582Diaphragm Kit, Governor Booster1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
153-57Element, Choke Bimetal - Electric - Prior to Spec F1Service part / kit buy
155B77Muffler, Exhaust - Accessory1Service part / kit buy
161-242Point Set - Includes Arm and Stationary Bracket (FM-PE1 magneto)1Service part / kit buy
161-86Point Set, Contact (FM-JE1 magneto)1Service part / kit buy
161A148Magneto Assembly - Includes Drive Gear - Type FM-JE1-2B69A1Service part / kit buy
161A178Condenser, Magneto1Service part / kit buy
161C238Magneto - Includes Drive Gear - Type FM-PE1-2B69A1Service part / kit buy
167A1277Cable, Spark Plug - Right Hand (unshielded, includes seal)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
167A1278Cable, Spark Plug - Left Hand (unshielded, includes seal)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
192C268Crank, Hand1Service part / kit buy
201A508Armature - Includes Ball Bearing & Drive Disc1Service part / kit buy
210C217Coil Set, Field - Set of 4 Connected1Service part / kit buy
415B126Tank, Fuel - 5 Gallon - Accessory1Service part / kit buy
416A4Cable, Battery Jumper1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
416A77Cable, Battery (28 in.)1Service part / kit buy
510A52Bearing, Armature - Drive End.1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
905-29Coupling, Drain Pipe - 3/4 in - Accessory1Service part / kit buy

Service, wear & replacement parts referenced for this model and its engine — confirm the exact part for your serial number. See the full parts catalog to search and cross-reference.

Available documents

Parts manual — 001-Onan Basic Genset Specs 0 to 250KW (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — 920-0400 Onan CW (spec A-L) Genset Parts manual (09-1966) (Onan)Service manual — 920-0400 Onan CW (spec A-L) Genset Service & Parts manual (09-1966) 56pg (Cummins/Onan)

This page was generated from the 3 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.

Full service, cheapest listings

Priced items from this model's own parts manual.

Oil filter 122-37$17.50
1 priced item$17.50