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Cummins/Onan 20W-20 Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 is a generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan RDJF engine. It holds about 6.15 L (1.6 gal) of oil and 11.36 L (3.0 gal) of coolant.

2.3 L
Displacement
6.15 L
Oil capacity
0
Document types

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

Service parts for the 20W-20

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

Air intake

1 required

Fuel system

1 required
122-0325Fuel filter (primary)$35.18NAPA

Oil system

1 required

Belts

1 required

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

Specifications

Oil capacity6.15 L

Engine

Cummins/Onan RDJF
Oil capacity6.15 L
Coolant capacity11.36 L
Displacement2.3 L
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
Rated speed1800 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Cummins/Onan RDJF
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterElement Only, Air Cleaner140-0765 Amazon eBay
Fuel filter—
Fuel filterFilter, Fuel - Primary122-0325 Amazon eBay $75.00 NAPA $35.18
Oil filterFilter, Oil (6" Long)122-0193 Amazon eBay $18.32 NAPA $10.64
Battery—
BeltBelt, Drive511-0066 Amazon eBay
Coolant—
OilType: Light11.36 quarts—
Spark plug—

Service intervals

21
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
EngineInspect8 hr
Exhaust systemInspect8 hr
Fuel supplyCheck8 hrSee Note 1
Oil levelCheck8 hr
Air cleanerCheck50 hrMore often in dusty conditions
Crankcase oilChange100 hrFirst service — After first 50 hours of operation; drain while engine is still hot
Cylinder head boltsCheck50 hrFirst service — Retighten after first 50 hours on an overhauled engine
Valve clearanceAdjust50 hrFirst service — After first 2 to 50 hours of operation
Fuel condensation traps in lines and filtersDrain100 hr
Governor linkageClean100 hr
BatteryCheck200 hr
Oil filterReplace200 hr
Breather standpipesClean500 hr
Start-disconnect circuitCheck500 hr
Valve clearancesCheck500 hr
Primary fuel filterChange600 hr
Nozzle spray patternTest2000 hrTrained diesel injection personnel only (Note 2)
Rocker box oil line and orificesClean2000 hr
ValvesOther2000 hrGrind valves (if required)
Secondary fuel filterChange3000 hr
EngineOther5000 hrGeneral overhaul (if required)

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

59
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceCamshaft bearing clearance (original).0015-.0030inch
ClearanceCamshaft bearing clearance (replacement).0012-.0037inch
ClearanceCamshaft end play0.007-0.039inchroom temperature 70 F
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance (original).001-.0033inch
ClearanceConnecting rod bushing clearance.0002-.0007inch
ClearanceConnecting rod end play.002-.016inch
ClearanceCrankshaft end play0.010-0.015inch
ClearanceCylinder bore honed diameter3.4995-3.5005inch
ClearanceExhaust valve guide clearance.0030-.0050inch
ClearanceMain bearing journal diameter2.2427-2.2435inch
ClearancePiston clearance in cylinder0.0055-0.0075inch90 deg to pin, below oil ring
GapOil pump gear lash0.005inch
GapPiston ring gap0.010-0.020inch
GapStarter armature end play.005-.030inch
GapStarter pinion clearance to pinion stop.070-.120inchSolenoid plunger bottomed
GapValve head to cylinder head face clearance0.030inchminimum
GapValve seat width.047-.062inch45 degree seat angle
PressureCylinder compression350-400psicranking at about 300 rpm
PressureDelivery valve line pressure300 to 600psiengine running
PressureExhaust back pressure limit27inches of waterrated load
PressureFuel pump vacuum15 to 18inchessea level
PressureFuel transfer pump pressure12-14psiat 1800 rpm
PressureInjection nozzle adjusted opening pressure1750psi
PressureInjection nozzle opening pressure1900 to 1950psi
PressureMinimum oil pressure at governed speed20psiinspect oil system if below
PressureNormal oil pressure25psiengine at operating temperature (or higher)
PressureOil bypass valve opening pressure25psi
ResistanceBattery specific gravity1.290 to 1.22575 percent charged
SpeedGovernor maximum governed speed2400rpm
SpeedStart-disconnect switch disengage speed900rpmabout
TemperatureCylinder head oven temperature for valve seat installation325deg Cabout 1/2 hour
TemperatureRing gear installation oven temperature380-400deg F30 to 40 minutes
TemperatureThermostat opening temperature150 +/- 2deg F
TemperatureTiming gear heating temperature350deg Felectric burner or oven
TorqueCenter main bolt (4 cylinder)97-102ft-lb
TorqueConnecting rod bolt27-29ft-lb
TorqueCylinder head bolt44-46ft-lb
TorqueCylinder head bolt (first step)25-30ft-lb
TorqueDelivery valve cap nut55-60ft-lb
TorqueDelivery valve holder75-80ft-lbMaximum
TorqueExhaust manifold nuts13-15ft-lbTighten evenly
TorqueFlywheel mounting screw65-70ft-lb
TorqueFuel pump mounting screws15-20ft-lb
TorqueGear case cover18-20ft-lb
TorqueGear cover mounting screws15-20ft-lb
TorqueGlow plug10-15ft-lb
TorqueInjection nozzle mounting screws20-21ft-lb
TorqueInjection pump mounting screws15-16ft-lb
TorqueNozzle cap nut50-55ft-lb
TorqueOil filterHand tight plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn
TorqueRear bearing plate40-45ft-lb
TorqueRocker arm nut4-10ft-lbFriction between threads only; used to adjust valve lash
TorqueRocker arm stud35-40ft-lb
TorqueRocker-box cover8-10ft-lb
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance (cold).017inchcold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance (cold).017inchcold
VoltageSolenoid voltage drop0.3Vmaximum
VoltageStarter circuit voltage drop (battery ground to block; battery positive to solenoid)0.6Vmaximum each
VoltageStarter frame voltage drop0.3Vmaximum

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
Coolant50-50 mix ethylene glycol anti-freeze and waterComplete change every year; rust inhibitors prevent corrosion
Engine oilMulti-grade such as 5W-30below 0°CRecommended for ambient temperatures of 32 F and colder
Engine oilSAE 10W below 30 F; SAE 30 above 30 FFrom nameplate oil recommendation
Engine oilSAE 15W-40 or 20W-40API CD/SE-10°C to 32°C6.5 U.S. quartsIncludes filter; CD/SE all viscosity grades, CC/SE only for 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-30
FuelASTM 2-D or 1-D diesel fuelMinimum Cetane number 45Use ASTM 1-D below 32 F, during long light-load or no-load periods

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
Adjusting Injection Nozzle Opening Pressure adjustment

⚠ Do not adjust pressure without a testing fixture.

Tools: Diesel Nozzle Tester 420-0184

  1. Remove nozzle from the engine.
  2. Remove plug from center of cap nut and loosen cap nut.
  3. Install nozzle on a static fuel nozzle testing fixture.
  4. Adjust opening pressure to 1750 psi by turning adjusting screw.
  5. Clockwise increases pressure, counterclockwise decreases it.
Adjusting Valve Clearance adjustment

⚠ Four-cylinder engines do not have a BC mark on the flywheel.

Tools: Feeler gauge

  1. Rotate flywheel clockwise until No.1 cylinder is on compression stroke at TC mark.
  2. Turn 10-45 degrees past TC.
  3. Check clearance between rocker arm and valve with feeler gauge.
  4. Adjust with lock nut securing rocker arm.
  5. Turn flywheel 180 degrees for No.2, then No.4, then No.3 cylinder, adjusting each.
Testing Thermostat diagnostic

Tools: Thermometer

  1. Remove thermostat from cylinder head.
  2. Heat a pan of water to approximately 150 F.
  3. Suspend thermostat in water; it should start to open.
  4. Remove from hot water and allow to cool; it should close in a short time.
  5. Replace if it sticks or does not operate properly.
  6. Always install a new gasket when replacing the thermostat.
Flushing Cooling System maintenance

Tools: Flushing gun

  1. Drain radiator, cylinder block and exhaust manifold.
  2. Remove inlet and outlet hoses between engine and radiator.
  3. Close all drain plugs; attach flushing gun nozzle to water outlet.
  4. Restrict inlet opening until system fills with water, then apply air pressure gradually.
  5. Repeat until water from cylinder block flows clean.
  6. Remove flushing gun.
  7. Reinstall thermostats, hoses and drain plugs; refill with proper coolant.
  8. Check system for leaks.
Oil Filter Change maintenance

Tools: Filter wrench

  1. Place pan under old filter and remove by turning counterclockwise.
  2. Clean filter mounting area.
  3. Lubricate gasket on new filter with oil.
  4. Screw filter on clockwise until gasket touches mounting base.
  5. Tighten 1/2 turn.
Out-of-Service Protection (over 30 days) maintenance

⚠ Starter cranking is too fast; oil or inhibitor fluid will fire if cranked with starter.

  1. Run engine until thoroughly warm under at least 50 percent load.
  2. Shut down and drain oil base while warm; refill.
  3. Remove glow plugs, pour 1 ounce rust inhibitor into each cylinder, install glow plugs.
  4. Crank engine by hand only to distribute oil.
  5. Service air cleaner per Maintenance Schedule.
  6. Clean throttle and governor linkage; wrap with clean cloth.
  7. Plug exhaust outlets.
  8. Disconnect battery and follow standard storage procedure.
Returning a Unit to Service maintenance

⚠ Do not smoke while servicing batteries.

  1. Remove cover and protective wrapping; remove plug from exhaust outlet.
  2. Check warning tag on oil base and verify oil viscosity.
  3. Clean and check battery; measure specific gravity.
  4. Check fuel injectors and fuel lines are secure and correctly torqued.
  5. Clean radiator.
  6. Connect batteries.
  7. Verify no loads are connected to engine.
  8. Start engine.
Bleeding Fuel System operation

⚠ Return priming lever inward (disengaged position) to permit normal pump operation.

  1. Disconnect fuel return line.
  2. Operate hand priming lever on fuel transfer pump.
  3. Continue until fuel flowing from return line is free of air bubbles.
  4. Reconnect the fuel return line.
  5. If camshaft pump lobe is up, crank engine one revolution to permit hand priming.
Break-In Procedure operation

⚠ Continuous running under one half load during first few hundred hours may cause poor ring seating.

  1. Run one half hour at 1/2 load.
  2. Run one half hour at 3/4 load.
  3. Run at full load.
  4. Drain and replace crankcase oil after first 50 hours; drain while still hot.
Preheating and Starting operation

⚠ Do not exceed the one minute preheat periods.

⚠ Do not use ether as a cold weather starting aid.

  1. Engage PREHEAT switch 30 seconds if above 55 F, 60 seconds if below 55 F.
  2. Engage START switch while continuing preheat.
  3. Hold until engine comes up to speed.
  4. If engine fails to start in 15-20 seconds, repeat preheat and start.
  5. Verify oil pressure gauge reads at least 20 psi.
Stopping the Engine operation
  1. Push fuel solenoid switch to stop position.
  2. Release switch when set stops.
  3. If stop circuit fails, close fuel valve.
Fuel Transfer Pump Removal and Disassembly repair

⚠ Do not pry the cover and body apart; this would damage the diaphragm.

Tools: Screwdriver, File

  1. Remove pump inlet and outlet lines.
  2. Remove two cap screws holding pump to engine and lift off.
  3. Notch cover and body with a file; remove six screws.
  4. Tap body with a screwdriver to separate the two parts.
  5. Drive out rocker arm hinge pin.
  6. Remove rocker arm, spring and link.
  7. Lift out diaphragm assembly and diaphragm spring.

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 20W-20?

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 is powered by the Cummins/Onan RDJF engine.

How much oil does the Cummins/Onan 20W-20 take?

The Cummins/Onan RDJF engine in the Cummins/Onan 20W-20 has an oil capacity of 6.15 liters.

How much coolant does the Cummins/Onan 20W-20 hold?

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 cooling system holds 11.36 liters (3.0 US gallons) for the engine, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

What oil filter does the Cummins/Onan 20W-20 use?

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 uses oil filter part number 122-0193.

What fuel filter fits the Cummins/Onan 20W-20?

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 uses fuel filter part number 122-0325.

Which air filter part number does the Cummins/Onan 20W-20 take?

The Cummins/Onan 20W-20 uses air filter part number 140-0765.

Troubleshooting

1

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomRemedy
Run For Long Periods of Time at NO LOADUDRICATION SYSTEM Low Oil Supply Defective Oil Gauge Excess Oil in Crank Case Oil Leaks from Engine Base or Connections Light or Diluted Crank Case Oil Leaky Oil Seals Improper Lubrication Faulty Oil By-Pass Worn Oil Pump Heavy Oil or Clogged Passages Dirty Oil Filter

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.

Parts

78
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
110-0419Gasket, Copper - Nozzle4Gasket Amazon eBay
110-0546Gasket, Glow Plug4Gasket Amazon eBay $9.95
110-1852Gasket, Head2Gasket Amazon eBay
110-2464Gasket, Cylinder Head1Gasket Amazon eBay
120-0547Pump Assembly, Oil1Pump Amazon eBay $295.00
122-0182Adapter, Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
122-0185Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon Amazon eBay $19.55 eBay NAPA $12.88
122-0188Gasket, Oil Adapter1Gasket Amazon eBay
122-0193Filter (5-1/2" Long) - Optional1Oil filter Amazon eBay $18.32 NAPA $10.64
122-0325Filter, Fuel - Primary1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $75.00 NAPA $35.18
122-0326Filter, Fuel - Secondary1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $65.00 NAPA $37.59
131-0139Gasket - Water Pump Housing1Gasket buy
131-0140Gasket - Water Outlet Housing2Gasket buy
132-0072Gasket - Water Pump1Gasket eBay
132-0133Fresh water pump, with metal impeller1Pump Amazon eBay
140-0500Cleaner, Air - Oil Bath1Air filter buy
140-0723Pre-cleaner, Air Cleaner, Plastic1Air filter Amazon eBay
140-0765Element Only, Air Cleaner1Air filter Amazon eBay
147-0043Nozzle Only (Component of Nozzle & Holder Assembly)1Gasket Amazon eBay
147-0044Nozzle Only (component of Nozzle & Holder Assembly)4Injector Amazon eBay $24.95
147-0134+Nozzle - Includes Nozzle Gasket 504Injector Amazon eBay $87.50
147-0136Nozzle & Holder Assembly1Injector Amazon eBay
147-0145Kit, Shim - Injection Pump Mtg.1Fuel pump Amazon eBay
147-0183Valve, Check - Injection Pump (constant bleed)1Fuel pump Amazon eBay $145.00
147-0232Pump, Fuel - Injection (includes mounting gasket)1Pump eBay
147-0243Gasket, Nozzle4Gasket Amazon eBay
149-0517Gasket, Fuel Pump Bowl1Gasket Amazon eBay
149-1020Pump, Fuel (includes mounting gasket)1Pump eBay
149-1046Repair Kit, Fuel Pump1Pump Amazon eBay
154-0733Gasket, Carburetor To Adapter1Gasket Amazon eBay $50.00
154-0738Gasket, Exhaust Outlet1Gasket Amazon eBay
154-1057Gasket, Exhaust Manifold4Gasket Amazon eBay
168-0108Gasket Kit, Engine1Gasket buy
191-0543Alternator - 12 Volt, 35 Amps (optional belt driven)1Belt Amazon eBay FridayParts $217.80
191-0642Regulator, Voltage (alternator option)1Avr buy
191-0713Armature, 24 Volt (starter option)1Starter Amazon eBay
191-1134Brush Set, Service - 24 Volt1Brush Amazon eBay
193-0104Sender Unit - Water Temperature1Sensor Amazon eBay
193-0108Sender, Oil Pressure Gauge1Sensor Amazon eBay $119.99
309-0054Thermostat1Thermostat buy
309-0177309-0177 190-0251 l~o-02531Sensor buy
309-0302Switch, High Temperature Cut Off1Sensor buy
333-0106Plug, Glow - 12 Volt (includes gasket)4Glow plug Amazon eBay
333-0107Glow Plug (24 Volt) - includes gasket1Glow plug Amazon eBay
502-0065ELBOW, NOZZLE (Fuel Return Line) Inverted 45 Degrees (#1 and 4 Cylinders)2Gasket Amazon eBay
509-0086Seal, Crankshaft Rear1Seal Amazon eBay
509-0087Seal, Oil1Seal Amazon eBay $29.75
509-0088Seal, Governor Shaft1Seal Amazon eBay
509-0090Seal, Oil - Intake Valve2Seal Amazon eBay
509-0094Gasket, O-Ring - Injection Pump Mounting1Gasket Amazon eBay
509-0132Seal, Oil - Intake Valve2Seal Amazon eBay
511-0066Belt, Drive1Belt Amazon eBay
511-0101Belt, Drive (alternator option)1Belt buy
104-0464Crankshaft1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1221Spring, Valve8Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1268Insert, Valve Seat - Standard8Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1278Valve, Exhaust4Service part / kit Amazon eBay NAPA $93.84
110-1320Valve, Intake1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $49.99 NAPA $215.34
110-1456HEAD, CYLINDER (Without Heat Exchanger)2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1501Guide, Valve8Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1541HEAD, CYLINDER (With Heat Exchanger)2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
110-1856HEAD, CYLINDER (Includes Push Rod Guide, Valve Guides and Valve Seat)2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
112-0118PISTON AND PIN (Includes Pin Retaining Rings)4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
113-0137Ring, Retaining - Piston Pin4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
114-0164BEARING HALF, CONNECTING ROD2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
114-0168Rod Assembly, Connecting4Service part / kit Amazon eBay
115-0149Rod, Valve-Push (Steel)8Service part / kit Amazon eBay
115-0195Tappet, Valve2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
120-0539Valve, Oil By-Pass1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $17.50
140-0721Cleaner, Air, Includes Element (Contractor's Type)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
149-0463Valve, Check1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
155-0824Muffler, Exhaust (10-3/8" Lg.)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
155-0985Cap, Rain (muffler kit)1Service part / kit buy
190-0258Clutch Assembly (Rockford)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
190-0325Clutch Assembly (Twin Disc)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
191-1042Plate Assembly, Brush - 24 Volt1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
309-01691 Begin Spec G 25 261Service part / kit Amazon eBay
320-0104Switch, Cranking Limiter1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $255.00

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

Service manual — 974-0251 Onan RDJF Engine Service and Parts Manual (3-1980) (Onan (Division of Onan Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.))

This page was generated from the 1 manufacturer document 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.

Fuel filter (primary) 122-0325$35.18
Oil filter 122-0193$10.64
2 priced items$45.82
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