HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan 3.6 KY

Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY is a 3.6 kW (3600 kVA) Gasoline standby generator set. It is available at 230 V, 1-phase, 50 Hz and rated 15.7 A. It holds about 1.5 L (0.4 gal) of oil. Starting uses battery rated 450 CCA at 12 V. The set weighs about 84 kg (185 lb).

3 kW
Standby
1.5 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

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

Specifications

FuelGasoline
Frequency50.0 Hz
Standby power3 kW
Prime power3 kW
ControllerMicroprocessor Regulated
Oil capacity1.5 L
Voltage options230 V
Phase1
Rated current15.7 A
Battery cranking450 CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Dry weight84 kg

Filters & service parts

model family
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter150 hr find
Fuel filter450 hr find
Oil filter150 hr find
Belt find
Coolant250 hr
Oil1.6 quart15W4050 hr eBay $35.16 PartsGeek

Compiled from this model's family documentation — may include parts for closely-related variants. Confirm the exact part for your serial number.

Common questions

What is the power rating of the Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY is rated 3 kW standby.

What fuel does the Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY use?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6 KY runs on Gasoline.

Troubleshooting

46

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
STATUS INDICATOR LIGHT DEADFaulty connections, no battery voltage1. Try the genset Start Switch if the remote Start Switch does not work, and vice versa. 2. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset. 3. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
NO. 38OVERCURRENT FAULT—CODE NO. 38 (Low power factor loads)1. Reduce the number of appliances running at the same time, especially those with high motor starting loads such as air conditioners. 2. Have air conditioners and other appliances checked for proper operation. (A locked compressor rotor can cause very low power factor.)
NO. 41GENERATOR ROTOR FAULT—CODE NO. 41 (Controller unable to sense field or output voltage)See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 42PROCESSOR FAULT—CODE NO. 42 (Microprocessor ROM error during self-test)See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 43PROCESSOR FAULT—CODE NO. 43 (Microprocessor RAM error during self-test)See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 45SPEED SENSE FAULT—CODE NO. 45 (Controller unable to sense quadrature frequency)See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 47IGNITION FAULT—CODE NO. 47 (Controller unable to sense ignition)See an authorized Onan dealer.
NO. 48GENERATOR FIELD SENSE FAULT—CODE NO. 48 (Controller unable to sense field voltage)See an authorized Onan dealer.
3Service Check Fault
4Overcrank
12Overvoltage
13Undervoltage
14Overfrequency
15Underfrequency
27Voltage Sense Lost
29High Battery Voltage
32Low Cranking Speed Sense
33Fault Code 33
35Control Card Failure
36Genset Stopped Without Fault Condition
38Field Overload (Overvoltage)
41Generator Rotor Fault
42Processor Fault
45Speed Sense Fault
48Field Sense Fault
51Processor Failure

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
DizzinessGET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the genset and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired.
Muscular TwitchingGET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the genset and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired.
VomitingGET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the genset and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired.
Weakness and SleepinessGET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the genset and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired.
Inability to Think CoherentlyGET OUT INTO THE FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Shut down the genset and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired.
Generator output connections must be made by a qualified electricianMake generator output connections only by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable codes.
The genset must not be connected to the public utility or any other source of electrical power.Do not connect the genset to the public utility or any other source of electrical power. Use an approved switching device to prevent interconnections.
Generator sets use substances that can cause health risksUse appropriate personal protective equipment when exposed to fuel, oil, coolant, wet batteries, grease, cleaning agents, or other substances. Use proper containers for transport, storage, and disposal of waste substances. Follow local regulations.
STARTING BATTERIES RUN DOWN(Marginal batteries, connections, or charging system or, parasitic loads)1. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset. 2. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. 3. Have a battery charging system installed or serviced in the vehicle.
STARTER ENGAGES-DISENGAGES(Cranking voltage dips below 6 volts—low battery charge, poor connections, long cables)1. Have the vehicle propulsion engine running while trying to start the genset—the battery charging alternator may be able to maintain starting voltage high enough to get the genset started. 2. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset. 3. Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. 4. Increase battery cable size or run parallel cables.
STATUS INDICATOR LIGHT GOES OUT WHILE CRANKING—NO START(Internal short circuit caused automatic-reset circuit protective device to trip)Try starting again. See an authorized Onan dealer if the status indicator light flashes and then goes out again without the engine starting.
NO POWER—GENSET RUNNING, STATUS LIGHT ON(Line circuit breaker OFF, or tripped due to short circuit or overload)1. Turn on or reset the line circuit breaker on the genset (Page 2-3). 2. Turn on or reset the line circuit breakers on the main distribution panel in the vehicle.
The engine fails to crank.A. Try starting at the genset rather than at the remote control. b. Replace the fuse on the control panel if it has blown. c. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (- ) battery cable connections at the battery and the genset. d. Recharge the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
The engine cranks slowly.A. Disconnect the air conditioner and other large loads. b. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (- ) battery cable connections at the battery and the genset. c. Recharge the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. d. Change the engine oil to oil having the proper viscosity for the ambient temperature. See Table 1.
The engine cranks but fails to start.A. Check the fuel tank and fill if necessary. b. Open any closed fuel shut off valve. c. Check engine oil level and add oil as necessary. d. Service the air cleaner. e. Secure the spark plug lead on the spark plug. f. Replace the spark plug.
The engine runs and then stops or surges.A. Check the fuel tank and fill if necessary. b. Check the engine oil level and add oil as necessary. Drain excess oil if the level is above the dipstick Full mark. c. Check and reset the carburetor altitude adjust knob. See Varying Operating Conditions. (Gasoline models only.) d. Secure the spark plug lead on the spark plug. e. Replace the spark plug.
The genset keeps stalling or the circuit breaker keeps tripping.A. Try running with fewer appliances connected. See Powering Equipment. b. Check the fuel tank (LPG models) and fill as necessary. On cold days the LPG container may have to be kept at least half full to provide the rate of vaporization necessary to keep up with the genset fuel demand.
There is no electrical power even though the genset runs.A. Reset tripped circuit breakers. See Powering Equipment. b. Unless there is an automatic power transfer switch, plug the vehicle power cord into the genset power output receptacle (if so equipped) or turn the vehicle power selector switch to its genset position (if so equipped).
The remote battery condition meter indicates low voltage.A. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (- ) battery cable connections at the battery and the genset. b. Recharge the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
Black smoke exits the tailpipe.Service the air cleaner.

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

Parts

7
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
0500-3297-1STANDARD RIGID UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KIT (403-3608)Service part / kit PartsGeek
0500-3297-2UNDERFLOOR BASE KIT (403-3630)Service part / kit PartsGeek
0500-3297-3SOFT UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KIT (403-3670)Service part / kit PartsGeek
0611-1268-2RECONNECTION DIAGRAMSService part / kit PartsGeek
403-3608STANDARD RIGID UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KITService part / kit PartsGeek
403-3630UNDERFLOOR BASE KITService part / kit PartsGeek
403-3670SOFT UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KITService part / kit PartsGeek

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.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
1.10.29
50%1.70.44
100%2.70.71
Full load0.712.7
Half load0.481.8
No load0.291.1
Prime
Standby
Standby1.10.29
Standby50%1.80.48
Standby100%2.70.71

Available documents

Installation manual — 981-0621 Onan KY Installation Manual (5-2000)) (Cummins/Onan)Owner's manual — 0981-0154 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 0981-0621 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0530C Onan KY (spec J) KYD (spec A) RV Genset Service Manual (01-2006) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0607 Onan KY Microlite 4000 series RV Genset Installation manual (07-1996) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — KY Service Manual (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — onan3600manual (Cummins/Onan)