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Cummins/Onan 3.6KY Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY is a 3.6 kW (3600 kVA) Gasoline, LPG standby generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan KYD engine. It is available at 120 V and 230 V, single-phase, 50 Hz and rated 30 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 78.3 kg (173 lb).

3.6 kW
Standby
0.304 L
Displacement
1.5 L
Oil capacity
1
Document types

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

Typical fuel consumption for 0–5 kW Gasoline generators →

Compare with other 0–5 kW Gasoline generators →

Specifications

FuelGasoline, LPG
Frequency50.0 Hz
Standby power3.6 kW
ControllerMicroprocessor Regulated
Oil capacity1.5 L
Voltage options120 V, 230 V
Phase1-Phase
Rated current[30, 14.3] A
Battery cranking[450, 450] CCA
Battery voltage12 V
Dry weight78 kg
Tank runtime[0.9, 1.4, 2.2] hr

Engine

Cummins/Onan KYD
Oil capacity1.5 L
Displacement0.304 L
AspirationAir Cooled
Rated speed3600 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Cummins/Onan KYD
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
BatteryInstallation Review and Startup (Page 20)—150 hr
Oilengine oil per operator manual1.5 liters—
Spark plug0.025 inch gap (0.64 mm) for gasoline; 0.020 inch (0.51 mm) for LPG—

Service specifications

9
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapMagneto Air Gap0.009-0.015inch (0.23-0.38 mm)
GapSpark Plug Gap0.020inch (0.51 mm)
GapSpark Plug Gap0.025inch (0.64 mm)
OtherIgnition Timing (magneto)25° BTDC, non-adjustable
PressureFuel line pressure at genset connection1-1/2psimust not exceed under any condition
PressureLPG Vapor Supply Pressure9-13inch (228-330 mm) Water Column (WC)
TorqueSpark Plug Tightening Torque13lbs-ft (17 N-m)
Valve clearanceExhaust Valve Lash0.002inch (0.05 mm)Cold
Valve clearanceIntake Valve Lash0.002inch (0.05 mm)Cold

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

Procedures

6
Genset Reconnections adjustment

⚠ Generator voltage is deadly

  1. Remove control panel for access to generator leads and circuit breaker terminals.
  2. Reconnect generator leads in accordance with appropriate reconnection diagram.
  3. Check voltage after reconnections.
  4. Adjust no-load voltage with adjustment pot on control panel as necessary.
Exhaust Tailpipe Installation installation

⚠ Exhaust gas is deadly

⚠ Hot exhaust tailpipe can ignite oil drain spills

⚠ Excessive back pressure can cause engine damage

Tools: U-bolt muffler clamps, tailpipe hangers

  1. Use 18-gauge 1-1/8 inch I.D. aluminized steel tubing or equivalent; do not use flexible pipe.
  2. Clamp tailpipe to muffler with U-bolt muffler clamp.
  3. Support tailpipe longer than 1-1/2 feet near end and at intervals of 3 feet or less.
  4. Use automotive-type tailpipe hangers; do not attach to combustible material.
  5. Use U-bolt clamps to connect tailpipe sections; slot overlapping pipe maximum 3/4 inch both sides.
  6. Do not route tailpipe near fuel lines or fuel tanks.
  7. Keep tailpipe at least 3 inches (76 mm) from combustible material unless insulated or shielded.
  8. Do not route tailpipe underneath oil drain or restrict air outlet.
  9. Do not route tailpipe into approach/departure angles or below axle clearance line.
  10. Do not interconnect genset and vehicle engine exhaust systems.
  11. Extend tailpipe at least 1 inch (25 mm) beyond vehicle perimeter and 6 inches (153 mm) from openings.
  12. Ensure tailpipe deflector does not cause excessive back pressure.
Location, Mounting and Enclosure installation

⚠ Genset can fall from vehicle if supporting structure is weak

⚠ Fire is deadly; install fire-resistive barrier

⚠ Exhaust gas and fire are deadly

  1. Verify support structure resists dynamic weight: ±561 lbs vertical (±3 g) and ±187 lbs horizontal (±1 g).
  2. Secure genset with six 5/16-18 NC bolts; protrude at least 1-1/2 threads beyond weld nuts, maximum 1/2 inch.
  3. For below-floor mounting, use Onan mounting kit and Underfloor Template 539-1535; reinforce wood floor with steel.
  4. For above-floor mounting, construct vapor-tight, fire-resistive compartment of 26 gauge galvanized steel or equivalent.
  5. Shield cooling air openings from rain, road splash and debris.
  6. Provide access for fuel and battery connections and periodic maintenance; use Compartment Template 539-1546 for oil drain cutout.
  7. Do not share compartment or ventilation with batteries or fuel tanks.
  8. Provide at least 40 in2 (258 cm2) free-air inlet; keep cooling air unobstructed.
  9. Maintain required clearances: 1 inch left, 1/4 inch sides, 1 inch top, 1-1/2 inch front if inlet not aligned.
  10. Use self-extinguishing acoustic insulation rated at least 200°F (90°C); do not line compartment bottom.
Remote Control Connections installation

⚠ Exhaust gas is deadly; seal all wiring openings

  1. Push remote control wire harness connector through entrance hole and snap to genset connector.
  2. For harness made by others, use insulated 18 AWG copper conductors up to 30 feet (9 metres).
  3. Use heavier gauge conductors for greater distances and flexible sheathing to protect wiring.
  4. Route control leads separately from AC power leads.
  5. Seal opening where leads enter vehicle interior with silicone rubber or equivalent.
Separate Gasoline Fuel Pickup Tube Installation installation

⚠ Excessive fuel pressure can flood genset causing fire

⚠ Sparks can ignite gasoline

Tools: stainless steel hose clamps

  1. Contact vehicle chassis manufacturer regarding second fuel pickup installation.
  2. Do not change fuel fill tube, fill limiter vent, vapor canister, vapor lines, filler cap or fuel system without approval.
  3. Terminate genset pickup above vehicle pickup to prevent running vehicle out of fuel.
  4. Use 1/4 inch I.D. fuel hose (SAE 30-R7) and stainless steel hose clamps for connection.
  5. Run fuel line at or above top of fuel tank; maximum fuel pump lift 36 inches (914 mm).
  6. Route fuel lines away from electrical wiring and hot exhaust components.
Startup operation

⚠ Batteries give off explosive gases

⚠ Exhaust gas is deadly

  1. Complete Installation Review checklist.
  2. Connect battery cables to battery, positive (+) cable first.
  3. Read Operator’s Manual and perform maintenance and pre-start checks.
  4. Check engine oil level before starting.
  5. Start and operate genset following Operator’s Manual instructions and safety precautions.
  6. Check for fuel and exhaust leaks and unusual noises under full and intermediate loads.
  7. Do not place genset in service until all fuel and exhaust leaks are fixed and operation is satisfactory.

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 size generator is the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY?

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

What engine does the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY use?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY is powered by the Cummins/Onan KYD engine.

What fuel does the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY use?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY runs on Gasoline, LPG.

How much oil does the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY take?

The Cummins/Onan KYD engine in the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY has an oil capacity of 1.5 liters.

What is the dry weight of the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY has a dry weight of 78 kg (172 lb).

What voltage does the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY produce?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY is offered in 120 V, 230 V, 1-Phase-phase.

How many cold cranking amps does the Cummins/Onan 3.6KY require?

The Cummins/Onan 3.6KY uses 12 V each, [450, 450] CCA, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

Troubleshooting

6

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
3Service check fault — First-level fault code—Indicates fault with second-level fault codeCheck the second-level fault code by pressing STOP once. The second-level fault code will have two-digits. The faults are listed in numerical order in this table.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Status indicator light deadFaulty connections, no battery voltageTry the genset Start Switch if the remote Start Switch does not work, and vice versa; Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset; Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations.
Starting batteries run downMarginal batteries, connections, or charging system or, parasitic loadsClean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset; Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Have a battery charging system installed or serviced in the vehicle.
Starter engages-disengagesCranking voltage dips below 6 volts—low battery charge, poor connections, long cablesHave 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; Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (−) battery cable connections at the battery, vehicle frame and genset; Recharge or replace the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturer's recommendations; Increase battery cable size or run parallel cables.
Status indicator light goes out while cranking—no startInternal short circuit caused automatic-reset circuit protective device to tripTry 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 onLine circuit breaker OFF, or tripped due to short circuit or overloadTurn on or reset the line circuit breaker on the genset (Page 2-3); Turn on or reset the line circuit breakers on the main distribution panel in the vehicle.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Cummins/Onan 3.6KY troubleshooting guide (72 entries) →

Repair guides

4

Step-by-step procedures compiled from the Cummins/Onan service manual for this model.

Parts

8
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
0500-3297-1STANDARD RIGID UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KIT (403-3608)Service part / kit Amazon eBay
0500-3297-2UNDERFLOOR BASE KIT (403-3630)Service part / kit Amazon eBay
0500-3297-3SOFT UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KIT (403-3670)Service part / kit Amazon eBay
0611-1268-2RECONNECTION DIAGRAMSService part / kit Amazon eBay
403-3608STANDARD RIGID UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KITService part / kit Amazon eBay
403-3630UNDERFLOOR BASE KITService part / kit Amazon eBay
403-3670SOFT UNDERFLOOR MOUNTING KITService part / kit Amazon eBay
539-4814floor cutout templateService part / kit Amazon eBay

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
Full load0.712.7
Half load0.481.8
No load0.291.1
Standby1.10.29
Standby50%1.80.48
Standby100%2.70.71

Available documents

Service manual — 981-0169B Onan KYD Mobile Genset Operator's manual (11-2004)Service manual — 981-0530C Onan KY (spec J) KYD (spec A) RV Genset Service Manual (01-2006) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0621 Onan KY Mobile Genset Install Manual (05-2000) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 981-0636 Onan KYD Mobile Genset Operator's manual w-981-1054 Supplement (12-2005) (Cummins/Onan)

This page was generated from the 4 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.

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