HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan C

Cummins/Onan C Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan C is a 23 kW prime generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan CK engine. It is available at 50 V, ['Single Phase', 'Three Phase, Three Wire', 'Three Phase, Four Wire']-phase.

38.8 L
Displacement
3
Document types

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

Specifications

Prime power23 kW
Voltage options50 V, 60 V
PhaseSingle Phase,Three Phase, Three Wire,Three Phase, Four Wire
Battery quantity2

Engine

Cummins/Onan CK
Displacement38.8 L
AspirationGas or Gasoline

Maintenance & consumables

for the Cummins/Onan CK
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter1000 hr find
Fuel filter1000 hr find
Oil filter1000 hr find
Belt500 hr find
Coolant1000 hr
Coolant filter find
Oil1000 hr

Common questions

What engine does the Cummins/Onan C use?

The Cummins/Onan C is powered by the Cummins/Onan CK engine.

Troubleshooting

50

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
302-68Open circuit in armatureInstall a new armature
302-102Brush rig out of positionLine up properly

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
ENGINE CRANKS TOO STIFFLYToo heavy oil in crankcase.Drain. Refill with light oil. See PREPARATION.
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.
ENGINE OVERHEATINGImproper lubrication. Poor ventilation, Dirty or oily cooling surfaces. Retarded ignition timing, Generator overloaded.Provide ample ventilation at all times. Keep the engine clean, Retime ignition. Reduce load.
VOLTAGE DROPS UNDER HEAVY LOADEngine lacks power, Poor compression.Tighten cylinder heads and spark plugs. If still not corrected, grind the valves. Replace piston rings if necessary.
VOLTAGE DROPS UNDER HEAVY LOAD (CONT)Faulty carburetion, Dirty carburetor air cleaner, Choke partially closed. Carbon in cylinders or in carburetor venturi. Restricted exhaust line, Improper governor adjustment.Check the fuel system. Clean, adjust or repair as needed. Clean and Service. Choke plate must be wide open at operating temperature.
ENGINE MISFIRES AT LIGHT LOADCarburetor idle jet clogged or improperly adjusted. Spark plug gaps too narrow. Intake air leak, Faulty ignition.Clean or adjust. Adjust to correct gap - .025"{.018" for gas operation). Tighten manifold and carburetor mounting screws. Replace gasket if necessary. Clean, adjust, or replace breaker points, spark plugs, condenser, etc.
ENGINE MISFIRES AT HEAVY LOADDefective spark plug. Faulty ignition. Clogged carburetor. Clogged fuel screen. Defective spark plug cable.Replace. Clean, adjust, or replace breaker points, spark plugs, condenser, etc. or retime ignition. Clean carburetor.
ENGINE MISFIRES AT ALL LOADSFouled spark plug, Defective or wrong spark plug, Leaking valves.Clean and adjust. Replace. See VALVE SERVICE.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LIGHT BLUE EXHAUSTPoor compression. Usually due to worn pistons, rings, or cylinders.Refinish cylinders. Install oversized pistons and rings.
BLACK, SMOKY EXHAUST, EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION, FOULING OF SPARK PLUGS WITH BLACK SOOT, POSSIBLE LACK OF POWER UNDER HEAVY LOADFuel mixture too rich. Choke not fully open. Dirty air cleaner.See that choke opens properly. Adjust jets properly. Adjust the float level.
LIGHT POUNDING KNOCKLoose connecting rod. Low oil supply, Oil badly diluted. Low oil pressure.Replace rod bearings. Add oil. Change if necessary. Drain. Refill with proper oil. See Low Oil Pressure for remedies.
ENGINE STOPS UNEXPECTEDLYEmpty fuel tank, Defective ignition system. Fuel pump failure.Refill. Check the ignition system. Repair or replace as needed. See that the STOP button lead is not grounded.
DULL METALLIC THUD, IF NOT BAD, MAY DISAPPEAR AFTER FEW MINUTES OPERATION, IF BAD, INCREASES WITH LOADLoose crankshaft bearing.Replace, unless one of the next two remedies permanently corrects the trouble.
SHARP METALLIC THUD, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD ENGINE FIRST STARTEDLow oil supply. Oil badly diluted.Add oil. Change if necessary. Drain. Refill with proper oil.
PINGING SOUND WHEN ENGINE IS SUDDENLY OR HEAVILY LOADEDRemove the carbon. Reset breaker points or retime ignition.Install correct spark plugs. Carbon in cylinders. Spark advanced too far.
SHARP CLICK WHEN CRANKING ENGINEMagneto impulse coupling.Normal condition - should stop as soon as engine starts.
Engine cranks too slowly when cranked electricallyDischarged or defective battery, Loose connections, Corroded battery terminals, Brushes worn excessively or making poor contact, Short circuit in generator load circuit, Dirty or corroded points in start solenoid switchRecharge or replace. Tighten loose connections, Clean corroded terminals, He, place cable if necessary, Replace brushes or clean commutator, Repair 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, Foil compression, Wrong ignition timingClean, adjust, or replace breaker points, spark plugs, condenser etc., or retime ignition, Refill the tank. Check the fuel system. Clean, adjusi, or replace parts necessary, Ground spark plug cables, Crank engine with spark plugs moved.
Engine runs but voltage does not build upPoor brush contact.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.
Voltage is unsteady but engine is not misfiringSpeed too low, Poor commutation or brush contact, Loose connections, Fluctuating loadAdjust governor to correct speed, Refinish commutator or undercut 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.
Engine runs but voltage does not build up (cont.)Open circuit, short circuit, or ground in generatorRefer to the GENERATOR section of MAINTENANCE
SHARP METALLIC THUD, ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD ENGINE FIRST STARTED.Low oil supply. Add oil. Change if necessary. Oil badly diluted. — Drain. Refill with proper oil.
PINGING SOUND WHEN ENGINE IS SUDDENLY OR HEAVILY LOADED.Carbon in cylinders. Remove the carbon. Spark advanced too far. .. Reset breaker points or retime ignition. Wrong spark plugs. ’ Install correct spark plugs. Champion H9 Com. Spark plugs burned or carboned. Clean. Install new plugs if necessary. Valves hot. on , Adjust tappet clearance. See VALVE SERVICE.
TAPPING SOUNDValve clearance too great, - Adjust to proper clearance. See VALVE SERVICE.
HOLLOW CLICKING SOUND WITH COOL ENGINE UNDER LOADLoose piston. If noise is only slight and disappears when engine warms up, no immediate attention needed. Otherwise replace parts necessary.
VOLTAGE LOW AT FAR END OF LINE BUT NORMAL NEAR PLANTToo small line wire used for load and distance. Install larger or extra wires or reduce load.
MOTORS RUN TOO SLOWLY AND OVERHEAT AT FAR END OF LINE BUT OK NEAR THE PLANTToo small line wire used for load and distance. Install larger or extra wires or reduce load.
LOW OIL PRESSUREOil too light. Oil badly diluted. Oil too low. Oil relief valve not seating. Badly worn bearings. Sludge on oil screen. Badly worn oil pump. Defective oil pressure gauge.Drain, refill with proper oil. Drain, refill with proper oil. Add oil. Remove and clean, or replace, Replace. Remove and clean. Replace. Replace.
ENGINE BACKFIRES AT CARBURETORLean fuel mixture. Clogged fuel filter. Air leak at intake manifold or carburetor flange. Poor fuel. Spark advanced too far. Intake valve leaking.Clean carburetor. Adjust jets. Clean. Tighten mounting screws. Replace gaskets as necessary. Refill with good, fresh fuel. See PREPARATION. Reset breaker points or retime ignition. Reseat or replace.
VOLTAGE UNSTEADY BUT ENGINE NOT MISFIRINGSpeed too low. Poor commutation or brush contact, Loose connections. Fluctuating load.Adjust governor 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.
HIGH OIL PRESSUREOil too heavy. Clogged oil passage. Oil relief valve stuck.Drain, refill with proper oil. Clean all lines and passages. Remove and clean.
ENGINE BACKFIRESLean fuel mixture. Clogged fuel filter. Air leak at intake manifold or carburetor flange. Poor fuel.Clean carburetor. Adjust jets. Clean. Tighten mounting screws. Replace gaskets if necessary. Refill with good, fresh fuel. See PREPARATION. Reset breaker points or retime ignition. Spark advanced too far. Intake valve leaking. Reseat or replace.
TOO MUCH OILOil too light or diluted. Too large bearing clearance.Drain. Refill with proper oil. Replace bearings necessary.
Speed too low.Poor commutation or brush contact, Loose connections., Fluctuating loadAdjust governer to correct speed, Refinish commutator or undercut mica if necessary. See that brushes seat well on commutator and calender 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.
VOLTAGE DROPS UNDER HEAVY LOAD (CONT.)Engine lacks power, Poor compressionSee remedies under 'Engine Misfires at Heavy Load'. Tighten cylinder heads and spark plugs. If still not corrected, grind the valves. Replace piston rings if necessary.
ENGINE MISFIRES AT ALL LOADS (CONT.)Broken valve spring, Defective or improperly adjusted breaker pointsReplace, Adjust or replace breaker points.
ENGINE BACKFIRELean fuel mixture, Clogged fuel filter, Air leak at intake manifold or carburetor flange, Poor fuel, spark advanced too far, Intake valve leakingClean carburetor. Adjust jets, Clean, Tighten mounting screws. Replace gaskets if necessary, Refill with good, fresh fuel, See PREPARATION, Reset breaker points or retime ignition, Clean, adjust, or replace breakere points, spark plugs, condenser, etc., or retime the ignition.
EXCESSIVE CIL CONSUMPTION, LIGHT BLUE EXHAUSTPoor compression, Usually due to worn pistons, rings, or cylinders, Oil too light or diluted, Too large bearing clearance, Engine misfires, Faulty ignition, Too much oilRefinish cylinders. install oversize pistons and rings, Drain. Refill with proper oil, Replace bearings necessary, Refer to 'Engine Misfires At All Loads', Clean, adjust, or replace breaker points, spark plugs, condenser, etc., or retime the ignition, Drain excess oil.
HOLLOW CLICKING SOUND WITH COLD ENGINEBroken valve spring, Install new springInstall new spring
Engine cranks stifflyToo heavy oil in crankcase, Engine stuck.Drain. Refill with light oil, See PREPARATION. Disassemble and repair.
Engine cranks slowly when cranked electricallyDischarged or defective battery, Loose connections, Corroded battery terminals, Brushes worn excessively or making poor contact, Short circuit in generator load circuit, Dirty or corroded points in start solenoid switchRecharge or replace. Tighten loose connections, Clean corroded terminals. He. place cable if necessary. Replace brushes or clean commutator, Repair or replace parts necessary. Disconnect load, Replace switch,
ENGINE MISFIRES AT HEAVY LOADSDefective spark plug.; Faulty ignition.; Clogged carburetor.; Clogged fuel screen.; Defective spark plug cable.Replace.; Clean, adjust, or replace breaker points, spark plugs, condenser, etc. or retime ignition.; Clean carburetor.; Clean.; Replace.
BLACK, SMOKY EXHAUST, EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTIONFuel mixture too rich. Choke not fully open. Dirty air cleaner.Adjust jets properly. Adjust the float level. See that choke opens properly. Clean.
NOISY BRUSHESHigh mica between bars of commutator.Undercut mica
EXCESSIVE ARCING OF BRUSHESRough commutator or rings. Dirty commutator or rings.Turn down. Clean.
SPARK PLUG FOULED IN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME ON GASOLINE OPERATIONWrong spark plug gap.Clean spark plugs and set at 0.025"
MISSING, POPPING, ERRATIC OPERATION ON GASEOUS FUEL OPERATIONSpark Plug gap too wide.Set spark plug gap at 0.018"
HARD STARTING ON GASEOUS FUEL OPERATIONSpark Plug gap too wide.Set spark plug gap at 0.018"

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

Parts

17
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
302B21260 Cycle, 115 V. A.C.Spark plug PartsGeek
602A51DIRECT SERVICE PLANT - 115 VOLT DC WITH CARRYING FRAMEDirect service plant PartsGeek
602A531 PHASE, 3 WIRE MANUAL PLANT, LESS CARRYING FRAMEManual plant PartsGeek
602A59DIRECT SERVICE PLANT - 115 & 230 VOLT DC LESS CARRYING FRAMEDirect service plant PartsGeek
N2.30/B524MAGNETO COIL PANELMagnet coil panel PartsGeek
N2.3018482RESISTOR BOXResistor box PartsGeek
N2.301B526ARMATUREArmature PartsGeek
N2.306-052-SINGLE 20AMB TWISTLOCK RESISTOR NEResistor PartsGeek
N2.308524PANELPanel PartsGeek
N2.330-4COVER N2 330-4Cover PartsGeek
N2.330-5COVER N2 330-5Cover PartsGeek
N2.Z01CS36ASSY.Assy PartsGeek
301-500Instrument Box1Service part / kit PartsGeek
302-10250 ‘Cycle, LI5 Vs Ave.1Service part / kit PartsGeek
304-99Resistor - 5000 OhmS1Service part / kit PartsGeek
420A169carburetor wrench # 420A1691Service part / kit PartsGeek
N2.304-11060 OHM RESISTOR N2.304-1101Service 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
Prime
Standby

Available documents

Operator's manual — 910-0078 Onan CK Genset Operator's & Service manual (09-2009) (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — 0932-0112 Onan Post-Sale Literature Index (07-1998) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 910-1028 Onan CK Industrial Engine Instruction Manual (5-1964) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 920-0014 Onan CW series Genset & Magnet Installation & Service manual (Cummins/Onan)