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Cummins/Onan C Series Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan C Series is a generator set.

3
Document types

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

Service parts for the C Series

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

Fuel system

1 required
2278784Fuel filtersee priceAmazon

Oil system

1 required

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

Specifications

Ratings spec sheet not in our library yet — see the documents below.

Maintenance & consumables

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterCummins Premium Blue—1000 hr
Fuel filterFuel pump-governor combination2278784 Amazon eBay
Oil filterOil & Filter Change, Fuel Filter19096 eBay FridayParts $18.60
Battery12 Volt 1800, 640, 1280, 480; 24 Volt 900, 320, 640, 240—8000 hr
Belt—2500 hr
CoolantEvery 64,000 KM [40,000 Miles], 2,000 Hours Or 2 Years Interval—2000 hr
Coolant filterDCA4—8000 hr
OilCummins Premium Blue—2000 hr
Spark plug—2000 hr

Service intervals

15
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Air CleanerInspect250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
AntifreezeCheck500 hr6 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Belt TensionCheck250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Belt Tensioner BearingInspect250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Coolant FilterReplace500 hr6 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
DamperInspect250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Fan HubInspect250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Intake SystemInspect250 hr3 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Lube FilterReplace500 hr6 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Lube OilChange500 hr6 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Valve Lash ClearanceAdjust1000 hr12 moEvery 8,000 km [5,000 mi]
Fuel FilterReplace500 hr6 moEvery 16,000 km [10,000 mi]
Air CompressorInspect1000 hr12 moEvery 33,000 km [20,000 mi]
AntifreezeChange2000 hr24 moEvery 64,000 km [40,000 mi]; coolant mixtures with water pump lubricants and corrosion inhibitors
CoolantChange2000 hr24 moEvery 64,000 km [40,000 mi]; flush system

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

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
ClearanceAir compressor discharge total carbon deposit (clean if exceeded)2mm [1/16-inch]
ClearanceFan hub maximum end play0.15mm [0.006 in]
ClearanceVibration damper index line misalignment (replace if exceeded)1.59mm [1/16 inch]
Injection timingTiming22°BTDC
OtherDrive belt maximum deflection9.5 to 12.7mm [3/8 to 1/2 inch]at longest span
OtherDrive belt tension gauge value80 to 110lbsusing Cummins belt tension gauge ST-1293
OtherFiring order153624
PressureLubricating oil pressure at low idle (minimum allowable)69kPa [10 psi]low idle
PressureLubricating oil pressure at rated speed (minimum allowable)207kPa [80 psi]rated speed
PressureMaximum allowable exhaust back pressure75mm Hg [3.0 in. Hg]
PressureMaximum allowable intake restriction, dirty air filter508mm H2O [20.0 in. H2O]naturally aspirated
PressureMaximum allowable intake restriction, dirty air filter635mm H2O [25.0 in. H2O]turbocharged
PressureMaximum allowable restriction to pump, dirty filter95mm Hg [8.75 in. Hg]
PressureMinimum allowable pressure cap50kPa [7.0 psi]
SpeedLow idle750rpm
SpeedLow idle (dataplate)750RPM
SpeedRated speed2200rpmrated HP 204
TemperatureMaximum allowable top tank temperature100C [212F]
TemperatureMinimum recommended top tank temperature70C [158F]
TorqueAftercooler Mounting24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueAir Compressor Gear Nut125 ± 3Nm (93 ft-lb)
TorqueAir Compressor Water Line35 ± 10Nm (25 ft-lb)
TorqueAir Compressor to Brace43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Link (Delco 10 S)24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Link (Delco 15 S)43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Link (Delco 20-27 S)43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Mounting Bolt (20-27 S)77 ± 7Nm (57 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Mounting Bracket24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator Pulley Nut (Alternator Shaft)80 ± 8Nm (59 ft-lb)
TorqueAlternator link43Nm [32 ft-lb]
TorqueAlternator mounting bolt77Nm [57 ft-lb]
TorqueBelt Tensioner Bracket to Block24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueBelt Tensioner to Bracket43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueBelt tensioner to bracket43Nm [32 ft-lb]
TorqueCamshaft Thrust Plate24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueConnecting rod80 / 120Nm [60 / 88 ft-lb]steps 2 / 3
TorqueCrankshaft Damper200 ± 12Nm (148 ft-lb)
TorqueCrankshaft damper200Nm [148 ft-lb]
TorqueCrossover Clamp5 ± 1Nm (4 ft-lb)
TorqueCylinder Head Mounting150Nm (110 ft-lb)Step 2
TorqueCylinder Head Mounting200Nm (148 ft-lb)Step 3
TorqueCylinder Head Mounting50Nm (37 ft-lb)Step 1
TorqueCylinder head mounting40 / 150 / 220Nm [27 / 110 / 162 ft-lb]steps 1 / 2 / 3
TorqueExhaust Manifold43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueExhaust Outlet Pipe, "V" Band Clamp5 ± 1Nm (4 ft-lb)
TorqueExhaust manifold43Nm [32 ft-lb]
TorqueFan Bracket Mounting24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueFan Hub (60 mm Bolt Circle)24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueFan Hub (60 mm Bolt Circle)43 ± 4Nm (32 ft-lb)
TorqueFlame Start Aid40 ± 4Nm (30 ft-lb)
TorqueFlywheel137Nm [101 ft-lb]
TorqueFlywheel137 ± 7Nm (101 ft-lb)
TorqueFlywheel Housing60 ± 6Nm (45 ft-lb)
TorqueFlywheel Housing Cover24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)
TorqueFlywheel housing60Nm [45 ft-lb]
TorqueFront Cover CapHand Tighten
TorqueFront Engine Mounting Without Support77 ± 7Nm (57 ft-lb)
TorqueFront Engine Support Mounting112 ± 10Nm (83 ft-lb)
TorqueFuel Banjo Screw (In Filter Head)32 ± 3Nm (24 ft-lb)
TorqueFuel Filter24 ± 3Nm (18 ft-lb)3/4 Turn After Contact

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 percent water / 50 percent ethylene-glycol antifreezeDCA4 supplemental coolant additiveabove -34°C11.4 litres [12.0 U.S. Qts] (6C8.3, 6CT8.3); 12.3 litres [13.0 U.S. Qts] (6CTA8.3)Never exceed 70/30 antifreeze/water mix; never use 100 percent antifreeze; 50/50 mix protects to -34F (DCA4 one unit per 3.8 litres [1.00 U.S. gallon] initial charge)
Engine oil5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic CC/CDbelow -23°CArctic operation: for ambient temperatures consistently below -23C [-10F] with no means to keep engine warm
Engine oilSAE 15W-40API CE (CC/CD or CD/SF where CE unavailable); Cummins Premium Blue22.4 litres [23.7 U.S. quarts] total including filterSulfated ash limit 1.0 mass percent suggested; must not exceed 1.85 mass percent
FuelASTM No. 2 D dieselASTM No. 2 D; blends of No. 2 D and No. 1 D below 0C [32F]Do not mix gasoline or alcohol with diesel fuel; fuel viscosity must stay above 1.3 cSt

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
Idle Speed - Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Screwdriver, Tachometer, 13, 19 and 10 mm wrenches

  1. Industrial: loosen locknut and back out the bumper spring screw.
  2. Speed should drop 20-30 rpm as the screw is backed out.
  3. Loosen locknut; set idle screw 20-30 rpm less than desired speed.
  4. Turn idle screw counterclockwise to decrease rpm; clockwise to increase.
  5. Turn bumper spring screw in until desired idle speed is obtained.
  6. Tighten the locknut.
  7. Automotive: loosen locknut and turn screw counterclockwise to raise rpm, clockwise to decrease.
Valves - Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Be sure to disengage the engine timing pin after locating TDC

Tools: Screwdriver, 13, 14, 15 and 18 mm wrenches, Feeler gauge, Barring gear Part No. 3904682

  1. Remove air crossover tube, support clamps and crankcase vent tube.
  2. Remove the valve cover.
  3. Locate Top Dead Center for cylinder number 1 using barring gear and timing pin.
  4. Check/set valves with engine cold, below 60C [140F].
  5. Adjust the valves indicated for STEP A (intake then exhaust).
  6. Tighten locknut to 24 Nm [18 ft-lb] and re-check valve lash.
  7. Rotate crankshaft 360 degrees; be sure timing pin is disengaged.
  8. Set the valves indicated for STEP B; tighten locknuts to 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].
Coolant Change and Flushing the System maintenance

⚠ Wait until temperature is below 50C [120F] before removing the coolant system pressure cap

⚠ Do not install the radiator cap during flushing

Tools: Drain pan capacity 20 litres [5 U.S. gallons]

  1. Wait until temperature is below 50C [120F] before removing pressure cap.
  2. Open drain valve on radiator and oil cooler; drain the system.
  3. Check for damaged hoses and loose clamps; replace as required.
  4. Fill with sodium carbonate and water mixture; open vent petcocks.
  5. Operate engine 5 minutes above 80C [180F]; shut off and drain.
  6. Fill with clean water; operate 5 minutes; drain again.
  7. Fill with 50 percent water and 50 percent ethylene-glycol antifreeze.
  8. Install pressure cap; operate to 80C [180F] and check for leaks.
Drive Belt Tension - Check maintenance

Tools: Cummins belt tension gauge ST-1293

  1. Measure the belt deflection at the longest span of the belt.
  2. Maximum deflection is 9.5 to 12.7 mm [3/8 to 1/2 inch].
  3. Alternatively use the Cummins belt tension gauge ST-1293.
  4. The required gauge value is 80 to 110 lbs.
Fuel Filter - Replacement maintenance

⚠ The pressure of the fuel in the line is sufficient to penetrate the skin and cause serious bodily harm

Tools: 75-80 mm and 90-95 mm filter wrenches, 8mm wrench, 17mm wrench

  1. Clean the area around the fuel filter head.
  2. Remove the filters and clean the gasket surface of the filter head.
  3. Replace the o-ring.
  4. Fill the new filter(s) with clean fuel and lubricate the o-ring seal.
  5. Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
  6. Vent low pressure lines: open bleed screw and operate lift pump plunger.
  7. Tighten the bleed screw when fuel flowing is free of air.
  8. Vent high pressure lines one at a time at the injectors.
Lubricating Oil and Filter - Change maintenance

⚠ Hot oil can cause personal injury; drain only when oil is hot

Tools: 17mm wrench, 118 to 131 mm filter wrench

  1. Operate engine until coolant reaches 60C [140F]; shut engine off.
  2. Remove oil drain plug; drain oil into a 22 litre (23 U.S. quart) container.
  3. Remove the filter using a 118 to 131 mm filter wrench.
  4. Clean the gasket surface of the filter head.
  5. Lubricate the new filter gasket and fill the filter with clean oil.
  6. Install filter; install oil drain plug and tighten to 80 Nm [60 ft-lb].
  7. Fill engine with clean 15W-40 oil to the proper level.
  8. Idle engine, check for leaks, recheck oil level.
Normal Starting Procedure operation

⚠ Do not engage the starting motor more than 30 seconds; wait two minutes between attempts

  1. Disengage driven unit or put transmission in neutral.
  2. Position fuel shutoff, electrical switch or control to run.
  3. Industrial: set throttle at idle. Automotive: depress accelerator fully and release.
  4. Engage starting motor; do not crank more than 30 seconds.
  5. Wait two minutes between each attempt to start.
  6. Engine oil pressure must be indicated within 15 seconds after starting.
  7. When cold, increase engine speed slowly to stabilize oil pressure.
  8. Idle 3 to 5 minutes at 1000 RPM before operating with a load.
Fuel Pump - Replacement repair

⚠ Do not exceed the torque value given for the retaining nut; this is not the final torque value

Tools: 22 mm and 27 mm sockets, 75 mm T-bar puller, 15 mm and 24 mm wrenches, Torque wrench

  1. Clean debris; remove fuel lines, control linkage and fuel shutoff solenoid.
  2. Locate TDC cylinder 1; push TDC pin into camshaft gear hole.
  3. Remove gear cover access cap; remove nut and washer from pump shaft.
  4. Pull the drive gear loose from the shaft with a 75 mm T-bar puller.
  5. Remove the four mounting nuts and remove the fuel pump.
  6. Align pump timing pin; install pump with cylinder 1 at TDC.
  7. Install mounting nuts 43 Nm [32 ft-lb]; retaining nut 10 to 15 Nm [7 to 11 ft-lb].
  8. Disengage timing pin; tighten drive nut PES6A 93 Nm, PES6MW 105 Nm.
General Rebuild Instructions repair

⚠ Cleanliness is an important consideration during repair of a diesel engine. Built-in contamination can reduce the life of an engine.

  1. Observe all safety precautions noted in the procedures.
  2. Provide a clean environment and follow the cleaning instructions specified in the procedures.
  3. Perform the inspections specified in the procedures.
  4. Replace worn and damaged parts as necessary for a successful rebuild.
  5. Use genuine Cummins new or ReCon® service parts and assemblies.
  6. Follow the specified disassembly and assembly procedures to avoid damaging parts and ensure proper assembly and tightening.
Injectors - Replacement repair

Tools: 10mm wrench, Torque wrench, Injector bore cleaning brush

  1. Thoroughly clean around the injectors.
  2. Disconnect the high pressure fuel lines and fuel drain manifold.
  3. Remove the injectors.
  4. Clean the injector nozzle bore with injector bore cleaning brush.
  5. Lubricate the seating lips of the sleeve with anti-seize compound.
  6. Install injector package with a new copper sealing washer; use only one washer.
  7. Install the holddown capscrew; torque 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].
  8. Install fuel drain manifold 8 Nm [6 ft-lb] and high pressure lines 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].
Thermostat - Replacement repair

⚠ Do not let any debris fall into the thermostat cavity when cleaning gasket surfaces

Tools: 10, 18 and 19 mm wrenches

  1. Drain 2 litres (2.1 U.S. Quarts) of coolant; remove radiator hose.
  2. Remove the drive belt; disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Loosen alternator link capscrew; remove mounting bolts and lower alternator.
  4. Remove capscrews; remove the water outlet connection.
  5. Remove thermostat housing and belt tensioner assembly.
  6. Remove thermostats and clean gasket surfaces.
  7. Install new thermostats and position a new gasket over them.
  8. Install housing, outlet connection; tighten capscrews to 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].
Turbocharger - Replacement repair

⚠ New turbochargers must be prelubricated before start-up

⚠ Cover the opening if turbocharger is not immediately replaced

Tools: 10, 13, 15, 16 mm and 7/16-inch wrenches

  1. Remove air crossover tube; disconnect intake and exhaust piping.
  2. Remove the capscrews from the oil drain tube.
  3. Remove the oil supply line.
  4. Remove the exhaust clamp, turbocharger and gasket.
  5. Clean sealing surface; apply anti-seize compound to mounting studs.
  6. Install turbocharger with new gasket; torque 32 Nm [24 ft-lb].
  7. Prelubricate new turbocharger with 50 to 60 cc [2 to 3 ounces] clean engine oil.
  8. Install oil supply line 15 Nm [11 ft-lb] and drain tube 24 Nm [18 ft-lb].

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 oil filter fits the Cummins/Onan C Series?

The Cummins/Onan C Series uses oil filter part number 19096.

What fuel filter does the Cummins/Onan C Series use?

The Cummins/Onan C Series uses fuel filter part number 2278784.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyStarting Motor Operating But Not Cranking the EngineRemove the starting motor and check for broken teeth on the flywheel or broken spring.
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyEngine Drive Units EngagedDisengage driven units and check for loading from malfunctioning accessories.
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyCrankshaft Rotation RestrictedBar the engine to check for rotational resistance.
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyStarting Circuit Connections Loose or CorrodedCheck and tighten connections.
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyBattery Charge LowCheck battery voltage.
Engine Will Not Crank or Cranks SlowlyNo Voltage to Starter SolenoidCheck voltage to solenoid.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Cummins/Onan C Series troubleshooting guide (187 entries) →

Parts

17
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
19094Oil & Filter ChangeOil filter Amazon eBay $500.00
19095Oil & Filter ChangeOil filter Amazon
19096Oil & Filter Change, Fuel FilterOil filter eBay FridayParts $18.60
19465Fuel Filter & Chassis LubeFuel filter Amazon eBay $17.99
19469Oil & Filter ChangeOil filter Amazon
19470Chassis Lube, Check Belts, HosesBelt Amazon eBay
19486Allison 4-Speed Trans Oil ChangeOil Amazon eBay $47.99
19507Allison 4-Speed Trans Oil ChangeCoolant filter Amazon eBay
2278784Fuel pump-governor combinationFuel filter Amazon eBay
30211Fuel Filter & Chassis LubeFuel filter Amazon eBay
30216Chassis Lube, Check Belts, HosesBelt Amazon eBay
30363Allison 6-Speed Trans Oil ChangeOil Amazon eBay
19097Complete ServiceService part / kit Amazon eBay $24.00 FridayParts $30.60
19098Complete Service & CheckService part / kit Amazon eBay
19472Change Differential OilService part / kit Amazon eBay $25.00
M-5316172Valve SpringService part / kit Amazon eBay
M-5316173Valve SpringService 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.

Available documents

Engine spec — 4000073 (Cummins/Onan)Owner's manual — Cummins Diesel C Series Manual 1988 (2) (Cummins/Onan)Service manual (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — RV Maintenance Price Brochure List01Service manual — cummins-shop-manual-c-series-engines-sample (Cummins/Onan)

This page was generated from the 5 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.