HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan K3500

Cummins/Onan K3500 Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan K3500 is a 3 kW (3 kVA) gasoline standby generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan GS280-DG-A3 engine. It is available at 120 V and 240 V, 1-phase, 60 Hz and rated 25 A. It holds about 0.92 L (0.2 gal) of oil. An integrated tank holds 8.5 L (2.2 gal).

3 kW
Standby
0.276 L
Displacement
0.92 L
Oil capacity
0
Document types

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

Specifications

Fuelgasoline
Frequency60.0 Hz
Standby power3 kW
Standby kVA3
Oil capacity0.92 L
Voltage options120 V, 240 V
Phase1
Rated current25 A
Power factor100
Battery voltage12 V
Battery quantity1
Fuel tank8.5 L

Engine

Cummins/Onan GS280-DG-A3
Oil capacity0.92 L
Displacement0.276 L
Aspirationnaturally_aspirated
Rated speed3600 rpm

Maintenance & consumables

for the Cummins/Onan GS280-DG-A3
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterClean air cleaner element25 hr find
Fuel filterPeriodically clean the fuel filter as follows: find
Oil filter find
Belt find
Coolant
OilChange the engine oil only after the engine has run and is still warm.50 hr

Common questions

What is the power rating of the Cummins/Onan K3500?

The Cummins/Onan K3500 is rated 3 kW standby (3.0 kVA).

What engine does the Cummins/Onan K3500 use?

The Cummins/Onan K3500 is powered by the Cummins/Onan GS280-DG-A3 engine.

What fuel does the Cummins/Onan K3500 use?

The Cummins/Onan K3500 runs on gasoline.

What is the oil capacity of the Cummins/Onan K3500?

The Cummins/Onan GS280-DG-A3 engine in the Cummins/Onan K3500 has an oil capacity of 0.92 liters.

Troubleshooting

12

Fault codes

CodeMeaningRemedy
OVOutput voltageSet the switch to the desired AC or DC position
3 ~ 6VOnly slight output voltage is delivered (3 ~ 6V)Repair or replace.

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
Crankcase pressure might blow out hot oil and cause serious burns.Do not attempt to check oil while the generator set is running. Add oil until it reaches the top of the oil port.
Fuel level indicator looks damaged or loose.Install a new indicator before starting generator set.
Generator set operates on a slight grade, and the fuel tank is completely filled.Do not fill completely if the generator set will operate on a slight grade.
Faulty electrical equipment connected to the generator presents an electrical shock hazard.Check all electrical equipment for frayed cords or breaks in the insulation before using. Properly applied and maintained ground fault circuit interrupters can afford additional protection against the hazard of electrical shock.
Pilot lamp does not light and output voltage is OVFaulty contact of receptacles or disconnected wiring inside of control boxRepair or replace
Output voltage is not deliveredDisconnected wiringRepair or replace stator coil, demagnetization of permanent magnet, clean brush contact and slip ring, repair or replace brush, or repair or replace sub coil
Only slight output voltage is delivered (3 ~ 6V)Worn brush or faulty contact surface of slip ringClean brush contact and slip ring, or replace brush
Rated output voltage is not availableAbnormal load circuit, blown circuit breaker (S.T.D., voltage 10%)Remove abnormality in load circuit and replace fuse
Fluctuation of engine revolution is abnormalDisconnected or punctured AVR capacitor, faulty brush contact, excessive initial current, low engine output, faulty engine governorReplace capacitor, check for wear, wear amount, and contamination of contacting surface of brush and clean if necessary, repair or replace
Output voltage is more than S.T.D. voltage by 30%Defective AVRReplace

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

Parts

4
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
981-0123Recoil Starter Control Panel1Recoil starter PartsGeek
M-1534Air Cleaner1Air cleaner PartsGeek
K2100STARTINGService part / kit PartsGeek
K3500STARTINGService part / kit PartsGeek yemparts $49.74

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