HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan P220

Cummins/Onan P220 Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan P220 is a 14.9 kW (20 kVA) prime generator set. It holds about 1.7 L (0.4 gal) of oil.

1.7 L
Oil capacity
3
Document types

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

Service parts for the P220

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

Air intake

1 required

Fuel system

1 required

Oil system

1 required

Ignition

1 required
167-0763-01Spark plugsee priceAmazon

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

Specifications

Prime power14 kW
Oil capacity1.7 L

Maintenance & consumables

ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filterAir Cleaner Element140-2199 Amazon eBay $12.74
Fuel filterFuel FilterP220-003 Amazon eBay
Oil filterOil FilterP220-002 Amazon eBay
Battery1000 hr
Belt
Coolant1000 hr
OilAPI classification SF, SF/CC, or SF/CD1.7 litre
Spark plugReplace spark plugs that show signs of fouling or electrode erosion.167-0763-011000 hr Amazon eBay

Service intervals

35
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Engine (general)Inspect5 hrCheck for fuel leaks; visually/audibly check exhaust for leaks; column marked 5 hrs
EngineInspect8 hrTable 2 footnote 1: check for oil, fuel and exhaust leaks, loose parts and unusual noises and vibrations
Engine oil levelCheck8 hrFirst service — Daily (8 Hour) Maintenance
Exhaust systemInspect8 hrLook and listen for leaks while running; inspect every time the engine is started and after every 8 hours of continuous operation
Flywheel air inlet screen and cylinder cooling finsClean8 hrDaily (8 Hour) Maintenance
Fuel LinesInspect8 hrDaily or every 8 hours
Fuel lines and fittingsInspect8 hrInspect for leaks; repair leaks immediately
Oil LevelCheck25 hrFirst service — Keep between Full and Add marks on dipstick.
Air Cleaner Foam WrapperClean50 hrPerform more often in dusty conditions.
Air cleaner element and element wrapperClean50 hrPerform more often under severe operating conditions
Crankcase oil (all engines without filter)Change50 hr
Crankcase oil (high capacity base with filter)Change50 hrFirst service — Required for initial break-in only, then per standard interval
Crankcase oil (standard base with filter)Change50 hrFirst service — Required for initial break-in only, then per standard interval
Cylinder Cooling FinsClean50 hrPerform more often in dusty conditions.
Engine valve clearanceAdjust500 hrFirst service — Table 2: see which engine models require valve clearance adjustment after the first 50 hours; must be performed by a qualified mechanic
Oil filterReplace50 hrFirst service — Required for initial break-in only
Air cleaner elementReplace200 hrPerform more often under severe operating conditions
Battery electrolyte levelCheck100 hr
Cooling finsClean100 hrPerform more often under severe operating conditions
Engine OilChange100 hrFirst service — Also after first 24 hours of operation as part of engine break-in; perform more often in dusty/hot conditions
Engine Oil and Oil FilterChange100 hrFirst service — Perform more often in hot or dusty conditions.
Spark PlugInspect100 hrInspect, clean and re-gap.
Carburetor and combustion cleaner (Onan 4C)Other200 hrRecommended every 200 hours of operation; clean cylinder heads of deposits more often with leaded fuel or continuous light load
Engine Oil FilterChange200 hrFirst service — Also after first 24 hours of operation as part of engine break-in; perform more often in dusty/hot conditions
Fuel FilterReplace200 hrIf so equipped.
Spark plugsCheck200 hrCheck or replace
Valve clearance (LP and natural gas conversion engines)Check200 hr
Valve clearance (extended service life engines)Check200 hr
Valve clearance (standard engines)Check200 hrFor detailed procedure contact Onan Service Center or Service Manual
Spark PlugReplace400 hr
Spark PlugsReplace500 hr
Valve clearance (P224 only)Check500 hr
Carbon and lead deposits (cylinder head)Clean1000 hrClean more frequently under continuous light load and/or on leaded fuel; Onan 4C carburetor/combustion cleaner recommended every 200 hours
Cylinder Heads of DepositsClean1000 hrClean more often when using leaded fuel or running continuously under light load; Onan 4C cleaner recommended every 200 hours
Starting BatteryCheck1 moSee instructions for battery care provided by equipment or battery manufacturer

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
GapSpark Plug Gap0.025inches (0.64 mm)
GapSpark Plug Gap0.035inches
GapSpark Plug Gap0.035 inches (0.89 mm)inches (mm)
GapSpark Plug Gap0.89mm
GapSpark plug gap0.64mm
Injection timingIgnition timing20degrees BTC
OtherBore3.250 inch (83 mm)inch (mm)
OtherBore3.563 inch (90 mm)inch (mm)
OtherBore84.2mm
OtherCompression Ratio7.0 : 1
OtherCompression Ratio8.5:1
OtherCompression ratio6.5 : 1
OtherCompression ratio6.5 to 1P216
OtherCompression ratio7.0 to 1P218, P220, P224
OtherCranking time limit30secondsDo not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time; wait at least one minute between tries
OtherDisplacement44 inch3 (714 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherDisplacement48inches3 (782 cc)
OtherDisplacement48 inch3 (782 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherDisplacement60 inch3 (980 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherIgnition Timing20° BTDCNon-adjustable electronic ignition
OtherIgnition Timing23° BTDCnon-adjustable, electronic magneto ignition
OtherIgnition Timing23° BTDCdegrees BTDCNon-adjustable, electronic, magneto ignition
OtherSpark plug tightening (without torque wrench)1/16 turn (22-1/2 degrees) after hand-tight seatingturn
OtherStroke2.625 inch (67 mm)inch (mm)
OtherStroke2.875 inch (73 mm)inch (mm)
OtherStroke3.000 inch (76 mm)inch (mm)
OtherStroke70.0mm
SpeedCarburetor speed stop screw setting during low-idle adjustment1000RPMSet with carburetor speed stop screw before adjusting low-idle speed
SpeedCarburetor speed stop screw setting for speed adjustment1000RPM
SpeedGovernor low speed stop1100rpm
SpeedHigh Idle Speed3400RPMrecommended
SpeedHigh-Idle Speed3400RPMrecommended in absence of equipment specifications
SpeedHigh-idle engine speed3400RPMRecommended in the absence of equipment manufacturer's specifications
SpeedHigh-idle speed (recommended when equipment Operator's Manual gives no specification)3400RPM
SpeedIdle speed (throttle stop screw)1000rpmengine speed control in slow position
SpeedLow Idle Speed1100RPMrecommended
SpeedLow Idle Speed1400RPMrecommended if no equipment spec
SpeedLow-Idle Speed1400RPMrecommended in absence of equipment specifications
SpeedLow-idle engine speed1100RPMRecommended in the absence of equipment manufacturer's specifications
SpeedLow-idle speed (recommended when equipment Operator's Manual gives no specification)1100RPM
SpeedPower at rated speed16 HP (11.9 kW)HP (kW)3600 RPM
SpeedPower at rated speed18 HP (13.4 kW)HP (kW)3600 RPM
SpeedPower at rated speed20 HP (14.9 kW)HP (kW)3600 RPM
SpeedPower at rated speed24 HP (17.9 kW)HP (kW)3600 RPM
SpeedRated engine speed3600RPM
TorqueSpark Plug20lbs-ft
TorqueSpark Plug26N-m
TorqueSpark Plug Tightening Torque11lbs-ft (14 N-m)
TorqueSpark Plug Tightening Torque20 lbs-ft (26 N-m)lbs-ft (N-m)
TorqueSpark plug tightening torque14N-m
Valve clearanceExhaust Valve Clearance0.006inchescold
Valve clearanceExhaust Valve Clearance0.006 inches (0.15 mm)inches (mm)Cold
Valve clearanceExhaust Valve Clearance0.013inches (0.33 mm)cold
Valve clearanceExhaust Valve Clearance0.15mmcold
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.33mmcold
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance (cold)0.013inch (0.33 mm)cold
Valve clearanceIntake Valve Clearance0.005inches (0.13 mm)cold
Valve clearanceIntake Valve Clearance0.006inchescold
Valve clearanceIntake Valve Clearance0.006 inches (0.15 mm)inches (mm)Cold
Valve clearanceIntake Valve Clearance0.15mmcold

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
Engine oilRust inhibitor or SAE 30 oil1.0 ounceOut-of-service protection: squirt 1 ounce (2 tablespoons or 28 grams) into each cylinder, crank over a few times, reinstall spark plugs
Engine oilSAE viscosity per temperature chart (-20°F to 100°F range)API SF, SF/CC, or SF/CD1.5 Qts (1.4 litre) standard base w/o filterStraight weight oils recommended for severe duty and above 32°F (0°C) for minimum oil consumption
Engine oil5W-30API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)-28°C to 10°C1.9 l
Engine oil10W-30 or 10W-40API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)-18°C to 27°C1.9 l
Engine oil10W-30, 10W-40API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)-18°C to 27°C0° F to 80° F (-18° C to 27° C)
Engine oil15W-40API SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)-12°C to 38°C1.6 lOnaMax
Engine oil15W-40 (OnaMax)API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)-12°C to 38°C1.9 l
Engine oilSAE 30API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)above 0°C1.9 lSingle-grade SAE 30 oil is preferable when temperatures are consistently above freezing.
Engine oil10W-30API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)18°C to 27°C0 F to 80 F (-18 C to 27 C)
Engine oil10W-40API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)18°C to 27°C0 F to 80 F (-18 C to 27 C)
FuelClean, fresh, unleaded gasoline (regular leaded also usable but not preferred)Do not use fuel system de-icers or gasoline with alcohol concentration greater than 10%
FuelCommercially available natural gasNatural gas models
FuelHD-5 grade liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)At least 90 percent propane; commercial LPG may contain more than 2.5 percent butaneLPG models; poor vaporization and starting below 32 F (0 C) with high butane
FuelHD-5 grade liquified petroleum gas (LPG), at least 90 percent propaneLPG models. Commercial LPG may contain more than 2.5 percent butane, which can cause poor fuel vaporization and poor starting below 32° F (0° C).
FuelUnleaded gasolineMinimum octane rating (Anti-Knock Index) of 87; do not use gasoline or additives (de-icers) containing methanolGasoline models; oxygenated gasolines acceptable but not preferable; leaded gasoline may be used with extra maintenance
FuelUnleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating (Anti-Knock Index) 87Gasoline models: use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasoline or gasoline additives (de-icers) containing methanol. Avoid highly leaded gasolines and lead additives. Oxygenated gasolines are acceptable but not preferable.
Fuelunleaded gasolineminimum octane rating (Anti-Knock Index) of 87Do not use gasoline or gasoline additives containing methanol. Leaded gasoline may be used but will result in extra maintenance.
OtherGasoline fuel preservative (OnaFresh)Gasoline engines only; add if equipment will not be operated for more than 120 days, then run engine about 10 minutes; toxic, avoid skin contact

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
Carburetor and Governor Speed Adjustment adjustment
  1. Start engine and allow to warm up at least 10 minutes
  2. Move engine speed control to slow position; adjust throttle stop screw for 1000 rpm idle
  3. Adjust governor low speed stop for 1100 rpm idle
  4. Move engine speed control to fast position; bend high speed stop on governor to set equipment manufacturer's recommended speed
Choke Adjustment adjustment

Tools: 1/8 inch drill bit, wrench

  1. Shut off engine, remove air cleaner outer cover and filter element.
  2. Loosen choke rod swivel clamp screw.
  3. Lock throttle control lever with pin (1/8 inch drill bit) so pin acts as stop for choke lever.
  4. Push choke rod towards carburetor to fully open choke.
  5. Rotate choke lever towards carburetor until it bears against pin stop, tighten swivel clamp screw.
  6. Remove lock pin and check choke linkage operation. Replace damaged components.
  7. Reassemble air cleaner.
  8. Adjust throttle and choke control cables.
Control Cable Adjustments adjustment

Tools: 1/8 inch drill bit, wrench

  1. For single-cable: shut off engine, loosen throttle cable clamp.
  2. Lock throttle lever with pin (1/8 inch drill bit).
  3. Push speed control lever to high speed position.
  4. Hook cable wire into throttle lever, pull out slack, tighten clamp. Remove lock pin.
  5. For two-cable: repeat steps 1-3, then push choke knob to full-open.
  6. Hook choke cable wire into choke lever, push choke rod towards carburetor, pull out slack, tighten clamp.
Engine Speed Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Adjusting the engine speed to a value above that specified by the equipment manufacturer could cause the equipment to operate at speeds in violation of Federal and State Standards for Safety for the equipment.

⚠ Moving parts can cause severe personal injury or death. Take care when measuring engine speed with a tachometer and follow the meter instructions. You must be a qualified mechanic.

Tools: tachometer

  1. Normally no need to adjust engine speed. Instructions are for equipment manufacturer. Attempt only by qualified mechanic using accurate tachometer.
  2. Set low-idle and high-idle speeds to values specified in equipment Operator's Manual. If absent, adjust low-idle to 1,100 RPM and high-idle to 3,400 RPM.
  3. Start engine, observing all equipment manufacturer's instructions and precautions.
  4. If throttle cable already connected, loosen clamp at engine and back out low-idle speed stop screw so speed stop screw on carburetor touches its stop. Adjust engine speed to 1,000 RPM with carburetor
  5. Turn low-idle speed stop screw to obtain specified low-idle speed.
  6. Move engine throttle link up against its stop tang and hold it there while bending tang as necessary to obtain specified high-idle speed.
  7. Hook engine throttle link with throttle cable, pull slack out of throttle cable and tighten clamp. Check for full, smooth movement of engine throttle link between its two stop positions when equipment
Engine Speed Adjustment (Low-Idle and High-Idle) adjustment

⚠ Engine speed adjustment must be attempted only by a qualified mechanic using an accurate tachometer.

⚠ Adjusting the engine speed above that specified by the equipment manufacturer could cause the equipment to operate at speeds in violation of Federal and State Standards for Safety.

⚠ Moving parts can cause severe personal injury or death. Take care when measuring engine speed with a tachometer.

Tools: Accurate tachometer

  1. Start the engine, observing all equipment manufacturer's instructions and precautions.
  2. If the throttle cable is connected, loosen the clamp at the engine and back out the low-idle speed stop screw so the carburetor speed stop screw touches its stop.
  3. Adjust engine speed to 1000 RPM with the carburetor speed stop screw.
  4. Turn the low-idle speed stop screw to obtain the specified low-idle speed.
  5. Move the engine throttle link up against its stop tang and hold it there while bending the tang as necessary to obtain the specified high-idle speed.
  6. Hook the engine throttle link with the throttle cable, pull out slack and tighten the clamp.
  7. Check for full, smooth movement of the engine throttle link between its two stop positions through the full range of the equipment throttle lever.
Engine Speed Adjustments adjustment

⚠ Adjusting engine speed above equipment manufacturer spec could cause violation of safety standards.

⚠ Moving parts can cause severe personal injury or death.

Tools: tachometer, 1/8 inch drill bit, wrench

  1. Remove outer cover of air cleaner and set up tachometer.
  2. Start engine.
  3. Lock throttle control lever with pin (1/8 inch drill bit) in control plate.
  4. Loosen choke rod swivel clamp screw and push choke rod towards carburetor to fully open choke.
  5. Adjust high-idle speed by rotating engine control plate. Loosen pivot bolt 1/8 turn and set bolt 1/4 turn. Retighten.
  6. Adjust low-idle speed by turning idle speed screw. Remove lock pin and move throttle to lowest position.
  7. Shut off engine and readjust choke.
Engine Speed Adjustments (Low-Idle and High-Idle) adjustment

⚠ Adjusting engine speed above that specified by the equipment manufacturer could violate Federal and State Standards for Safety

⚠ Only a qualified mechanic should adjust engine speed

Tools: Accurate tachometer

  1. Start the engine, observing all equipment manufacturer instructions and precautions.
  2. Loosen throttle cable clamp and back out low-idle speed stop screw so carburetor speed stop screw touches its stop.
  3. Adjust engine speed to 1000 RPM with the carburetor speed stop screw.
  4. Turn the low-idle speed stop screw to obtain the specified low-idle speed.
  5. Move the engine throttle link against its stop tang and bend the tang for specified high-idle speed.
  6. Hook throttle link with the cable, remove slack and tighten the clamp.
  7. Check for full, smooth movement of the throttle link between its two stop positions.
Reconnecting and Reclamping the Choke and Throttle Cables adjustment

⚠ Accidental starting can cause severe injury or death. Always disconnect spark plug and battery before resetting engine control cables.

  1. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug and battery (negative cable).
  2. Push choke knob in to full open-choke position and throttle lever to lowest speed position.
  3. Loosen cable clamp at engine bracket if necessary and hook cable wires into hook holes in choke and throttle control arms.
  4. Rotate choke and throttle control arms clockwise, hold against stops, pull slack out of cables and tighten cable clamp.
  5. Check for smooth movement and full travel of choke knob and throttle lever. Remove air cleaner element to see choke plate opens and closes fully. Check throttle control arm touches stop plate and thro
  6. Reassemble air cleaner and reconnect spark plug and battery.
Reconnecting the Choke Cable adjustment

⚠ Accidental starting of the engine can result in severe personal injury or death. Always disconnect the spark plug and battery (negative [-] cable) before resetting the engine control cables.

  1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plugs and, if so equipped, the battery negative (-) cable.
  2. Push the equipment choke knob to the full-open choke position.
  3. Connect the choke cable to the choke lever (hook into the lever or clamp with the screw in a swivel on the lever); pull out cable slack and clamp.
  4. Check for smooth movement and full travel of the equipment choke knob.
  5. Remove the air cleaner element to see that the choke plate opens and closes fully.
  6. Reassemble the air cleaner and reconnect the spark plug and battery.
Troubleshoot - Engine Cranks but will not Start diagnostic
  1. Step 01: Check fuel supply, spark plugs
  2. Step 02: Perform checks in Step 01; check battery, ignition coil, ignition module
  3. Step 03: Perform checks in Step 01 and 02; check fuel filter, fuel pump, carburetor; perform engine leak down test
Troubleshoot - Engine Difficult to Start diagnostic
  1. Step 01: Check fuel supply, carburetor choke, spark plugs
  2. Step 02: Perform checks in Step 01; check air cleaner element, fuel filter, intake manifold gaskets, fuel pump, carburetor, ignition coil, ignition module; perform engine leak down test
Troubleshoot - Engine Power Output Low diagnostic
  1. Step 01: Check governor, throttle cable, carburetor choke, fuel filter, air cleaner element, fuel pump, carburetor
  2. Step 02: Perform checks in Step 01; check intake manifold gaskets; perform engine leak down test

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

Which oil filter part number does the Cummins/Onan P220 take?

The Cummins/Onan P220 uses oil filter part number P220-002.

What fuel filter fits the Cummins/Onan P220?

The Cummins/Onan P220 uses fuel filter part number P220-003.

What air filter does the Cummins/Onan P220 use?

The Cummins/Onan P220 uses air filter part number 140-2199.

Troubleshooting

1

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCause
Blacksmoke from the exhaust and a rough running engineOver-choking

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

Parts

24
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
122-0645Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon $14.11 eBay $11.99
123-005Air Cleaner Element1Air filter Amazon eBay
123-007Spark Plug1Spark plug Amazon eBay
123-009Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
123-011Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay
140-1228Air Cleaner Element1Air filter Amazon eBay KuduParts $11.00
140-1496Air Cleaner Element Wrapper1Air filter Amazon eBay
140-1911High Capacity Air Cleaner Element1Air filter eBay KuduParts $16.00
140-1912High Capacity Air Cleaner Element Wrapper1Air filter eBay
140-2199Air Cleaner ElementAir filter Amazon eBay $12.74
140-2255Air Cleaner Element WrapperAir filter Amazon eBay
149-2005Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $8.50
149-2206-01Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay $12.86
167-0263Spark Plugs1Spark plug Amazon eBay $19.00
167-0763-01Spark PlugsSpark plug Amazon eBay
FS-1406-2THROTTLE SHAFT AND LEVER1Oil filter Amazon eBay
FS-1440-3CARBURETOR ASSEMBLYOil filter Amazon eBay
M-13964FRONT PULL GOVERNOR ASSEMBLYOil filter Amazon eBay
P220-001Air Filter1Air filter Amazon eBay
P220-002Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
P220-003Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay
525-0394Touch-Up Paint (Black)Service part / kit eBay
965-0176Service part / kit Amazon eBay
M-1686STARTING SYSTEMService 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

Operator's manual — 965-0162 Onan P216 P218 P220P220 P240 Operator's Manual (3-1985) (Onan)Operator's manual — 965-0167 Onan P216, P218, P220, P224 Engine Operator's Manual (02-1996) (Cummins/Onan)Operator's manual — 965-0178 Onan E125V E140V Elite series Operator's manual (07-1997) (Cummins/Onan)Operator's manual — 965-0179 Onan E125H E140H Elite series Engine Operator's manual (07-1997) (Cummins/Onan)Operator's manual — 965-0180 Onan P218V P220V Performer series Engine Operator's manual (07-1997) (Cummins/Onan)Operator's manual — 965-0182B Onan P216 P218 P220 P224 Operators Manual (1-2001) (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — 965-0264 Onan P216 P218 P220 Parts Manual (1-1992) (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — DK-Kohler (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 900-0601B Onan Performer P216-P248 Repair Times (Cummins/Onan)
Full service, cheapest listings

Priced items from this model's own parts manual.

Air filter 140-2199$12.74
1 priced item$12.74