HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan Performer Series

Cummins/Onan Performer Series Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan Performer Series is a generator set.

1
Document types

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

Service parts for the Performer Series

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

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 filterAir FilterP216-001 Amazon eBay
Fuel filterFuel FilterP216-003 Amazon eBay
Oil filterOil FilterP216-002 Amazon eBay
Battery
Belt
Coolant
Coolant filter
Hydraulic filter
Oilpremium quality motor oil
Spark plug0.025 inch (0.64 mm) gap, 11 lbs-ft (14 N-m) tightening torque

Service intervals

9
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Oil levelCheck8 hrFirst service — During first 24 hours of operation, check twice a day or after every 4 hours of operation
EngineInspect8 hrTable 2 footnote 1: check for oil, fuel and exhaust leaks, loose parts and unusual noises and vibrations
Exhaust systemInspect8 hrLook and listen for leaks while engine is running; check muffler and tailpipe for cracks and severe rusting
Flywheel air inlet screen and cylinder cooling finsClean8 hrAs necessary; footnote 2, more often in dusty conditions
Fuel lines and fittingsInspect8 hrInspect for leaks; repair leaks immediately
Engine oil and oil filterChange24 hrFirst service — Break-in: change oil and oil filter after the first 24 hours of operation
Engine valve clearanceAdjust50 hrFirst service — Table 2: see which engine models require valve clearance adjustment after the first 50 hours; must be performed by a qualified mechanic
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
Starting batteryCheck1 moRegular monthly maintenance of batteries may be required; see equipment or battery manufacturer instructions

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

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TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapSpark plug gap0.025inch
GapSpark plug gap0.64mm
OtherBore3.250 inch (83 mm)inch (mm)
OtherBore3.563 inch (90 mm)inch (mm)
OtherCompression ratio6.5 : 1
OtherCompression ratio7.0 : 1
OtherDisplacement44 inch3 (714 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherDisplacement48 inch3 (782 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherDisplacement60 inch3 (980 cc)inch3 (cc)
OtherIgnition timing20deg BTDCnon-adjustable electronic 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)
SpeedCarburetor speed stop screw setting for speed adjustment1000RPM
SpeedHigh-idle speed (recommended when equipment Operator's Manual gives no specification)3400RPM
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
TorqueSpark plug tightening torque11lbs-ft
TorqueSpark plug tightening torque14N-m
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.013inchcold
Valve clearanceExhaust valve clearance0.33mmcold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.005inchcold
Valve clearanceIntake valve clearance0.13mmcold

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 30API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)above 0°C32 F (0 C) and higher; single-grade SAE 30 preferable when temperatures consistently above freezing
Engine oil15W-40 (OnaMax)API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)12°C to 38°C10 F to 100 F (-12 C to 38 C)
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)
Engine oil5W-30API Class SG or SH (also SG/CD, SG/CE, SH/CD or SH/CE)28°C to 10°C-20 F to 50 F (-28 C to 10 C)
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
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
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
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 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 first

  1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plugs and 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 in or clamp by screw in swivel).
  4. Pull the slack out of the cable and clamp it.
  5. Check for smooth movement and full travel of the choke knob.
  6. Remove air cleaner element to see that choke plate opens and closes fully.
  7. Reassemble the air cleaner and reconnect the spark plug and battery.
Air Cleaner Element Replacement maintenance
  1. Pull choke knob to full-choke position to close choke plate and keep debris out.
  2. Remove the outer cover and wipe away loose dust and debris from the air cleaner assembly.
  3. Remove the inner air cleaner mounting nut and cover.
  4. Remove the paper element and foam wrapper from the engine.
  5. Wipe off dust and debris from the air cleaner base.
  6. Install the new paper element and secure with the inner cover and mounting nut.
  7. Reinstall the foam wrapper and outer cover.
Air Cleaner Foam Wrapper Maintenance maintenance

⚠ Failure to wring out excess oil may cause a drop in engine power due to restriction of inlet air

  1. Do not remove the inner air cleaner cover when servicing the foam wrapper only.
  2. Remove and wash the foam wrapper in water and detergent.
  3. Squeeze the foam wrapper dry like a sponge, rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
  4. Coat the wrapper evenly with one tablespoon (14 grams) of SAE 30 engine oil.
  5. Knead the oil into the wrapper and wring out the excess oil.
  6. Install the foam wrapper over the paper element, completely covering all exposed paper pleats.
  7. Replace the foam wrapper when it becomes torn or stretched.
Cooling System (Cylinder Cooling Fins) Cleaning maintenance

⚠ Always wear safety glasses when using compressed air or a pressure washer to avoid severe eye damage

⚠ Temperature stresses caused by cleaning a hot engine can crack the cylinder

Tools: Compressed air, Pressure washer, Safety glasses

  1. Wear safety glasses.
  2. Let the engine cool, especially before using a pressure washer.
  3. Use compressed air or a pressure washer to clean the cylinder cooling fins.
  4. Observe all manufacturer instructions and precautions for the pressure washer.
Engine Oil and Filter Change maintenance

⚠ Contact with used engine oil can cause cancer or reproductive toxicity; use rubber gloves and wash exposed skin

⚠ Always stop the engine before removing the oil fill cap; crankcase pressure can blow hot oil out

⚠ Always disconnect the spark plug and battery negative cable before changing oil

  1. Run engine until warm; stop it and disconnect spark plug and battery negative cable.
  2. Remove the oil fill cap.
  3. Place pan under drain opening, remove oil drain plug, drain fully and reinstall plug securely.
  4. Spin off oil filter canister, drain oil and discard filter per local regulations.
  5. Wipe filter mounting surface and apply thin film of oil to new filter gasket.
  6. Spin on new filter by hand until gasket touches mounting pad, then 1/2 to 3/4 turn more.
  7. Refill with proper API Class SG or SH oil of correct SAE viscosity; do not overfill.
  8. Reconnect spark plug and battery, start engine and check for leaks around drain plug and filter.
Fuel Filter Replacement maintenance

⚠ Gasoline is highly flammable and can cause severe personal injury or death

⚠ Do not smoke if you smell gasoline; keep flames, sparks, pilot lights and electrical arcs away

  1. Allow the engine to cool before disconnecting the fuel line.
  2. Close any shutoff valve provided in the fuel line.
  3. Take care not to spill fuel when disconnecting the fuel line from the filter.
  4. Loosen the inlet and outlet hose clamps if the filter is of the in-line type.
  5. Remove and replace the fuel filter, then reconnect lines and clamps.
  6. Refer to the equipment Operator's Manual for supplemental fuel filters and their replacement frequency.
Out-of-Service Protection (More Than 30 Days) maintenance

⚠ Gasoline preservatives (stabilizers) are toxic; follow container label instructions and avoid skin contact

  1. If not operated for more than 120 days, add fuel preservative (OnaFresh) to gasoline tank and run engine about 10 minutes.
  2. Run engine to normal operating temperature, stop and drain oil while warm; refill with fresh oil and tag oil viscosity.
  3. Remove spark plugs and squirt 1 ounce (2 tablespoons or 28 grams) of rust inhibitor or SAE 30 oil into each cylinder.
  4. Crank engine over a few times and reinstall the spark plugs.
  5. Perform air cleaner maintenance.
  6. Clean the governor linkage and wrap it with a clean cloth.
  7. Plug the exhaust outlet and provide a suitable cover for the entire unit.
  8. Disconnect battery (negative cable first) and follow battery or equipment manufacturer storage instructions.
Returning the Engine to Service maintenance
  1. Remove the cover, all protective wrapping and the plug from the exhaust outlet.
  2. Check the tag on the oil base; change oil if viscosity is not appropriate for expected ambient temperatures.
  3. Check fuel filter and fuel lines for security, cracks and leaks.
  4. Check that choke, throttle and governor linkages move freely.
  5. Clean and check the battery, then connect battery cables (positive cable first).
  6. Start the engine; initial startup may be slow with smoke and rough operation until oil in cylinders burns off.
  7. If engine does not start, clean or replace spark plugs as they may have been fouled by oil added for storage.
Spark Plug Replacement maintenance

Tools: Wrench, Torque wrench

  1. Thread the spark plug in by hand until it seats to prevent crossthreading.
  2. Turn it with a wrench an additional 1/16 turn (22-1/2 degrees).
  3. If a torque wrench is used, tighten the spark plugs to 11 lbs-ft (14 N-m).
Engine Break-In operation
  1. For first 3 hours operate at about half available power, occasionally at full power briefly.
  2. Avoid prolonged low-speed, low-power operation during break-in.
  3. Use proper engine oil for ambient temperatures; change oil if not appropriate.
  4. Check oil level twice a day or after every 4 hours during first 24 hours.
  5. Change oil and oil filter after first 24 hours of operation.
  6. See Table 2 for models requiring valve clearance adjustment after first 50 hours.
Starting the Engine operation

⚠ Starting the engine without oil will cause severe engine damage

⚠ Exhaust gas is deadly; never operate mobile equipment indoors without ample fresh air ventilation

  1. Check oil level and add oil as necessary.
  2. Fill gasoline or LPG fuel tank and open fuel shutoff valve.
  3. Release clutch if engine is so equipped.
  4. Pull choke knob out to full-choke position (gasoline, manual choke).
  5. Push throttle knob or lever to middle of speed range.
  6. Turn ignition-start switch to start and hold until engine starts; do not crank over 30 seconds at a time.
  7. Slowly push choke knob in to full-open position, keeping engine running smoothly.
  8. Do not operate equipment until engine runs smoothly with choke fully open.

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 does the Cummins/Onan Performer Series use?

The Cummins/Onan Performer Series uses oil filter part number P216-002.

Which fuel filter part number does the Cummins/Onan Performer Series take?

The Cummins/Onan Performer Series uses fuel filter part number P216-003.

What air filter does the Cummins/Onan Performer Series use?

The Cummins/Onan Performer Series uses air filter part number P216-001.

Troubleshooting

4

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomRemedy
The engine fails to crank.A. Release the clutch (if so equipped). b. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connections at the battery and the engine. c. Recharge the battery. Refer to the equipment or battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
The engine cranks slowly.A. Release the clutch (if so equipped). b. Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery cable connections at the battery and the engine. c. Recharge the battery. Refer to the equipment or battery manufacturer’s recommendations. d. Change engine oil to oil having the proper viscosity for the ambient temperature. See Table 1.
The engine cranks but fails to start.A. Check the fuel tank and fill if necessary. b. Open any closed fuel shut off valve. c. Check engine oil level and add oil as necessary. d. Reconnect and reclamp the choke cable (manual-choke gasoline engines only). See Adjustments. e. Service the air cleaner. f. Replace the fuel filter(if provided on gasoline engine). g. Replace the spark plugs.
The engine runs and then stops.A. Check the fuel tank and fill if necessary. b. Check the engine oil level and add oil as necessary. Drain excess oil if the level is above the dipstick Full mark. c. Reconnect and reclamp the choke cable (manual-choke gasoline engines only).

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

Parts

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Part #DescriptionQtySystem
P216-001Air Filter1Air filter Amazon eBay
P216-002Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
P216-003Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay
P218-001Air Filter1Air filter Amazon eBay
P218-002Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
P218-003Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay
P220-001Air Filter1Air filter Amazon eBay
P220-002Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
P220-003Fuel Filter1Fuel filter Amazon eBay
P224-001Air Filter1Air filter Amazon eBay
P224-002Oil Filter1Oil filter Amazon eBay
P224-003Fuel Filter1Fuel filter 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 — 965-0182B Onan P216 P218 P220 P224 Operators Manual (1-2001) (Cummins/Onan)