HomeCummins/OnanCummins/Onan Spec G

Cummins/Onan Spec G Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan Spec G is a generator set. It is available at 115 V and 230 V.

3
Document types

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

Service parts for the Spec G

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

Oil system

1 required

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

Specifications

Voltage options115 V, 230 V

Filters & service parts

model family
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter5000 hr
Fuel filter10000 hr
Oil filter5000 hr
Battery5000 hr
Belt5000 hr
Coolant10000 hr
Coolant filter1000 hr
Oil303P841000 hr Amazon eBay
Spark plug20000 hr

Compiled from this model's family documentation — may include parts for closely-related variants. Confirm the exact part for your serial number.

Service intervals

19
ItemActionHoursMonthsNotes
Crankcase oilCheck8 hrDaily; every 8 hours if operated more than 8 hours daily; keep between L and F marks
Air cleaner cartridgeClean30 hrRemove and shake out accumulated dirt
BatteriesCheck50 hrWeekly; clean and tighten connections, check electrolyte
Governor linkageLubricate50 hrWeekly; dry lubricant such as powdered graphite
Spark plugsClean50 hrWeekly; adjust gap to 0.025 inch (0.018 inch gas)
Air cleanerClean100 hrService as required; under dust-free conditions every 100 hours or less frequent
Crankcase oilChange100 hrNormal temperature and operating conditions
Air cleaner cartridgeReplace500 hrOr more often under extreme dust; do not wash cartridge
Generator bearingLubricate5000 hr2 years or 5,000 operating hours; non-lithium grease every 6 months or 1200 hours
CarbonClean1 moMonthly as required; remove carbon or lead deposits
Cooling finsClean1 moMonthly; remove cylinder air covers and clean fins
Crankcase breather valveClean1 moMonthly; clean thoroughly in gasoline or solvent
Exhaust systemInspect1 moMonthly; inspect all connections for leaks
Fuel systemDrain1 moMonthly; if 5 gallon fuel tank used, drain and clean to remove sediment/water
Fuel tankDrain1 moMonthly; drain sediment/water
GeneratorInspect1 moMonthly; inspect commutator, collector rings, brushes
MagnetoInspect1 moMonthly; inspect breaker points, adjust gap 0.020 inch
Oil filter elementInspect1 moReplace if filling with sludge; do not clean and reuse
Valve tappetsAdjust1 moMonthly; clearance 0.012 inch cold for intake and exhaust

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
ClearanceCamshaft bearing0.001-0.003inch
ClearanceCompression ring gap, 2nd0.013-0.025inch
ClearanceCompression ring gap, Top0.013-0.025inch
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing0.001-0.003inch
ClearanceConnecting rod bearing clearance0.001-0.003inch
ClearanceConnecting rod endplay0.002-0.011inch
ClearanceCrankshaft endplay - Aluminum bearing0.008-0.020inch
ClearanceCrankshaft endplay - Bronze faced bearing0.008-0.012inch
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing - Aluminum0.0035-0.004inch
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing - Bronze faced0.0019-0.0035inch
ClearanceCrankshaft main bearing journal - Std size2.7495-2.750inch
ClearanceCrankshaft rod bearing journal - Std size2.3745-2.375inch
ClearanceCylinder bore - Standard size4.000-4.001inch
ClearanceCylinder bore - oversize4.005-4.006inch
ClearanceOil pump gear backlash0.003-0.005inch
ClearanceOil ring gap0.013-0.025inch
ClearancePiston pin bushing ream for new pin1.1875-1.1882inch
ClearancePiston pin clearance with used pin0.0002-0.0007inch
ClearancePiston pin in connecting rod0.0002-0.0007inch
ClearancePiston pin in piston (tap-in fit)0.0000-0.0001inch
ClearancePiston ring gap when fitting0.013-0.025inch
ClearancePiston to cylinder (90° to pin)0.0045-0.006inch
ClearanceTiming gear backlash0.001-0.006inch
ClearanceValve stem in guide - Exhaust0.003-0.004inch
ClearanceValve stem in guide - Intake0.0015-0.003inch
GapMagneto breaker points gap0.020inch
GapSpark plug gap (gas fuel)0.018inch
GapSpark plug gap (gasoline fuel)0.025inch
OtherBrush replacement length1/2inchreplace when worn to this length
OtherCamshaft center pin extension beyond camshaft3/4inch
OtherCarburetor float setting1-1/4 (plus 1/8, minus zero)inchgasoline carburetor
OtherGovernor cup distance from snap ring to front surface7/32inch
OtherMagneto installation chisel mark before TC8-1/2inch
OtherMica undercut depth1/32inchcommutator
OtherThrottle lever stop screw clearance1/32inchno load, rated speed
PressureOil pressure20-30poundsnormal running; may be higher until warm
Speed10CW-150R governor RPM limits1900-2000rpmminimum-maximum; recommended full load 1960, no load 2000
SpeedGovernor full load frequency spread max3cyclesno load to full load
SpeedGovernor no load frequency 50 cycle50-53cyclesno load
SpeedGovernor no load frequency 60 cycle60-63cyclesno load
SpeedOperating speed 50 cycle1500rpm
SpeedOperating speed 60 cycle1800rpm
SpeedOperating speed DC magnet service1960rpm
TemperatureBattery specific gravity above 90°F1.225above 90°F
TemperatureBattery specific gravity normal full charge1.275
TorqueArmature mounting screws10lb ft
TorqueConnecting rod place bolts (no locks)40-45lb ft
TorqueConnecting rod screws (with locks)27-30lb ft
TorqueCrank pilot screw43-48lb ft
TorqueCylinder base nuts58-62lb ft
TorqueCylinder head nuts (carbon removal procedure)36lb fttighten evenly
TorqueCylinder head screws40-45lb ft
TorqueExhaust manifold screws25lb ft
TorqueFlywheel mounting screw35-40lb ft
TorqueFuel pump mounting screws15lb ft
TorqueGenerator adapter screws25lb ft
TorqueIntake manifold screws25lb ft
TorqueOil base screws43lb ft
TorqueOil pump mounting screws7lb ft
TorqueRear bearing plate nuts (earlier models)18-20lb ft

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 oilSAE 5WAPI Service DG or MS/DGbelow -18°C6.0 U.S. QuartsBelow 0°F (-18°C)
Engine oilmulti-viscosity 5W-20 or 10W-30Not recommended; oil consumption increases greatly
Engine oilSAE 10API Service DG or MS/DG-18°C to -1°C6.0 U.S. Quarts0°F to 30°F (-18°C to -1°C)
Engine oilSAE 30API Service DG or MS/DG-1°C to 32°C6.0 U.S. Quarts30°F to 90°F (-1°C to 32°C)
Engine oilSAE 50API Service DG or MS/DGabove 32°C6.0 U.S. QuartsAbove 90°F (32°C) continuous duty
Fuelnatural gas or LPGLine pressure 3 to 8 ounces at regulator inlet; LPG not more than 8 ounces
Fuelregular automotive gasolineFresh, clean; do not use highly leaded premium or low-octane stove gas
Greaselithium base greaseMIL-G-10924Generator bearing; no further lubrication for 2 years or 5,000 operating hours
Otherair cleaner oilSame SAE number as engine oil for oil bath and dry pack air cleaners

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
Automatic choke adjustment, beginning Spec F adjustment

Tools: 8 penny nail or 1/8 inch rod

  1. Loosen carburetor choke arm on its shaft.
  2. Slip choke assembly cover upward to remove it.
  3. Insert an 8 penny nail or 1/8 inch rod through aligning holes of solenoid armature and core.
  4. Tie armature firmly against core.
  5. Set choke valve plate fully closed and tighten choke arm on shaft.
  6. Remove alignment nail and untie armature; replace cover.
Automatic choke adjustment, prior to Spec F adjustment

⚠ Do not turn too far; a few degrees are usually sufficient.

  1. If choke does not open as engine warms up, check electric heating element.
  2. Loosen choke housing clamp screw.
  3. Turn housing slightly counterclockwise for over-choking in cold temperatures.
  4. Turn housing slightly clockwise to increase choking in high temperatures.
  5. Retighten clamp screw.
Carburetor adjustment adjustment

⚠ Factory carburetor adjustments should not be disturbed.

Tools: voltmeter

  1. Allow engine to thoroughly warm up.
  2. Adjust idle with no load: turn idle out until speed or voltage drops slightly, then in to normal.
  3. Adjust main with full load: turn main in until speed or voltage drops, then out to normal.
  4. For gas carburetor, set idle screw inward to seat; turn main gas screw in until drop, then out to normal.
  5. Set lock nut securely.
  6. Adjust throttle lever stop screw for 1/32 inch clearance.
Governor adjustment with booster adjustment

Tools: voltmeter, frequency meter

  1. Disconnect booster external spring.
  2. At no load, adjust speed nut for 60-61 cycles (60 cycle) or 50-51 cycles (50 cycle).
  3. Apply full load; adjust sensitivity for maximum 3 cycle spread.
  4. Connect booster external spring at no load with no tension.
  5. Apply full load; frequency should stabilize 1 to 2 cycles higher than no load.
  6. Adjust internal spring tension if rise more than 2 cycles or if frequency drops.
Governor adjustment without booster adjustment

Tools: voltmeter, frequency meter

  1. Check throttle stop lever clearance approximately 1/32 inch.
  2. Start and run at light load to thoroughly warm up.
  3. At no load, turn speed adjusting nut for 60-63 cycles (60 cycle plant) or 50-53 cycles (50 cycle).
  4. Apply full load; governor should keep frequency spread within 3 cycles.
  5. If spread more than 3 cycles, turn sensitivity screw clockwise half turn and compensate with speed nut.
  6. Check performance under various loads.
Ignition timing adjustment

Tools: hand crank

  1. Remove magneto end cap.
  2. Adjust breaker points to 0.020 inch gap at full separation.
  3. Remove right hand cylinder air cover to expose timing hole.
  4. Slowly turn engine until IMP mark centers in timing hole.
  5. Listen for sharp click from magneto impulse coupling at the mark.
  6. If click is early (fast) or late (slow), loosen magneto mounting screws and turn magneto slightly.
  7. Repeat until proper timing is attained.
Valve tappet adjustment adjustment

⚠ Tappets set too close may cause burned or warped valves.

Tools: feeler gauge

  1. Remove valve compartment covers.
  2. Hand crank engine until tappet being checked is on low point of cam lobe.
  3. Check clearance for intake and exhaust valves.
  4. Adjust to 0.012 inch cold at room temperature.
  5. Reinstall covers.
Battery connection installation

⚠ Do not reverse the connections.

  1. For electric starting, use two 6-volt batteries in series or one 12-volt battery.
  2. Connect positive post of one battery to negative post of the second for series 12 volts.
  3. Connect remaining battery terminals to proper terminals in generator terminal box.
  4. Observe correct polarity; do not reverse connections.
  5. Above 90°F continuous operation may require reduced battery specific gravity.
Magneto installation installation

⚠ Do not change setting as gears mesh.

  1. Turn flywheel until chisel mark 8-1/2 inches before TC is visible through timing hole.
  2. Hold magneto and turn its drive gear clockwise until gear locks.
  3. Without changing setting, install magneto to engine so gears mesh.
  4. Check timing as previously described.
Mounting, permanent installation installation

⚠ Avoid excessive strain on any one mounting foot.

  1. Choose concrete or heavy timber base, minimum 20" x 20".
  2. Allow approximately 24" clearance on all sides for servicing.
  3. Space 3/8 inch mounting bolts 16-1/2" x 16-1/2"; use 16-1/4" front-to-rear for models ending in A.
  4. Assemble mounting cushions, washers, and spacer bushings as shown.
  5. Keep base smooth and level; avoid excessive strain on mounting feet.
Remote control connections installation
  1. Use SPDT momentary contact switch with center OFF.
  2. Connect switch common to plant terminal No. 1.
  3. Connect another switch terminal to terminal block No. 2 (stopping).
  4. Connect remaining switch terminal to terminal block No. 3 (starting).
  5. Terminal No. 1 is grounded; B terminal only for line transfer.
  6. Additional remote switches must be connected in parallel.
Voltage selection, single phase plant installation

⚠ Consult local electrical code.

  1. For 120/240V 3-wire, leave jumpers across M3 and M2.
  2. For 120V 2-wire full capacity, remove M3-M2 jumpers; install one across M1-M3 and one across M2-M4.
  3. Connect black hot to M1, white ground to M4.
  4. For 240V ungrounded, leave jumpers M3-M2 and connect load to M1 and M4.
  5. For grounded 240V, follow procedure A if model ends A, procedure B if B/C etc.

Extracted from the manufacturer documentation linked to this model. Values are copied as printed; confirm against your unit's manual and serial number.

Voltage reconnection

VoltagePhaseConnectionLeadsNotes
remote control terminal blockNo.1 grounded; No.2 stopping; No.3 starting; B terminal only with line transfer equipmentUse SPDT momentary contact switch with center OFF; additional remote switches in parallel
12012 wireM1 and M4; jumper M1-M3 and jumper M2-M4Full rated capacity at 120 volts on one circuit
120/208 and 240/480 etc.33 phase, 4 wiresingle phase hot to M1, M2, or M3; ground to M0; three phase hot to M1, M2, M3, ground to M0Single phase is lower voltage; three phase is higher voltage as shown on nameplate
120/24013 wireM1, M3, M2, M4; two jumper bars across M3 and M2Provides two 120 volt circuits or one 240 volt circuit; each 120V circuit has half plant capacity
208/240/480/600 etc.33 phase, 3 wireM1, M2, M3Single phase available between any two terminals; not more than 1/3 capacity per single phase circuit
24012 wireM1 and M4; jumpers remain across M3 and M2Ungrounded service; consult local electrical code for grounded 240V
240 grounded1grounded 240V procedure A (model or spec ending in A)M1 hot; M4 grounded; M3-M2 jumpers; grounding wire moved from M2 to M4Follow procedure A if model/spec ends with A
240 grounded1grounded 240V procedure B (model or spec ending in B, C, etc.)M3 hot; M2 grounded; M1 and M4 tied with #10 or larger wireRemove and save M3-M2 jumper bars

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 voltages is the Cummins/Onan Spec G available in?

The Cummins/Onan Spec G is offered in 115 V, 230 V.

Troubleshooting

6

Symptoms & remedies

SymptomCauseRemedy
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.

Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing. Full Cummins/Onan Spec G troubleshooting guide (21 entries) →

Parts

14
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
416-1016Cable, Starter1Starter Amazon
503-0808Hose1Hose Amazon
B-012Spark Plug1Spark plug Amazon eBay
102-1054-01Adapter, Drain - Oil1Service part / kit Amazon
416-0530Cable, Battery -, Negative1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
416-0618Cable, Battery - Positive1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
504-0011Valve, Shutoff (1/2”)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay $59.95
505-0050Elbow, Street (1/2' x 90 ° )1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
505-0185Nipple, Half (1/2' x 1.5' lg)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
526-2100Washer, Flat (M8)2Service part / kit Amazon eBay
803-0032Screw, Set - Socket Head (1/4-20 xl/4)2Service part / kit Amazon
812-0067Screw, Machine- Round Head (6-32x.88)2Service part / kit Amazon
850-2008Washer, Lock (M8)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
860-2008Nut, Hex Head (M8 x 1.25)1Service 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

Owner's manual — 920-0014 Onan CW series Genset & Magnet Installation & Service manual (small) (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — Onan ES Parts 928-0222 (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 920-0014 Onan CW series Genset & Magnet Installation & Service manual (Cummins/Onan)

This page was generated from the 3 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.