Home›Cummins/Onan›Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9

Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 Generator Set

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 is a 105 kW (121.4 kVA) Diesel prime generator set powered by a Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9-D(M) engine. It is available at 416 V, 440 V, 460 V and 480 V. It holds 144 L (38.0 gal) of coolant, with a maximum ambient rating of 95 °C. The set measures 2320×1250×1270 mm (91.3×49.2×50.0 in), weighs about 1270 kg (2800 lb) and produces 100.4 dBA at 1 m.

5.9 L
Displacement
5
Document types

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

Specifications

FuelDiesel
Prime power105 kW
Voltage options416 V, 440 V, 460 V, 480 V
Coolant capacity144 L
Max ambient95 °C
Dimensions (L×W×H)2320×1250×1270 mm
Dry weight1270 kg
Sound level97.3 dBA @ 1 m

Engine

Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9-D(M)
Displacement5.9 L
AspirationTurbocharged
Rated speed1800 rpm

Filters for the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9-D(M)

8

Engine-mounted filters the filter manufacturers list for this engine family. These come from the engine, not from this generator set’s own parts list, so confirm against your serial number before ordering.

SystemFilterDescriptionCross-references
Oil filterP558615Lube Filter, Spin-On Full FlowCUMMINS 10521, CUMMINS 3865405, NAPA 1607, NAPA 61607 buy
Oil filterP558616Lube Filter, Spin-On Full FlowCUMMINS 3290712, CUMMINS 3890709, NAPA 1602, BALDWIN BT427 KuduParts $11.00 FridayParts $13.20
Fuel filterP550440Fuel Filter, Spin-On SecondaryCUMMINS 3831063, CUMMINS 3890707, NAPA 3358, BALDWIN BF788 FridayParts $356.80
Fuel filterP553004Fuel Filter, Spin-OnCUMMINS 3903640, CUMMINS 53C0045, NAPA 3358, RENAULT VI 0000150564 FridayParts $18.20
Fuel / water separatorP551329Fuel Filter, Water Separator Spin-On Twist&DrainCUMMINS 11E170210, CUMMINS 3890063, NAPA 3357, BALDWIN BF1280 FridayParts $151.00
Fuel / water separatorP550248Fuel Filter, Water Separator Spin-On Twist&DrainCUMMINS 1492827, CUMMINS 3286503, NAPA 3472, BALDWIN BF1226 FridayParts $229.00
Coolant filterP554071Coolant Filter, Spin-OnCUMMINS 209604, CUMMINS 209606, NAPA 4071, WALGAHN-MOTORENTECHN 00811412 FridayParts $397.60
Coolant filterP554073Coolant Filter, Spin-OnCUMMINS 209605, CUMMINS 209607, NAPA 4073, VERSATILE 00104040 KuduParts $40.00

Filters & service parts

model family
ItemSpecCapacityPart #Interval
Air filter—
Fuel filter—
Oil filter—
Battery×1—
Belt—
Coolant—
Oil—
Spark plug—

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

Service specifications

60
TypeItemValueUnitCondition
GapOverspeed switch air gap0.005 in. / 0.13 mmin / mm
OtherAmperage222.1Arated
OtherGenerator voltage adjustment range via rheostat R21+/-3 percent of rated nameplate voltagepercent
OtherKilowatts80kWrated
OtherLOP and HET fault time delay following starter disconnectabout 10 secondsseconds
OtherOver/under voltage module time delay (to prevent nuisance tripping)25 percent, or approximately 2.5 secondspercent / seconds
OtherOvercrank limit (three 15-second cranking cycles with two 15-second rest periods)75 secondsseconds
OtherOverspeed module time delaytypically one secondseconds
OtherPower Factor1.0rated
OtherTime delayed start / time delayed stop adjustment range1 to 15 seconds (start); 1 to 15 seconds (stop); cool-down 3-5 minutes recommendedseconds / minutes
PressureLow oil pressure shutdown setpoint14 psi (97 kPa)psi (kPa)shutdown
PressureOil Pressure55-93load bank test
PressurePre-low oil pressure alarm setpoint20 psi (138 kPa) or lesspsi (kPa)pre-alarm
ResistanceCircuit breaker insulation resistance (between each pole and to ground)less than 100,000 ohms indicates a groundohm
ResistancePermanent magnet exciter stator resistance4.4ohms line-to-line
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.016ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.022ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.025ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.047ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.062ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.071ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER ROTOR column0.11ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER STATOR column0.67ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER STATOR column0.8ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER STATOR column1.1ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER STATOR column1.3ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 EXCITER STATOR column1.7ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 ROTOR (L-L or series wye) column0.078ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 ROTOR (L-L or series wye) column0.091ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
ResistanceTable 5-1 STATOR column19.5ohmapproximate, at 68 F (20 C) +/-10%
SpeedFrequency60Hzrated
SpeedOverspeed module potentiometer adjustment range / setting1500 to 2500 RPM; set 1800 to 1900 RPM (50 Hz), 2100 to 2200 RPM (60 Hz)RPM
SpeedOverspeed shutdown setpointapproximately 2100 r/min (60 Hz units), 1850 r/min (50 Hz units)r/min
SpeedRated engine speed1800 r/min (60 Hz), 1500 r/min (50 Hz)r/min
TemperatureCoolant Temperature94-194°Fload bank test
TemperatureHigh engine temperature shutdown setpoint215 F (102 C)F (C)shutdown
TemperatureLow engine temperature lamp setpoint70 F (21 C) or lowerF (C)warning lamp
TemperaturePre-high engine temperature alarm setpoint205 F (97 C) or higherF (C)pre-alarm
TorqueControl housing/saddle capscrews to generator covers35ft-lbs (47 N*m)
TorqueDrive disc spacer, drive disc and pressure plate fasteners190ft-lbs (257 N*m)
TorqueEndbracket assembly to stator frame17ft-lbs (23 N*m)
TorqueEngine-generator adaptor to engine flywheel housing35ft-lbs (47 N*m)
TorqueExciter stator to stator endbracket7ft-lbs (10 N*m)
TorqueOverspeed switch assembly bracket4.5ft-lbs (6 N*m)
TorqueOverspeed switch assembly on rotor shaft53ft-lbs (72 N*m)
TorquePermanent magnet assembly through-bolt40 to 45ft-lbs (54 to 61 N*m)
TorqueRotating rectifier diode mounting torque36-42in-lbs (4-4.8 N*m)
TorqueRotating rectifier stud nuts (positive X, negative XX, CR1, CR6)24in-lbs (2.7 N*m)
TorqueRotor assembly to flywheel fasteners50ft-lbs (68 N*m)
TorqueStator adaptor ring to engine generator adaptor35ft-lbs (48 N*m)
TorqueStator mounting bracket, M10 fasteners35ft-lbs (47 N*m)
TorqueStator mounting bracket, M12 fasteners65ft-lbs (88 N*m)
Voltage3-phase sensing unit reference supply across 6-7, 7-8, 8-6170 to 250VACrated output voltage on main terminals
VoltageAVR 2-phase sensing supply across leads 2 and 3170 to 250VACrated output voltage on main terminals
VoltageAVR power supply (non-PMG) across leads P2 and P3170 to 250VACrated output voltage on main terminals
VoltageCircuit breaker shunt-trip signal voltage12-VDC; 240-, 480-VACV
VoltageDC Voltage13.7-14.3Vload bank test
VoltageDC voltmeter / system nominal output voltage26 to 28voltsset running
VoltageExciter field voltage across VR21-X and -XXapproximately 24 to 32VDC
VoltageK10 AC start-disconnect relay energize voltageapproximately 100VAC

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
OtherStarting battery electrolyte specific gravity1.26 specific gravity1.225 specific gravity recommended where ambient temperature is consistently above 95 F (35 C) to reduce electrolyte loss

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

Fault codes

13
CodeNameMeaningSeverityAction
FAULT 1Fault 1 (Detector-12)Red undedicated fault; may be programmed as timed or non-timed shutdown or fault light only (normally factory set for timed shutdown)ShutdownRefer to Tests and Adjustments section and perform necessary adjustments
FAULT 2Fault 2 (Detector-12)Red fault, same features as Fault 1 (normally factory set for non-timed shutdown)ShutdownRefer to Tests and Adjustments section and perform necessary adjustments
HI ENG TEMPHigh Engine TemperatureRed lamp; engine shutdown because coolant temperature rose above 215 F (102 C); not operable if coolant level too lowShutdownMaintain adequate coolant level; check coolant level and temperature gauge; replace switch S2, thermostat, or tighten fan belt as needed
LO FUELLow Fuel (Detector-12)Yellow lamp; fuel supply marginally low (if equipped)WarningReplenish fuel supply
LO OIL PRESLow Oil PressureRed lamp; engine shutdown because oil pressure dropped below 14 psi (97 kPa); fault inhibited during cranking and time delayed about 10 seconds after starter disconnectShutdownCheck oil level; monitor oil pressure gauge; replace switch S1 if gauge reading within normal range
LOW ENG TEMPLow Engine Temperature (Detector-12)Yellow lamp; engine water jacket temperature 70 F (21 C) or lower; indicates possible inoperative coolant heaterWarningCheck coolant heater; lamp should extinguish after engine warms up
OVERCRANKOvercrankRed lamp; starter locked out because of excessive cranking time; limits cranking to 75 seconds (three 15-second cranking cycles with two 15-second rest periods)ShutdownPress Reset switch (S11) to clear the fault before attempting to restart
OVERSPEEDOverspeedRed lamp; engine shutdown due to excessive speed; factory set approximately 2100 r/min (60 Hz units) or 1850 r/min (50 Hz units)ShutdownAdjust or replace overspeed switch/module; reset before restarting
PRE HI OIL TEMPPre-High Oil Temperature (Detector-12)Yellow lamp; engine temperature marginally highWarning
PRE Hi ENG TEMPPre-High Engine Temperature (Detector-7)Yellow lamp; engine temperature marginally high, 205 F (97 C) or higherWarningFind and correct cause as soon as possible
PRE LO OIL PRESPre-Low Oil PressureYellow lamp; engine oil pressure marginally low, 20 psi (138 kPa) or lessWarningFind and correct cause as soon as possible
RUNRunGreen lamp; comes on when both primary and secondary starter circuits are opened after unit startsInfo
SWITCH OFFSwitch Off (Detector-12)Flashing red lamp; generator set is not in automatic start operation modeInfoPress Run/Stop/Remote switch to Run or Remote position

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
Electric Governor Calibration Checks adjustment

Tools: Frequency meter or tachometer

  1. Start the generator set.
  2. Set no-load speed for desired droop (isochronous 60.0 Hz/1800 r/min).
  3. With no load, turn GAIN clockwise until actuator lever oscillates; reduce until stable.
  4. Reduce GAIN one division, then turn fully clockwise while observing lever.
  5. Turn I adjustment counterclockwise until lever stable; it should oscillate up to 3 times.
  6. Apply and remove loads to check response; recalibrate if unsatisfactory.
Electric Governor Preliminary Adjustments adjustment

Tools: Screwdriver

  1. Set frequency adjust (engine speed) potentiometer to mid position and tighten locking nut.
  2. Set I potentiometer one division from zero.
  3. Set Gain potentiometer at the third division from zero.
  4. For isochronous operation turn Droop potentiometer fully counterclockwise.
  5. Turn droop screw to approximately 40 for 3 percent droop.
  6. Turn droop screw to approximately 80 for 5 percent droop.
Mechanical Governor Speed Adjustment adjustment

Tools: Frequency meter or tachometer, Wrench

  1. Use the frequency control meter (if equipped) or an accurate tachometer.
  2. Loosen the speed adjustment screw locknut.
  3. Start set, warm to operating temperature, then apply full rated load.
  4. Adjust speed adjust screw in or out to reach required speed (60 Hz - 1800 r/min, 50 Hz - 1500 r/min).
  5. Hold screw at proper setting and retighten locknut.
  6. Remove and apply loads to check response; readjust if necessary.
Voltage Regulator Adjustment adjustment

⚠ Seated voltage regulator potentiometers are factory calibrated; further adjustments only by qualified service representative.

Tools: Screwdriver

  1. Adjust voltage control rheostat R21 (if available) to mid position.
  2. Open control panel doors to gain access to voltage regulator.
  3. With set operating and voltage monitored, adjust Volts potentiometer to desired voltage.
  4. Perform fine voltage adjustment (+/-3 percent) with rheostat R21, retighten locking nut.
  5. Stop and restart generator set to confirm proper operation.
Checking Shunt-Trip Operation diagnostic

⚠ Contact with high voltage can cause severe personal injury or death. Do not touch exposed wiring or components.

Tools: Insulation mat or dry wood platform

  1. Refer to order, installation wiring diagrams and unit wire routing to confirm signal source connections.
  2. Apply appropriate signal voltage (12-VDC; 240-, 480-VAC); solenoid should trip breaker open.
  3. If breaker did not trip open, remove signal source; check continuity of interconnect wiring and solenoid leads.
Circuit Breaker Insulation Resistance Check diagnostic

Tools: Insulation resistance meter (at least 500 volts)

  1. Disconnect load and line conductors; place breaker in On position.
  2. Use insulation resistance meter applying at least 500 volts to test leads.
  3. Measure insulation resistance between each pole, and to ground.
  4. Also test between line and load terminals with breaker in Off position.
  5. Reading less than 100,000 ohms indicates a ground; clean case surfaces and retest.
Circuit Breaker Resistance Check diagnostic

⚠ Place Run/Stop/Remote switch in Stop position and disconnect battery negative (-) cable.

Tools: Ohmmeter

  1. Disconnect the line and load wires from the circuit breaker.
  2. Move breaker handle to On position and check resistance across each pole (line to load).
  3. Resistance should be very low (near zero) and relatively equal across all poles.
Testing Rotating Rectifier Diodes diagnostic

⚠ Excessive dust or dirt on diodes causes overheating and eventual failure; keep assemblies clean.

Tools: Accurate ohmmeter

  1. Disconnect all leads from assembly to be tested.
  2. Connect meter lead to positive (X) stud; test CR1, CR2, CR3; record values.
  3. Connect meter lead to negative (XX) stud; test CR4, CR5, CR6; record values.
  4. Reverse meter leads and repeat; readings should be high in one test, low in other.
  5. Replace assembly if any reading is high or low in both tests.
Checking Battery Charge Condition maintenance

⚠ Ignition of explosive battery gases can cause severe personal injury; do not smoke while servicing batteries. Wear protective apron and goggles.

Tools: Hydrometer

  1. Check that connections are clean and tight; apply light coating of non-conductive grease.
  2. Check charge condition of starting batteries with a hydrometer.
  3. Keep electrolyte at proper level above plates by adding distilled water.
  4. Check specific gravity and re-charge if below 1.260.
Generator Check list maintenance
  1. Check coolant level and record freeze protection: -35
  2. Visual inspection of radiator
  3. Visual inspection of radiator hoses
  4. Check condition of coolant hoses
  5. Check condition of fuel hoses
  6. Check condition of engine belts
  7. Batteries and QTY: 1, GROUP31P, BATTERY IS GOOD
  8. Battery install date if applicable: (No)
  9. Genset has battery charger: (No)
  10. Genset has coolant heater: (Yes)
  11. Check engine oil level
  12. Engine oil filters last changed date and HRS: 728HRS, 8/4/25
  13. Inspect exhaust system for cracks / leaks
  14. Check rain cap for proper operation
  15. Generator end is 12 lead reconnectable (Yes)
Permanent Magnet Exciter Removal repair

⚠ The rotor assembly should under no circumstances be dismantled, or magnetic properties will be destroyed.

⚠ The highly magnetic rotor will attract the stator core; avoid contact that may damage windings.

Tools: Wrench, Hoist or lifting device

  1. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable to prevent accidental starting.
  2. Remove endbell cover and conduit box access covers.
  3. Disconnect and withdraw leads P2, P3, P4 from auxiliary terminal block.
  4. Remove bolts and clamps retaining exciter stator to endbracket.
  5. Guide stator assembly from endbracket, avoiding contact with magnetic rotor.
  6. Remove through-bolt and firmly pull complete rotor assembly from location.
  7. Locate dowel pin on rotor shaft; remove and retain for reassembly.
Permanent Magnet Exciter Replacement repair

⚠ Highly magnetic rotor will attract stator core; avoid contact which may damage windings.

Tools: Hammer, Torque wrench

  1. Place dowel pin into locating hole at end of main rotor shaft; tap to secure fit.
  2. Assemble permanent magnet to main rotor shaft using dowel pin; secure with through-bolt; torque 40 to 45 ft-lbs (54 to 61 N*m).
  3. Place stator on endbracket with leads at 12 o'clock position; secure with bolts and clamps.
  4. Route and connect VR21 and PMG leads P2, P3 and P4 to auxiliary terminal block.
  5. Mount endbell cover with four M5 screws and lockwashers.

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
110/1903
110/2201
115/2203
115/2301Generator voltage connections (reconnectable type only) per Figure 5-20; single phase double delta connection will reduce set rating and may not work with 3-phase meters
120/2083
120/2401
127/2203
139/2403
220/3803
220/4803
230/4003
240/4163
240/4801
254/4403
277/4803

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 engine is in the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 is powered by the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9-D(M) engine.

What kind of fuel does the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 run on?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 runs on Diesel.

What is the cooling system capacity of the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 cooling system holds 144 liters (38.0 US gallons) for the radiator system including the engine, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

What is the sound level of the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 is rated at 97.3 dBA at 1 m, per the manufacturer specification sheet.

How much does the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 weigh?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 has a dry weight of 1270 kg (2799 lb).

What voltages is the Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 available in?

The Cummins/Onan 6BT5.9 is offered in 416 V, 440 V, 460 V, 480 V.

Parts

16
Part #DescriptionQtySystem
3822509Injection Pump Bore Brush Service Tool1Injector Amazon eBay
3823276injector bore brush1Injector Amazon eBay
3824469fuel pump gear puller1Fuel pump Amazon eBay
DM-3015282Thermostat 180F - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.91Thermostat Amazon eBay
DM-3029551Fuel Injector - 6BT 5.91Injector Amazon eBay
DM-3801372Gasket Set - 6BT 5.91Gasket Amazon eBay
DM-3805401Oil Pump - 6BT 5.91Pump Amazon eBay
DM-3805403Water Pump - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.91Pump Amazon eBay
FP-6B59PREM6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket1Gasket Amazon eBay
FP-6B59PREML6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)1Gasket Amazon eBay
FP-IFK6B59PREM6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket1Gasket Amazon eBay
FP-IFK6B59PREML6B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit w/upper gasket set & oil pan gasket (late)1Gasket Amazon eBay
3377259bosch timing tool (ve)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
DM-3802010Main Bearing Set Standard - 4BT 3.9, 6BT 5.9, 6CT 8.31Service part / kit Amazon eBay
FP-33569706B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit (contains FP-3802160 Piston Kit)1Service part / kit Amazon eBay
FP-33569716B/6BT5.9 In-Frame Kit (contains FP-3802248 Piston Kit)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.

Fuel consumption

RatingLoadL/hgal/h
Continuous100%17.24.55
Prime129.034.0
Prime10%129.034.0
Prime25%8.32.18
Prime50%12.83.38
Prime75%18.14.78
Prime100%23.46.18

Available documents

Engine spec — 0042626 (Cummins/Onan)Engine spec — 4000145 (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — 6BT59-G6 (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — fr90439 (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — fr90441Spec sheet — fr90761 (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — mg90437a (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — mg90437b (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — mg90438a (Cummins/Onan)Spec sheet — mg90438b (Cummins/Onan)Reference — Cummins-80DGDA-SN-K990018824-Load-Test-Report-and-Inspection-Checklist (Cummins/Onan)Parts manual — engine-parts-catalog-comp (Cummins/Onan)Service manual — 904-0501 Onan 4BT 6BT 6CT 6CTA Series Genset Service manual 04-1989 text (Cummins/Onan)

This page was generated from the 13 manufacturer documents above by automated extraction; every figure shown is copied from one of them. How the data is compiled.