Cummins/Onan — Electric Governor Adjustments (Beginning Spec F)
Adjustments · Electric governor controller
From a Cummins/Onan service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- Hold throttle linkage so that engine will not overspeed should governor control be out of adjustment.
Procedure
- Initially set switches: SW1 ADJ1 down; 50HZ/60HZ up for 50 Hz or down for 60 Hz; 4CYL/6CYL up for 4 cylinder or down for 6 cylinder.
- Set SW2 (rotary switch) GAIN to position 4.
- Set SW3 all positions down.
- Ensure governor control terminals 5 and 6 are jumpered.
- Attach tachometer to engine or frequency meter to generator output leads.
- Start the set and hold throttle linkage so engine will not overspeed.
- If engine overspeeds, shut down, turn GAIN switch to next higher position, and restart.
- Warm up set under at least 1/4 load to normal operating temperature, then disconnect load.
- If consistent hunt at 1 to 2 Hz, adjust GAIN rotary switch until stable and responsive.
- Manually actuate governor linkage several times to ensure correct gain adjustment.
- For audibly fast hunt, set SW3 position 3 up; return down if no change.
- For inconsistent slow barely audible hunt, set SW3 position 2 up; return down if no change.
- For very slow hunt at 0.5 Hz, set SW1 position 1 up to add friction compensation.
- Check for stability under no-load to full-load range.
- For undershoot on load acceptance, turn GAIN rotary switch clockwise and repeat Steps 6 and 11.
Tools required
- tachometer or frequency meter Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Use maximum possible gain setting.
Source: Cummins/Onan service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.