Cummins/Onan — Electronic governor adjustment/calibration
Adjustments
From a Cummins/Onan service manual covering: 4A2.3, 6A3.4-GS, 6AT3.4-GS, DL4, DL6, QSA3, QSA4, QSA6. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Cummins/Onan DGAB, Cummins/Onan DGAC, Cummins/Onan DGAD, Cummins/Onan DGAE, Cummins/Onan DL4, Cummins/Onan DL6
Before you start
- Contact with rotating machinery can cause severe personal injury or death.
Procedure
- Check actuator linkage does not bind through full travel; ensure terminals 7 and 8 are jumpered.
- Attach tachometer to engine or frequency meter to generator if control panel lacks one.
- Set Controller GAIN adjustment to second mark from zero.
- Disconnect governor rod from throttle lever.
- Place Run/Stop/Remote switch in Run position to start genset.
- Adjust right stop screw on mechanical governor to obtain 72 Hz (2160 r/min) for 60 Hz gensets or 62 Hz (1860 r/min) for 50 Hz gensets.
- Adjust left stop screw to just take up slack, then tighten locknut without binding shaft.
- Stop genset, attach governor rod to throttle lever, start, and adjust Controller SPEED screw for 60 Hz or 50 Hz.
- Connect full rated load; if genset cannot manage load, shorten governor rod one-half turn and repeat; tighten locknuts.
- Connect 1/4 rated load; turn GAIN screw clockwise until actuator hunts, then back off until stable.
- Stop genset, wait 30 seconds for turbo coast down if equipped, restart, and check for speed overshoot.
- Restart genset and check frequency and stability under various loads.
- Stop genset and remove tachometer or frequency meter if attached.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- 60 Hz gensets: 72 Hz (2160 r/min) at right stop screw.
- 50 Hz gensets: 62 Hz (1860 r/min) at right stop screw.
Full service-parts list: Cummins/Onan DGAB →, Cummins/Onan DGAC →, Cummins/Onan DGAD →, Cummins/Onan DGAE →, Cummins/Onan DL6 →
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.