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Home›Repair guides›Cummins/Onan›Engine Speed Adjustment

Cummins/Onan — Engine Speed Adjustment

Adjustments · Governor/Throttle

From a Cummins/Onan operator's manual covering: E124V, E125, E140, P216, P218, P220, P224, P248. Check it applies to your exact model before use.

Applies to: Cummins/Onan E124V, Cummins/Onan E125, Cummins/Onan E140, Cummins/Onan P216, Cummins/Onan P218, Cummins/Onan P220, Cummins/Onan P248

Before you start

  • Adjusting the engine speed to a value above that specified by the equipment manufacturer could cause the equipment to operate at speeds in violation of Federal and State Standards for Safety for the equipment.
  • Moving parts can cause severe personal injury or death. Take care when measuring engine speed with a tachometer and follow the meter instructions. You must be a qualified mechanic.

Procedure

  1. Normally no need to adjust engine speed. Instructions are for equipment manufacturer. Attempt only by qualified mechanic using accurate tachometer.
  2. Set low-idle and high-idle speeds to values specified in equipment Operator's Manual. If absent, adjust low-idle to 1,100 RPM and high-idle to 3,400 RPM.
  3. Start engine, observing all equipment manufacturer's instructions and precautions.
  4. If throttle cable already connected, loosen clamp at engine and back out low-idle speed stop screw so speed stop screw on carburetor touches its stop. Adjust engine speed to 1,000 RPM with carburetor
  5. Turn low-idle speed stop screw to obtain specified low-idle speed.
  6. Move engine throttle link up against its stop tang and hold it there while bending tang as necessary to obtain specified high-idle speed.
  7. Hook engine throttle link with throttle cable, pull slack out of throttle cable and tighten clamp. Check for full, smooth movement of engine throttle link between its two stop positions when equipment

Tools required

Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.

Specs & values

  • Low idle speed: 1,100 RPM
  • High idle speed: 3,400 RPM

Full service-parts list: Cummins/Onan E124V →, Cummins/Onan P216 →, Cummins/Onan P218 →, Cummins/Onan P220 →, Cummins/Onan P248 →

Source: Cummins/Onan operator's 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.

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