Facts About Generators
GeneratorsDirectoryCompareRepairEnginesControllersPartsManufacturersGuides
Search models or part #
Home›Repair guides›Cummins/Onan›Lubricating Oil and Filter - Changing

Cummins/Onan — Lubricating Oil and Filter - Changing

Maintenance · Lubrication system

From a Cummins/Onan owner's manual covering: GTA8.3, GTA8.3 CD1, GTAR 3. Check it applies to your exact model before use.

Applies to: Cummins/Onan GTA8.3 engine

Before you start

  • Hot oil can cause personal injury.
  • Mechanical overtightening can distort the threads or damage the filter element seal.
  • If oil pressure is not registered within 15 seconds after starting, shut off the engine immediately to avoid engine damage.

Procedure

  1. Operate the engine until water temperature reaches 60 C [140 F]; shut engine off and remove oil drain plug using a 17 mm wrench.
  2. Clean area around lubricating oil filter head; remove filter using a 118 to 131 mm filter wrench and clean gasket surface.
  3. Make sure the correct oil filter is installed; GTA8.3 engines use an LF 3000 oil filter.
  4. Fill the oil filter with clean lubricating oil.
  5. Apply a light film of lubricating oil to the gasket sealing surface before installing the new filter.
  6. Install the filter as specified by the filter manufacturer.
  7. Check and clean the oil drain plug threads and sealing surface.
  8. Install the oil drain plug; torque 80 N.m [60 ft-lb].
  9. Fill the engine to the proper levels: pan capacity 18.9 litres [5 U.S. Gal.], total system capacity 34.1 litres [9 U.S. Gal.].
  10. Operate the engine at idle to inspect for leaks at the filters and drain plugs.
  11. Stop the engine, wait approximately 5 minutes, and check the oil level again.
  12. Add oil as necessary to bring the oil level to the FULL mark on the dipstick.

Tools required

  • 17 mm wrench or socket Amazon
  • 118 to 131 mm oil filter wrench Amazon

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

Specs & values

  • Oil drain plug torque 80 N.m [60 ft-lb]
  • Pan capacity 18.9 litres [5 U.S. Gal.]
  • Total system capacity 34.1 litres [9 U.S. Gal.]

Source: Cummins/Onan owner'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.

More Cummins/Onan repair guides →