Cummins/Onan P218 / P220 — Engine Oil and Filter Change
Maintenance · Engine lubrication system
For the Cummins/Onan P218 / P220, from the Cummins/Onan operator's manual.
Applies to: Cummins/Onan P218, Cummins/Onan P220
Before you start
- State and federal agencies have determined that contact with used engine oil can cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
- Accidental starting can result in severe personal injury or death. Disconnect spark plug and battery (negative cable) before changing oil.
- Crankcase pressure can blow hot engine oil out the fill opening causing severe burns. Stop the engine before removing the oil fill cap.
Parts for this job
- P218-002 Oil filter — Cummins/Onan P218 Amazon eBay
- P220-002 Oil filter — Cummins/Onan P220 Amazon eBay
Part numbers from the service-parts lists for Cummins/Onan P218, Cummins/Onan P220. Verify against your serial number before ordering; some links are affiliate links.
Procedure
- Run engine until warm. Stop engine. Disconnect spark plug and battery (negative cable).
- Remove the oil fill cap.
- Place a pan under the oil drain, remove the oil drain plug, and reinstall it securely after draining.
- Spin off the oil filter canister, drain the oil, and discard filter per local regulations.
- Thoroughly wipe off the filter mounting surface.
- Make sure the gasket is in place and apply a thin film of oil to the gasket.
- Spin on the new filter by hand until the gasket touches the pad, then turn an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Do not overtighten.
- Refill with API Class SG or SH oil having an SAE viscosity grade appropriate for expected temperatures.
- Do not fill above the Full mark on the dipstick; drain excess oil if overfilled.
- Reconnect the spark plug and battery.
- Start the engine and run briefly, checking for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
Specs & values
- Oil capacity with filter: 2 quarts (1.9 L)
- Oil filter: turn an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn after gasket contacts pad
Full service-parts list: Cummins/Onan P218 →, Cummins/Onan P220 →
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.