Cummins/Onan — Short Term Storage Preparation (One Month to 6 Months)
Maintenance · Engine storage
From a Cummins/Onan owner's manual covering: K1800, K2000E, K38, K50, KT38, KTA38, KTA50, KTTA38, KTTA50, KtA38, KtA50, KttA38. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: Cummins/Onan K38, Cummins/Onan K50, Cummins/Onan KTA38, Cummins/Onan KTA50, Cummins/Onan K38 and K50 engine
Before you start
- Put a warning tag on the engine: The engine does NOT contain oil. Do NOT operate the engine.
Procedure
- Operate the engine at HIGH IDLE until coolant temperature is 70 C [160 F]. Turn the engine OFF.
- Disconnect the fuel lines to the engine fuel filter and the injector return line.
- Put both fuel lines in a container of diesel fuel and START the engine.
- After the engine runs smoothly, transfer the fuel supply line to a container of preservative oil and operate until preservative oil flows out the injector return line.
- Turn the engine OFF and connect the fuel lines to the fuel filter and injector return line.
- Drain the oil pan sump, oil filters, and fuel filters.
- Disconnect the electrical wiring from the fuel pump solenoid; turn the fuel pump manual shutoff valve counterclockwise until it stops.
- Crank the engine slowly and spray lubricating oil into the intake manifold and air compressor inlet.
- Drain the coolant and put a warning tag on the engine.
- Store the engine in a dry area with uniform temperature and bar the crankshaft two or three revolutions every 3 to 4 weeks.
Specs & values
- Preservative oil: Daubert Chemical NoxRust No. 518 or equivalent, MIL-L-644 Type P-9.
Full service-parts list: Cummins/Onan K38 →, Cummins/Onan K50 →, Cummins/Onan KTA38 →, Cummins/Onan KTA50 →
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.