Cummins/Onan Performer OHV220 troubleshooting: 10 fault codes and symptom-cause-remedy entries from the manufacturer's own service documentation.
Cummins/Onan Performer OHV220 — full specs, parts & maintenance.
All Cummins/Onan fault codes →
| Symptom | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine cranks slowly or not at all | Poor battery connections, Battery is not fully charged, Electric starter is faulty, Improper engine oil, There is a load on the engine, Back pressure | Clean and tighten the positive (+) and negative (–) battery connections at battery and engine, Recharge the battery, Check starter brushes and bearings, Change oil having the proper viscosity for the ambient temperature, Remove load and retry, There is excessive back pressure due to a plugged or bent exhaust pipe |
| Engine cranks but fails to start | Damaged spark plug(s), Fuel Supply, Fuel, Carburetor problems, Governor and throttle linkage, The fuel cut-off solenoid is faulty | Check the spark plug gap. Check for a bad insulator on plug and replace if damaged. Clean carbon deposit from electrode. If wet, dry electrode, Check fuel supply and shut-off valve. Check fuel filter and clean if dirty. Check all fuel hoses for crimps and clogging. Check connections into carburetor for air leaking in, Gasoline may have water mixed in or the gasoline grade is not correct, Carburetor is flooded and may have bad floats or the floats are stuck. Carburetor has varnish deposits built up and requires disassembly and cleaning, Check linkage connections. Check tension in springs. Check governor, throttle and speed adjustments, Check for loose or damaged wires and connectors. Check voltage levels at the connector to the solenoid. Replace harness or solenoid, Check air cleaner and service if dirty |
| Electric starter does not operate | Key or start switch, No continuity between the key switch and the starter, No continuity between the battery and starter, Low battery, Starter solenoid is bad, Starter motor is bad | Check wiring connections and switch. Replace wires, Replace cable, Change or recharge battery, Check voltages, clean, repair or replace, Check brushes and wiring, repair or replace |
| Electric starter operates but engine does not start | Low fuel, Poor wiring connection or no continuity of ignition system, Electric starter is bad | Check wiring connections and ignition coils for a short, Repair or replace, Slow cranking RPM is caused by low voltage at starter or worn brushes or bearings. Repair or replace |
| Engine Overheats | Air flow is obstructed at inlet or cylinder baffle, Improper engine oil, Lean air/fuel mixture, Excessive back pressure on exhaust, Engine is overloaded | Clean out debris in baffle, Replace oil, Check for plugged passages in carburetor, Check muffler and spark arrester, Change to rated load |
| Engine Idles Rough | Low idle speed, Air is mixing at air intake connection, There is blow-by on the head gasket, Improper valve clearance | Adjust idle on carburetor, Check, tighten or replace gasket, Replace the gasket, Adjust clearance |
| Dizziness | Get out into fresh air immediately, shut down the unit and do not use it until it has been inspected. | |
| Vomiting | Get out into fresh air immediately, shut down the unit and do not use it until it has been inspected. | |
| Muscular Twitching | Get out into fresh air immediately, shut down the unit and do not use it until it has been inspected. | |
| Weakness and Sleepiness | Get out into fresh air immediately, shut down the unit and do not use it until it has been inspected. |
Fault codes and symptom→remedy steps extracted from this model’s service/owner documentation; verify against the official manual before servicing.
Documented causes: Poor battery connections, Battery is not fully charged, Electric starter is faulty, Improper engine oil, There is a load on the engine, Back pressure. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Damaged spark plug(s), Fuel Supply, Fuel, Carburetor problems, Governor and throttle linkage, The fuel cut-off solenoid is faulty. See the table for the matching fixes.
Documented causes: Key or start switch, No continuity between the key switch and the starter, No continuity between the battery and starter, Low battery, Starter solenoid is bad, Starter motor is bad. See the table for the matching fixes.