3588990 Volvo.Penta Level sensor

System Operation
Engine Governor
The ECM governs the engine. The ECM determines the timing, the injection pressure, and the amount of fuel that is delivered to each cylinder. These factors are based on the actual conditions and on the desired conditions at any given time during starting and operation.The actual engine speed is determined through interpretation of the signals that are received by the ECM from the engine speed/timing sensors. If the desired engine speed is greater than the actual engine speed, the governor injects more fuel in order to increase engine speed.
Illustration 1 g01120999
Typical example
Timing Considerations
Once the ECM has determined the amount of fuel that is required, the ECM must determine the timing of the fuel injection. Fuel injection timing is determined by the ECM after considering input from other components that are monitoring specific conditions.The ECM adjusts timing for optimum engine performance and for fuel economy. The ECM determines the location of top center of the number one cylinder from the signals that are provided by the engine speed/timing sensors. The ECM determines when injection should occur relative to top center. The ECM then provides the signal to the injector at the desired time.Fuel Injection
The ECM sends a high voltage signal to the injector solenoids in order to energize the solenoids. By controlling the timing and the duration of the high voltage signal, the ECM can control the following aspects of injection:
Injection timing
Fuel deliveryThe flash file inside the ECM establishes certain limits on the amount of fuel that can be injected. The "FRC Fuel Limit" is a limit that is based on the intake manifold pressure. The "FRC Fuel Limit" is used to control the air/fuel ratio for control of emissions. When the ECM senses a higher intake manifold pressure, the ECM increases the "FRC Fuel Limit". A higher intake manifold pressure indicates that there is more air in the cylinder. When the ECM increases the "FRC Fuel Limit", the ECM changes the control signal to the injector in order to allow more fuel into the cylinder.The "Rated Fuel Limit" is a limit that is based on the power rating of the engine and on the engine rpm. The "Rated Fuel Limit" is similar to the rack stops and the torque spring on a mechanically governed engine. The "Rated Fuel Limit" provides the power curves and the torque curves for a specific engine family and a specific engine rating. All of these limits are determined at the factory. These limits cannot be changed. Other ECM Functions for Performance
The ECM also provides enhanced control of the engine for machine functions such as controlling the cooling fan. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Configuration Parameters" for supplemental information about the systems that can be monitored by the ECM in order to provide enhanced machine performance, fuel economy and convenience for the operator.Programmable Parameters
Certain parameters that affect engine operation may be changed with Cat ET. The parameters are stored in the ECM, and the parameters are protected from unauthorized changes by passwords. These parameters are either system configuration parameters or customer parameters.System configuration parameters are set at the factory. System configuration parameters affect emissions or power ratings within an engine family. Factory passwords must be obtained and factory passwords must be used to change the system configuration parameters.
Vehicle speed limits
Rpm ratings
Power ratingsSome of the parameters may affect engine operation in an unusual way. An operator might not expect this type of effect. Without adequate training, these parameters may lead to power complaints or performance complaints even though the engine's performance is to the specification.Refer to Troubleshooting, "Configuration Parameters" for additional information on this subject.Passwords
System configuration parameters are protected by factory passwords. Factory passwords are calculated on a computer system that is available only to Caterpillar dealers. Certain System configuration parameters that affect engine operation may be changed with Cat ET. System configuration parameters affect the power rating family or emissions.Refer to Troubleshooting, "Factory Passwords" for additional information on this subject.