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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 ECM uses the throttle position sensor to determine the desired engine speed. The ECM compares the desired engine speed to the actual engine speed. 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 ECM requests that more fuel is injected to increase engine speed.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 processing input from the following components:
Coolant temperature sensor
Intake manifold temperature sensor
Intake manifold pressure sensor
Atmospheric pressure sensorThe ECM adjusts timing for optimum engine performance and for the fuel economy. Actual timing and desired timing cannot be viewed with Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET). 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 the top center. The ECM then provides the signal to the injector at the desired time.Fuel Injection
This engine is equipped with a high pressure common rail fuel system. The fuel pressure for the high pressure common rail fuel system is generated by the high-pressure fuel pump. Pressure regulation for the high-pressure fuel pump is provided by the fuel control valve.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. This change will 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 like 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
The ECM also provides enhanced control of the engine for functions such as retarding the engine and controlling the cooling fan. Refer to Troubleshooting, "Configuration Parameters" for supplemental information about the systems that can be monitored by the ECM.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.Some of the parameters may affect engine operation in an unusual way. These parameters may lead to power complaints or performance complaints even though the engine performance is to the specification.Customer parameters can be used to affect the characteristics of the engine. These changes can only be accomplished within the limits that are set by the factory and by the monitoring system.Customer passwords may be required to change customer specified parameters.Refer to Troubleshooting, "Configuration Parameters" for additional information on this subject.Passwords
Factory passwords are calculated on a computer system that is available only to Caterpillar dealers.Customer parameters can be protected by customer passwords. The customer passwords are programmed by the customer. Factory passwords can be used to change customer passwords if customer passwords are lost.Refer to Troubleshooting, "Customer Passwords" and Troubleshooting, "Factory Passwords" for additional information on this subject.