Fuel injection timing (Engine management system - EDC)

Fuel injection timing

The engine control module determines the optimum fuel injection timing for the injection pump based on the signals it receives from the following sensors:

1. Crankshaft position sensor - Engine speed and crankshaft position
2. Needle lift sensor - Start of injection
3. Coolant temperature sensor - Engine temperature
4. *Manifold absolute pressure - Engine load
5. *Intake air temperature sensor

* Intercooler models

Basic fuel injection timing

Crankshaft position sensor

The speed and position of the engine is detected by the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) which is bolted to, and projects through, the gearbox adaptor plate adjacent to the flywheel.

The CKP is an inductive sensor consisting of a bracket mounted body containing a coil and a permanent magnet which provides a magnetic field. The sensor is situated such that an air gap exists between it and the flywheel. Air gap distance is critical for correct operation.

The flywheel has four poles positioned equally around the crankshaft circumference at 90 degree intervals. When the flywheel rotates, as a pole passes the sensor it disturbs the magnetic field inducing a voltage pulse in the coil. This pulse is transmitted to the engine control module.

Four pulses are transmitted to the engine control module for each revolution of the flywheel. By calculating the number of pulses that occur within a given time, the engine control module can determine the engine speed. The output from this sensor when used in conjunction with that from the needle lift sensor is used for idle stabilisation and reference for injection timing.