Operation
OPERATION
The fuel injection pump supplies high pressure to the fuel rail independent of engine speed. This high pressure is then accumulated in the fuel rail. High pressure fuel is constantly supplied to the injectors by the fuel rail. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the fueling and timing of the engine by actuating the injectors.
Fuel enters the system from the electric fuel transfer (lift) pump, which is located in the fuel tank. Fuel is forced through the fuel filter element and then enters the Fuel Pump/Gear Pump, which is attached to the rear of the fuel injection pump. The Fuel Pump/Gear Pump is a low-pressure pump and produce pressures ranging from 551.5 kpa (80 psi) to 1241 kpa (180) psi. Fuel then enters the fuel injection pump. Low pressure fuel is then supplied to the FCA (Fuel Control Actuator).
The FCA is an electronically controlled solenoid valve. The ECM controls the amount of fuel that enters the high-pressure pumping chambers by opening and closing the FCA based on a demanded fuel pressure. The FPS (Fuel Pressure Sensor) on the fuel rail provides the actual fuel pressure. When the actuator is opened, the maximum amount of fuel is being supplied to the fuel injection pump. Any fuel that does not enter the injection pump is directed to the cascade overflow valve. The cascade overflow valve regulates how much excess fuel is used for lubrication of the pump and how much is returned to the tank through the drain manifold.
Fuel entering the injection pump is pressurized to between 300-1600 bar (4351-23206 psi) by three radial pumping chambers. The pressurized fuel is then supplied to the fuel rail.