Diesel ignition timing (mechanically controlled injection)

Diesel engines ignite the fuel using the heat created by high compression (does not have spark plugs). The timing of the engine is controlled by the fuel injected into the cylinders if the fuel is injected to early the timing will be premature and if it is too late the timing will be retarded both resulting in a lack of power.

Experiment 


We set the timing for a Mazda diesel engine. First we loosened the bolt, in the middle of the four high pressure lines that go to the injectors, on the diesel pump and put the DTI gauge in its place. Then we turned the crankshaft to 30 degrees before T.D.C and zeroed the Gauge. Then we turned the crankshaft to 2 degrees after T.D.C. We then loosened the diesel pump so that it was able to pivot, moved it so that the reading on the Gauge matched up with specifications and then tightened the diesel pump again. We removed the DTI gauge  and replaced the bolt.

Reflection


The diesel pump from the engine we worked on is very similar to the distributor on most petrol engines as far as timing goes. The method we used is called static timing (engine is stationery).

 DTI Gauge connected to the diesel pump

 Off car injector testing

 Off car glow plug testing

Testing the glow plug with a multimeter (ammeter) to see if it is drawing amps. This can be use to check if the glow plugs are working in the engine. If there is no current drawn it means that the glow plug is not working.