Today I would like to explain a little bit more details of the common rail engine system. We have already done an overview of this system, (Please check this blog=> http://yamada-co.jp/en/blog/detail/10) so I will start with brief version of overview for those of you who haven’t read the article yet, and also explain the history of common rail system engines; why did we need this kind of common rail engine system?

What is common rail system?

Electronic control of the injectors in common rail systems provide a higher pressure and better atomized fuel, and this allows more precise and more frequent injection with between 5 to 6 injections per cylinder stroke compared to a mechanical system’s single injection per stroke. Common rail systems are electronically controlled with ECU (Electronic control unit), and it will give far more scope for adjustment and monitoring.

These computerized systems are very different from the mechanically timed fuel systems in the past. As old type mechanical fuel systems are restrictive because they have very limited adjustment within the system, they mainly rely on mechanical timing of the pump to the engine. But for this common rail type engines, the timing is completely controlled by the computer to make the most of the fuel.

History of common rail system

This common rail engine system sounds very complicated, don’t you think? Then, why was this kind of engine system invented in the first place?

When the diesel engine was invented about 120 years ago, it was said to be a great innovation, because diesel engines increase the fuel efficiency by almost double compared to gasoline engines. As many of you know, diesel engines make unique sounds and movement of the diesel, so it was not accepted by everybody. After 30 years has passed, the first diesel engine truck was made in Germany. However still, it was not everybody’s preference. In mid 1970s, Volkswagen made passenger vehicle with diesel engine and this was the starting point of diesel engine becoming popular. After this evolution, many car makers applied diesel engines for their middle-sized passenger cars.

Since then, there were so many improvements, and in 1989, the first Direct Injection was invented. This has improved the fuel efficiency of the cars, improved performance, reduced emission, and also minimized uncomfortable noise which had been the reasons why people choose the diesel engine. It was from late 1990s that people started to accept the diesel engine with common rail engine system.

I have written some positive things about the common rail system, but there are also some problems which many of them may have faced. One big problem is that the injection and pump of the common rail type engines can be damaged relatively easy if you use wrong fuel, neglect maintenance, or provide incorrect service procedures about the cleanliness of working areas. This can mainly cause engine problem, and in the worst case, engine will be stopped.

However, if you maintain well with the right tools, common rail engine system will give you great opportunity to improve your driving comfortability and save running cost for your trucks/vehicles. On top of that, common rail type engine is environmentally friendly!

I hope that now you know how common rail type engine was invented and has spread to this market. If you have any concern getting common rail system engines, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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