SERIES 60 SERVICE MANUAL Compression Stroke At the end of the intake stroke, the intake valves close and the piston starts upward on the compression stroke. The exhaust valves remain closed. At the end of the compression stroke, the air in the combustion chamber has been compressed by the piston to occupy a space about one-fifteenth as great in volume as it occupied at the beginning of the stroke. Thus, the compression ratio is 15:1. Compressing the air into a small space causes the temperature of that air to rise. Near the end of the compression stroke, the pressure of the air above the piston is approximately 3445 to 4134 kPa (500 to 600 lb/in.
2 ) and the temperature of that air is approximately 538°C (1000°F). During the last part of the compression stroke and the early part of the power stroke, a small metered charge of fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. Almost immediately after the fuel charge is injected into the combustion chamber, the fuel is ignited by the hot air and starts to burn, beginning the power stroke. Power Stroke During the power stroke, the piston travels downward and all intake and exhaust valves are closed. As the fuel is added and burns, the gases get hotter, the pressure increases, pushing the piston downward and adding to crankshaft rotation.
Exhaust Stroke During the exhaust stroke, the intake valves are closed; the exhaust valves are open, and the piston is on its up stroke. The burned gases are forced out of the combustion chamber through the open exhaust valve port by the upward travel of the piston. From the preceding description, it is apparent that the proper operation of the engine depends upon the two separate functions: first, compression for ignition, and second, that fuel be measured and injected into the compressed air in the cylinder in the proper quantity and at the proper time. All information subject to change without notice. (Rev. 2005) 6SE483 0507 Copyright © 2005 DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION 5