Camshaft adjustment, function - GF07.10-P-1016MMC

ENGINES 157.9 in MODEL 216.3, 221.0/1

ENGINES 278.9 in MODEL 216.3, 221.0/1

Function requirements for camshaft adjustment, general points

Circuit 87M ON (engine control ON)
Engine running

Camshaft adjustment, general points

Camshaft adjustment allows all four camshafts to be adjusted continuously by up to 40° CKA (C ranK A ngle). This means the valve overlap in the event of a load change can be varied within wide limits.

This optimizes engine torque characteristics and improves the exhaust characteristics.

Valve overlap

The intake valves open before the exhaust valves close.

For camshaft adjustment, the ME-SFI (N3/10) control unit reads the following sensors:

LH and RH intake camshaft Hall sensors (B6/4, B6/5), intake camshaft positions
LH and RH exhaust camshaft Hall sensors (B6/6, B6/7), exhaust camshaft positions
Coolant temperature sensor (B11/4)
Pressure sensor downstream of throttle valve actuator (B28/7), engine load
Crankshaft Hall sensor (B70), engine speed

Function sequence for camshaft adjustment

The function sequence is described in the following steps:

Function sequence for release of the camshaft adjustment
Function sequence for engine oil pressure
Function sequence for adjustment
Function sequence for adjustment range
Function sequence for start position
Function sequence for valve overlap
Function sequence for camshaft positions monitoring
Function sequence for diagnosis

Function sequence for release of the camshaft adjustment

Camshaft adjustment is enabled by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit depending on engine speed and engine oil temperature.

The engine oil temperature is determined by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit using various operating data (e.g. coolant temperature, time, engine load) and a stored temperature model determined.

Engine oil temperature is important, even when the oil is hot, to ensure that there is sufficient oil pressure (>1.5 bar) for adjusting the camshafts.

Release of adjustment of the exhaust camshafts takes place by means of a comparison to the intake camshafts, at first at a high rotational speed. In this way for exhaust, also at a low oil pressure level, reaching the locking position against the "retard" operating reaction torques of the camshaft are secured.

A return spring is located in each exhaust-side vane-type adjuster for support.

If all four camshafts are adjusted, adjustment of the exhaust camshafts takes place after a delay (later). Oil supply problems are prevented and secure functioning of the locking mechanism achieved.

Release of the camshaft adjustment occurs dependent on load:

For an 80°C engine oil temperature from about 600 rpm
For a 120°C engine oil temperature (inlet side) from about 800 rpm
For a 120°C engine oil temperature (exhaust side) from about 1050 rpm

Function sequence for engine oil pressure

The engine oil pressure is regulated via the engine oil pump valve (Y130) in order to ensure an adequate oil supply and to lower the oil pressure if required (a saving on fuel).

Function sequence for adjustment

The LH and RH intake camshaft solenoids (Y49/4, Y49/5) and the LH and RH exhaust camshaft solenoids (Y49/6, Y49/7) are actuated by the ME-SFI [ME] control unit with a PWM (pulse width modulated) signal. The control plungers are adjusted via the performance map-dependent duty cycle. The oil quantities (pressure oil) for the vane-cell adjusters are controlled according to their position. The vane plungers in the vane-cell adjusters which are firmly connected to the camshafts are turned by the pressure oil.

Function sequence for adjustment range

Intake camshafts: 4° CKA before TDC (T op D ead Center) to a 36° CKA after top dead center (inlet opens)

Exhaust camshafts: 25° CKA before TDC to a 15° CKA after top dead center (exhaust closes)

Function sequence for start position

Intake camshafts: 36° CKA after top dead center (inlet opens)

Exhaust camshafts: 25° CKA before TDC (exhaust closes)

The camshafts are locked in a fixed position for starting by catch bolts (locked). This start position is unlocked hydraulically at the first actuation of the intake and exhaust camshaft solenoids.

Shown: oil flows in vane-cell adjuster for the intake camshaft

Fig 1: Intake Camshaft Vane-Cell Adjuster Oil Flow Diagram

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The upper half of the illustration shows:

Filling oil galleries (A), oil galleries (B) open.

The lower half the illustration shows:

Filling oil galleries (B), oil galleries (A) open.

Function sequence for valve overlap

At low engine speed and load, the ME-SFI [ME] control unit sets a large valve overlap in order to produce internal exhaust gas recirculation. Less fresh air is admitted, as exhaust gases with low oxygen content are still present in the cylinders. This lowers the combustion temperature and reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

The intake air mass is reduced by the amount of exhaust gases present. The ME-SFI [ME] control unit shortens the injection time accordingly.

The smallest valve overlap for gas cycle occurs if the exhaust camshafts are adjusted to the maximum BTDC (advanced) and the intake camshafts to the maximum after TDC (retarded).

The resulting increased fresh air content produces more engine torque and engine power.

Function sequence for camshaft positions monitoring

The camshafts positions are detected by the intake camshaft Hall sensors and exhaust camshaft Hall sensors, and communicated to the ME-SFI control unit. Detection of the positions takes place through detection of the positions of pulse wheels which are located at the front on the camshafts.

Function sequence for diagnosis

During diagnosis of the camshaft adjustment, the ME-SFI [ME] control unit checks whether the camshafts are in start position at engine start and whether the required adjustment has been reached after the engine has been running for a short time. Output stage errors (in the ME-SFI [ME] control unit) of the camshaft solenoids and camshaft Hall sensor faults are also detected.

Shown: the intake camshaft adjustment

Fig 2: Identifying Intake Camshaft, Control Valve, Return Spring And Vane-Type Adjuster

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Shown: vane-cell adjuster for the inlet camshaft

Fig 3: Identifying Catch Bolt, Apex Seals With Leaf Springs And Compression Spring

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Electrical function schematic for camshaft adjustment	Model 216	PE07.10-P-2716-97CAH
Electrical function schematic for camshaft adjustment	Model 221	PE07.10-P-2716-97SAH
Overview of system components for gasoline injection and ignition system with direct injection		GF07.70-P-9998MMB