Glossary

Term Definition
Absolute Pressure Pressure reading that does not read "0" at atmospheric pressure.
Active Aftertreatment System Active systems contain functional actuators of various types that must be
controlled electronically in order for the system to provide the required level of
emission reduction. This system utilizes the continuous injection of a chemical
upstream of the catalyst.
Active Regeneration ECM initiated regeneration.
Actuator Control Valve The Actuator Control Valve controls the air pressure to the turbocharger
actuator.
Adjustable Parameters Selections made in the engine ECM from an INSITE imposed range.
Advanced Timing Injection that occurs earlier in the compression stroke when compared to base
timing. With advanced timing the start of injection occurs at a crank angle before
top dead center (BTDC).
Aftertreatment A method of controlling exhaust emissions with the use of a catalyst, filter or trap
installed in the exhaust system.
Aftertreatment Interface Connection The Aftertreatment Interface Connection is a SCR 14-pin Connector.
Aftertreatment Systems Exhaust system components used to reduce harmful emissions from diesel
engines.
Air Regulator Used to transport the Urea into the exhaust stream.
Air Solenoid Used to transport the Urea into the exhaust stream.
Air/Oil Filter Separator The Air/oil filter separator prevents damage or contamination of the SCR
systems air components.
Algorithm Software stored in the ECM that is used to establish a step-by-step procedure to
determine a value based on inputs from engine sensors. This value is used to
provide output to various devices on the engine.
Ambient Air Pressure Sensor The Ambient Air Pressure Sensor allows the ECM to determine the atmospheric
pressure.
Ash The minute amount of particulate matter that is left after oxidation.
Barometric Pressure Sensor See Ambient Air Pressure Sensor
Block Heater An electric resistance heater installed in the cooling system and used to provide
for easier starting in cold weather. Also called a coolant heater.
Block Stiffener Plate Device mounted to the bottom of the engine block to provide additional strength
and rigidity to the block casting. This plate is typically mounted using shoulder
bolts to provide optimum stiffening capability.
Breakout Harness Service tool used to check circuit voltage with electrical components connected
to the ECM.
CAC (Charge Air Cooler) Air-to-air cooler mounted in front of the engine radiator used to lower the
temperature of the intake air after it has passed through the turbocharger.
Camshaft Position Sensor Hall-effect sensor supplying a signal based on the position of machined surfaces
in the camshaft. The signal from this sensor is used by the ECM to determine
the camshaft position.
Camshaft Tone Wheel The rotation of the tone wheel teeth allows the secondary/backup engine speed
sensor to measure camshaft speed.
CARB California Air Resources Board
Catalyst A device installed in the exhaust system that causes harmful emissions to be
converted into harmless ones.
Catalyst Can Container in the aftertreatment system that houses the catalyst.
Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Air-to-air cooler mounted in front of the engine radiator used to lower the
temperature of the intake air after it has passed through the turbocharger.
Check Valve Valve designed to prevent the reverse flow of fluid.
CLS Coolant Level Sensor
CM2150 An electronic control module used on Cummins engines with the HPCR fuel
system.
Common Rail Rail used to store the high pressure to the injectors.
Compression Brake See Engine Brake
Coolant Heater An electric resistance heater installed in the cooling system and used to provide
for easier starting in cold weather. Also called a block heater.
Coolant Temperature Sensor The Coolant Temperature Sensor allows the ECM to determine the coolant
temperature.
CPL (List) Control Parts List

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 Glossary

Crankcase Breather Device used to allow excess pressure in the engine crankcase to exit the engine.
Crankcase pressure is typically a result of combustion gas flowing past the
piston rings (blowby).
Crankshaft Tone Wheel The rotating tone wheel teeth allow the engine speed sensor to measure engine
speed.
Crossflow Cylinder Head Cylinder head design where the intake air flows into the cylinder and the exhaust
gas flows from the cylinder from opposite sides of the engine.
Crosshead A device that allows one rocker arm to open two valves.
CTS Coolant Temperature Sensor
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) Rate of volumetric flow. Moves one cubic foot of air in one minutes time.
Cummins Accumulator Pumping System A Fuel system that stores fuel at pressures high enough for injection in an
accumulator. The ECM signals a control valve to release the proper amount of
fuel from the accumulator and a rotary distributor directs the fuel to the proper
injector.
Data Link The electrical connector that allows an external device, such as INSITE, to be
connected to the ECM. This connector is used for communication and data
transfer.
Dataplate Plate that is on the engine containing identifying information for an engine or
vehicle.
Dataplate - Electronic The information contained on the engine dataplate that is stored electronically in
the ECM.
Deaerating Cooling System Cooling system utilized on many Cummins engines that aids in purging air from
the cooling system during initial coolant fill and during operation. This system
also provides a positive flow of coolant at the water pump during all engine
operating condition
Dedicated Oil Fill Boss Mounting location for Oil Dip Stick.
Diagnostic Lamp The light used to alert the operator of certain faults in the system. This light will
flash, indicating stored fault code information.
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) Type of passive aftertreatment system that is a simple flow-through system
containing a catalyst that converts hydrocarbons (HCs) and NOx to NO2 and
water (H2O).
Dosing Systems System for the injection of a chemical reductant upstream of the catalyst.
ECM (Electronic Control Module) The engine control computer that is responsible for engine control, diagnostics,
and user features. This component receives signals from engine sensors and
OEM switches. It uses software containing base control algorithms and
diagnostic information.
ECM Cooling Plate Plate mounted under the ECM and uses air low or fuel flow to protect the ECM
from heat produced by the engine.
ECM Power Connector The ECM Power Connector is a 4-pin power connector on the ECM.
EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Dataplate The electronic control module (ECM) dataplate displays information about the
ECM.
Engine Brake An optional component that enhances the engines ability to slow the vehicle in
coasting situations. It works by opening the exhaust valve when the piston is at
the top of the compression stroke. Any energy stored in the compressed air is
released into the exhaust system and not returned to the piston on its next
downward stroke.
Engine Connector The Engine Connector is a 60 pin engine harness connector on the ECM.
Engine Derate A torque reducing feature intended to minimize or prevent engine damage due to
a system not functioning properly.
Engine Speed Sensor Hall-effect sensor supplying a signal based on a tone wheel on the crankshaft.
The signal from this sensor is used by the ECM to determine the engine speed
and crankshaft position.
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
Exhaust Catalyst Assembly Type of passive aftertreatment system that uses a diesel oxidation catalyst
section plus a soot filter section that traps the particulate matter or soot.

Exhaust Catalyst Element Often referred to as a brick, the Exhaust Catalyst Element is used in the
aftertreatment process.

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 Glossary

Exhaust Emissions The various chemical compounds released into the atmosphere after combustion
has taken place.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Takes a portion of the exhaust gas, cools it, combines it with fresh air, and
returns it to the combustion chamber.
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors The Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors measure the temperature of the exhaust
before and after the catalyst.
Exhaust Gas Treatment Monitor Unit Electronic system that performs the monitoring and diagnostic function for the
Aftertreatment system and signals dash-mounted warning lamps.
Firing Order The order in which the cylinders, beginning with cylinder #1, deliver the power
stroke.
Fleetguard Manufacturer of quality filtration and diesel engine related products. (Customer
Assistance Center 1-800-223-4583)
Flex Section Non-rigid mounting system designed to allow some movement between
components.
Fracture Split Manufacturing technique where the connecting rod and rod cap are
manufactured as a unit and then mechanically split apart.
Framatome Connector Electrical connector used for some sensors on the CM2150 engines. These
connectors provide positive engagement with a double locking system.

Fuel Control Valve The Fuel Control Valve is used to shut off the fuel flow to the fuel rail.
Fuel Pump Actuator The fuel pump actuator controls fuel to the high pressure pump as directed by
the software calibration.
Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Monitors pressure in the fuel rail. Also known as an "Accumulator Pressure
Sensor".
Full Floating Piston Pin A piston pin that is assembled together with the rod and piston at room
temperature.
Gauge Pressure Pressure reading adjusted for atmospheric pressure so that the gauge will read
"0" when just the atmospheric pressure is acting on it.
Gerotor Pump Located at the rear of the high pressure pump. Supplies fuel at approximately 5-
7 bar through the ECM cooling plate, stage 2 filter, and high pressure pump.

Grid Heater An electric resistance heater mounted in the intake air system to heat the air for
easier starting at low temperatures.
Hall-Effect Sensor A type of electronic sensor used to determine motion and proximity. From this
signal, the ECM calculates engine speed and position.
High Pressure Common Rail A Cummins fuel system that uses a common rail as an accumulator to store fuel
at pressures high enough for injection. The ECM controls the electronic injectors,
each of which is connected to the rail.
High Pressure Fuel Lines The high-pressure fuel lines are used to connect the fuel rail to the individual fuel
connectors.
Horsepower A unit of power equal to 746 Watts
HPCR High Pressure Common Rail
Hydrocarbons Compounds of hydrogen and carbon that are byproducts of the combustion
process.
Hydrolyze The process of converting urea into ammonia molecules.
Hydromechanical System using hydraulics, or fluid flow, and mechanical action to control motion of
a component.
IAT Sensor Intake Air Temperature Sensor
IMP Sensor Intake Manifold Pressure Sensor
IMT Sensor Intake Manifold Temperature Sensor
Injector Flow Limiter Uses a ball-type check valve to prevent excess fuel flow in the case of a
malfunctioning injector.
Inline Air Filter The Inline Air filter separator prevents damage or contamination of the SCR
systems air components.
INLINE II J1587, J1708, and J1939 protocol communications tool used to connect the
ECM to a PC.
INSITE The PC based electronic service tool used to diagnose and calibrate Cummins
electronic engines.
Intake Manifold Pressure/Temperature Sensor The Intake Manifold Pressure/Temperature Sensor is used for air/fuel control,
engine protection and for fan clutch control.

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 Glossary

J1587 An SAE communications protocol that uses J1708-style hardware.

J1708 An SAE standard that describes the data link conversion hardware and the lower
layers of the communications protocol.
J1939 An SAE communication protocol that enables an engine to be controlled by
J1939 devices. This communication standard allows service tools and some
other vehicle controllers, such as transmission shifting, braking system, and
traction control systems, to communicate with the ECM.
J1939 Backbone Data link bus in which service tools and other J1939 devices communicate with
the ECM. This bus can be extended 150 feet with minimal outside interference to
communication data. The Main Bus is constructed with twisted pair wires and a
shield.
J1939 Node Any device sending signals over the J1939 communications data link.
J-Jet Cooling Nozzles J-Jet Cooling Nozzles are used to deliver lubrication to the pistons
Keystone Profile Angled top and bottom surface of the piston ring and ring groove.
Lash The distance between the crosshead and the rocker arm.
Lift Pump An electric fuel pump controlled by the ECM through a relay. Each time the key
is turned on the ECM turns on this pump for thirty seconds to insure adequate
fuel supply for easy starting and shorter cranking times.
Magnetic Pickup Speed sensing device utilizing a target passing through a magnetic field to
generate a signal that is sent to the ECM.
Manometer A device used to measure pressure or pressure differences.
Micron Unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of a millimeter.
Mid-stop Liner Style of cylinder liner where a ledge, toward the middle of the liner, seats on a
shoulder in the block. This seat establishes the amount of liner protrusion above
the surface of the engine block.
Multiplexing The use of one circuit to provide signals from multiple components to the ECM.

Negative twist
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) Sensor
Nozzle Ring
NPT Port
OEM
OEM Connector
OEM Power Connector
Oil Cooler Petcock
Oil Level Sensor
Oil Pressure Switch
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
Oxides of Nitrogen
Oxidize
Parent Bore Design
Particulate Matter
Parts Per Million (PPM)
Pass Through Connector
A notch or bevel on the inside bottom of a piston ring that causes the ring to flex
or twist.
A combination of nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide that is a result of the
combustion process. High NOx levels cause smog and acid rain.
The Aftertreatment Outlet NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) Sensor is a smart device and
receives commands from the engine ECM via the J1939 data link.
The sliding portion of the turbocharger that changes the size of the volute exit
area. Changing the exit area affects both boost pressure and exhaust
backpressure.
Threaded port that allows for installation of an inspection device to measure the
backpressure in the exhaust system.
Original Equipment Manufacturer.
The OEM Connector is a 60-pin OEM harness connector on the ECM.
The OEM Power Connector is a 4-pin power connector on the ECM.
A petcock is a device used to drain the coolant from the system.
The Oil Level Sensor advises the operator of low or overfilled oil levels when the
engine is static.
The Oil Pressure Switch indicates the pressure of the oil as an input to the
engine protection system.
On-Board Diagnostics, or "OBD," is a computer-based system designed to
monitor the performance of some of an engine's major components including
those responsible for controlling emissions.
Differing combinations of oxygen and nitrogen.
To combined with oxygen.
Cylinder design that contains no sleeves or liners.
All solid and liquid material in cooled, diluted diesel exhaust.
Is a measure of concentration that is used where low levels of concentration are
significant. The ppm value is equivalent to the absolute fractional amount
multiplied by one million.
Wiring harness connection used to transition the harness from outside the
engine through a casting to the interior of the engine.

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Passive Aftertreatment System Passive systems are simple "pass-through" systems that have no actuators and
therefore, no requirement for electronic controls; passive systems include the
Exhaust Catalyst Assembly and the Diesel Oxide Catalyst system (DOC).

Passive Regeneration Regeneration without user interaction.

PC Personal Computer
Piston Cooling Nozzle A device that sprays oil onto the underside of the piston head. This oil helps to
cool the piston and provides some lubrication for the piston pin.
Piston Protrusion The distance that the crown of the piston is raised above the deck surface of the
cylinder block when it is at top dead center.
Pneumatic Actuation A method of controlling the variable geometry turbocharger's exit volute area by
using air pressure.
Poly-Vee Belt A drive belt with a multiple vee shaped inside surface that fits into a mating
pulley containing multiple grooves.
Positive Flow Deaeration System using pressurized coolant flow to remove trapped air from the coolant.

Positive twist A notch or bevel on the inside top of a piston ring that causes the ring to flex or
twist.
Power Take Off (PTO) A device mounted to the engine or transmission that provides power for
accessories such as hydraulic pumps.
PTO Power Take Off
QuickServe Online Cummins online service information system.
Regeneration The oxidation of soot trapped on the walls of the particulate trap.
Retarded Injection Timing Injection that occurs later in the compression stroke when compared to base
timing. With retarded timing the start of injection occurs at a crank angle before
top dead center (BTDC).
RTV Room Temperature Vulcanizing Compound - material used for form-in-place
gaskets.
Rubber Damper A vibration damper used to reduce vibration and noise.
Saddle Jet Style of piston cooling nozzle used on lower horsepower engines.
SCA (Supplemental Coolant Additive) Additive package used in diesel engine cooling systems to prevent scale,
corrosion, and pitting of cooling system components.
Secondary Position Sensor The secondary/backup engine speed and position sensor takes its measurement
from the camshaft tone wheel.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) An aftertreatment system that introduces or doses a urea and water solution into
the exhaust stream in order to improve catalytic action and reduce NOx.

Serpentine Belt Compound curve drive belt that uses both sides of the belt to drive engine
components.
Solder Bloom Corrosion of the soldered joints in a radiator or oil cooler caused by antifreeze
with depleted corrosion inhibitors. Solder bloom can cause the tube-to-header
joints to become weakened and corrosion can restrict coolant flow.

Stationary Regeneration Regeneration initiated by user interaction.

Stiffener Plate Plate mounted to the skirt of the block to provide for increased block rigidity.

STOR (Straight Thread O-Ring)
STORM (Straight Thread O-Ring - Metric)
StrataPore Filter Media
Stub
TDC
Type of fitting used to seal many of the access ports in the block. This style
fitting provides improved sealing capabilities when compared with tapered pipe-
thread fittings.
Type of Metric fitting used to seal many of the access ports in the block. This
style fitting provides improved sealing capabilities when compared with tapered
pipe-thread fittings.
Multi-layered filter media which provides improved durability and filtration
capability.
The J1939 Data Link connection from service tools or other vehicle controllers
that attaches to the J1939 backbone. The stubs are restricted to approximately 1
meter in length to minimize interference. The stub is constructed with shielding
and twisted pair wires.
Top dead center. The engine position where the number one cylinder piston is at
the uppermost point in the travel.

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Tensioner Pulley Spring loaded, self adjusting pulley used to maintain a drive belt at the desired
belt tension.
Termination Resistor One of the two 120 ohm resistors connected in parallel in the J1939 backbone
circuit.
Thermistor A type of resistor containing semiconductors, which vary predictably and rapidly
with changes in temperature.
Thermocouple A device that uses the electrical potential created by dissimilar metals to
measure temperature.
Thermostat An automatic temperature sensing device utilizing a mechanical valve to regulate
the flow path of a fluid.
Tier 3 Government emission regulations applicable to diesel engines used in off-road
applications.
Tier 4 Government emission regulations applicable to diesel engines used in off-road
applications.
Tone Wheel Notched ring, commonly installed on the crankshaft or camshaft. The notches
are used as "targets" for a speed or position sensor.
Torque Plus Angle/Torque Plus Turn A tightening procedure that provides a more consistent clamping force than
torque only. This is accomplished by torquing to a specification and then rotating
an additional specified number of degrees.
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) Part of the accelerator pedal assembly that sends a pedal position signal to the
ECM. This device is a potentiometer that produces a varying voltage as it is
moved through the operating range.
Turbocharger Centrifugal air pump or blower driven by exhaust gas. It fills the engine cylinders
with fresh air at a higher pressure than the atmospheric pressure.
Turbocharger Control Valve The valve that controls the air flow to the variable geometry actuator. This valve
receives a signal from the ECM.
Turbocharger Drain Line The Turbocharger Drain Line drains oil back to the oil pan
Turbocharger Oil Supply Line The Turbocharger Oil Supply Line carries oil to the turbocharger.
Turbocharger Speed Sensor This sensor measures the rotational speed of the turbocharger shaft and helps
the ECM determine that the system is functioning and prevents over-speeding of
the turbo.
TVS (Trapped Volume Spill) Port Fuel passage that relieves fuel pressure in the injector cup after injection. Fuel
flow enters the TVS from the cup and returns to the fuel tank through the drain
line.
Urea Injection Nozzle The urea injection nozzle is fabricated from stainless steel with ceramic
insulation and four angle drilled spray holes and is used to deliver the urea into
the exhaust system.
Urea Solution Heater The Urea Solution Heater is an in tank feature that is used to keep the urea from
freezing.
Urea Solution Level/Temperature Sensor The Urea Solution Level/Temperature Sensor monitors the level and
temperature of the urea.
Urea Tank The container used to store the Urea solution.
Valve Seats Create a seal between valves and the intake and exhaust ports.
Variable Geometry Turbocharger A style of turbocharger that has an adjustable exit volute area. Adjusting this exit
volute area quickly increases or decreases the backpressure in the exhaust
system.
Venturi Filter Provides lubrication filtration for the bypass flow and utilizes the venturi flow
concept to promote flow through the bypass filter.
VGT Actuator The electronic actuator that controls the position of the variable geometry
turbocharger nozzle ring. This actuator receives a signal from the ECM.
Viscous Damper A vibration damper used to reduce vibration and noise.
Water-In-Fuel Sensor (WIF) Sensor mounted in the bottom of the fuel filter/water separator. This sensor
signals the ECM if too much water is contained in the bottom of the filter.

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