Volume reducer for pressurizing engine hydraulic system

A method of reducing crank time during engine startup for an engine with a hydraulic system, comprising steps of:

• pressurizing fluid in the hydraulic system at least in part by reducing a fluid volume of the hydraulic system;
• the step of pressurizing includes a step of advancing a member into a common rail portion of the hydraulic system;
• the step of advancing includes a step of energizing an electric motor;
• the step of energizing the electric motor includes a step of coupling the member to the electric motor;
• and
• the step of coupling includes a step of positioning a screw linkage between a pressure face of the member and the electric motor.

A hydraulic system for an engine comprising:

• a common rail with an inlet and at least one outlet;
• a pump with an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet of the common rail;
• at least one hydraulic device with an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet of the common rail;
• a volume reducer including a member movable into and out of the common rail, and an electric motor coupled to the member;
• and
• wherein the electric motor is coupled at least in part via a screw linkage.

A hydraulic system for an engine comprising:

• common rail with an inlet and at least one outlet;
• a pump with an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet of the common rail;
• at least one hydraulic device with an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet of the common rail;
• a volume reducer including a member movable into and out of the common rail via an electric motor coupled to the member;
• and
• wherein the member protrudes through one end of the common rail and is movable away from the one end toward an opposite end.