Common rail injection system is flexible in injection timing, injection duration and pressure in engine. Many researches have reported on the merits in the application of common rail systems. This research investigated on characteristics and performance for single cylinder diesel engine with a common .ail injection system by varying major parameters such as injection timing, injection duration and common rail pressure. The injection timing and injection duration were controlled by electronic pulse generated. and common rail pressure were controlled by PCV driver. The 498cc single cylinder diesel engine was used in this experiment. All data for combustion pressure, injection timing and injection duration were recorded by Labview. Furthermore, this test was focused on how to optimize injection conditions.