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Ignition Systems
Important Terms
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Plug wires | High voltage cables used for TV and radio suppression |
Spark Plug | The component where the spark occurs |
Ignition Coil Primary | The winding in which the magnetic field is produced |
Switching device | The component that turns the primary coil on and off |
Cap and Rotor | Components that deliver the high voltage to the correct spark plug |
Capacitor/condenser | It helps to rapidly collapse the primary magnetic field |
Generator/alternator | Supplies on-going power to the ignition system |
Ignition Switch | Gives the driver control of the ignition system |
Battery | Supplies initial power to the system |
Ignition Coil secondary | The winding in which the high voltage is produced |
Dwell | The amount of time primary coil current flows |
Saturation time | The time it takes for the primary coil to reach its maximum magnetic field |
Heat range | A rating for how well a spark plug removes heat from the combustion chamber to the water jackets |
Spark plug insulator | Made of porcelain, it is used to insulate the high voltage and to burn off deposits. It is key in determining the heat range of a plug |
Plug gap | The distance between the positive and ground electrode |
Narrow Point gap | This type of point gap increases dwell which could burn out the ignition coil |
Hot plug | This plug dissipates heat slowly and may cause mechanical damage if too far from its normal range |
Cold plug | This plug dissipates heat more quickly but can cause carbon fouling |
Cold (Static) Timing | The mechanical alignment of the crankshaft and camshaft for #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke |
Base timing | The initial timing for an idling engine |
Mechanical timing advance | Timing is adjusted through Centrifugal force using weights versus spring tension based on engine RPM |
Vacuum timing advance | Timing is adjusted based on engine load using a vacuum diaphragm attached to the base plate |
Magnetic pick up | A triggering device using a magnet and pick up coil to generate an AC analog signal for the ICM |
Optical/Photoelectric sensor | A triggering device using an LED and photo-transistor to send a DC digital signal to the ICM |
Hall Effect device | A triggering device with an Integrated Circuit to create a DC Digital signal for the ICM |
ICM | Ignition Control Module that controls the on/off time of the primary coil based on various inputs. |