Ignition Systems

Define These Terms: Electricity Conductor Insulator Magnetism Induction Primary Windings Secondary Windings

Brief Overview The ignition system is the production of an electrical arc that is used to ignite the fuel air mixture in the cylinder to produce combustion that is then in return the driving force of the engine

The Magneto Type Ignition System The magneto is the simplest form of an ignition system (Used in Small Engines) A magneto is a ignition device consisting of a armature, coil, spark plug wire, and a flywheel.

The Flywheel The flywheel contains magnets that alternate in polarity, from being North pole, to South pole. The flywheel also has fins on the outside that act as a fan to keep the engine cool. The flywheel is balanced with the engine, if the engine becomes unbalanced there could possibly be a vibration occurrence and possible parts failure.

The Coil The Coil is a piece attached to the armature that consist of very small copper wires that are wound in a circular motion that when inducted with a small electrical charge a more powerful electrical charge is produced.

The Armature The Armature is a metal block that is layers of thin flat metal that holds the coil and makes contact with the magnets on the flywheel. The Armature has a gap between it and the magnets that is extremely crucial to the engine performance. If the gap is to tight or two big the engine will not run.

How it Works As the flywheel rotates and comes into contact with the armature it produces a electrical arc that is then amplified through the coil that then travels through the spark plug wire and out the spark plug electrode where it is grounded to the motor.

What are Spark Plugs? Definition: is an ignition system part that gets the high-voltage electricity from the magneto and creates a spark in the combustion chamber. Used to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Must deliver this high-voltage spark under conditions of high temperature and high combustion chamber pressure.

Spark Plugs Spark Plugs are extremely crucial in a gasoline engine. A lot about a motor can be told just by looking at a set of plugs. Engine misfires, Engine condition, and Internal wear/damage can all be determined all by looking at a set of plugs.

Spark Plugs Spark plugs have different heat ranges, meaning how hot the spark temperature is. So always use the correct manufacturer recommended plug for the application. The only time heat ranges are usually ever changed are in racing or highly modified engines.

SO…….This is for a Grade!!! What is wrong with my SPARK??? 1) First, you must try to identify what is wrong with the spark plugs…write it down on a piece of paper. 2) Then, you must describe/tell how to fix the problem with the spark plug - Write this one down beside what is wrong with it! 3) When every one is done, we will review what is wrong with each and how to fix it!!

Finally……. Draw, Label, and Describe (the parts) of: A Spark Plug AND A Ignition System HINT: This is also a grade worth 50!!!

Magneto Presentation Rubric There are 7 types of ignition systems you will have to present by using a PowerPoint presentation(they are on pg ). You will need to list and describe the role and function of each system. You will need to list the components and describe the role they have within that ignition system You will have to compare and contrast each system. You need at least one picture per a slide that pertains to the content. You will have to present this to the class. IT IS DUE FRIDAY 11/9 at the end of class!!! IT IS WORTH 100 POINTS!!!