Spark Plugs

4 Types of Ignition System

Chapter 1 Outline
Structurally, ignition system can be classified into the
following three types.
Contact Ignition Type 1 Battery
(Ordinary Ignition Type)
2 Ignition switch
In this system, the current (primary current)
flowing to the ignition coil from the battery is cut 3 Ignition coil
off at the mechanical contacts (breaker points)
in the distributer to generate high voltage. 4 Breaker point
Demerit
Since these are mechanical contacts, 5 Distributor
sparks can fly between the contacts or the
voltage drops at low speed. Also, 6 Rotor
sometimes current does not flow adequately
due to soiling of the contact surface. 7 Spark plug

Transistor Ignition Type 1 Battery

This system generates high voltage by 2 Ignition switch
cutting off the current with transistors in the
igniter. This system can provide stable high 3 Coil with an igniter
voltage.
Demerit 4 Signal generator
The ignition timing is controlled by the signal
generator in the distributor, so there are 5 Distributor
limits to fine control.
6 Rotor
7 Spark plug

Electronic Spark Advance (ESA, DLI)

Distributor ECU Igniter
Electronic ignition type
(ESA:Electronic Spark Advance, Engine speed .NE IGt
DLI:Distributorless Ignition) Constant-current
Crankshaft Ignition timing control Ignition
The ignition timing and dwell angle are position detection .G control Ignition
controlled by microcomputer, which sends signal Dwell angle
the ignition signals to the igniter, where the Sensors reduction
transistors inside the igniter cut off the Air flow sensor
current and generate high voltage. This Dwell angle
Water temperature IGf
control
makes more precise control possible and is sensor Air conditioner Ignition monitor signal
the current mainstream ignition system. signal etc

5 Comprehensive Test
From the following statements about ignition system, select the incorrect one.
1 Both gasoline engines and diesel engines require spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
2 The ignition timing is adjusted according to changes in the engine speed and load.
3 The air-fuel mixture for gasoline engines is the proportion of air and gasoline by weight and about 15:1 is called the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
4 The spark voltage for spark plugs is generated when the primary current through the igniter is cut off.
5 4-cycle engines ignite and combust each cylinder one time for two rotations for the engine crankshaft.
Answer on next page

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