how conventional ignition systems work

Summary

This video explains the operation of a conventional car ignition system. It covers the components such as the battery, fuse, ignition key, ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, and wires. The ignition system works by using the battery's electricity, which is distributed through the system to generate high voltage for the spark plugs. The distributor directs the high voltage to the correct cylinder, ensuring combustion. The process also involves the use of a condenser to prevent sparks and discusses how the rotor works in distributing electricity. The video emphasizes correct setup and ignition timing for optimal engine performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conventional car ignition system relies on several key components: the battery, fuse, ignition key, ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, and high-voltage cables.
• 😀 The battery provides electrical power, which is distributed to various components, including the fuse and ignition system.
• 😀 The ignition key serves as both a circuit breaker and connector for the car's electrical system.
• 😀 The ignition coil transforms the battery's 12 volts into a much higher voltage (over 10,000 volts) required to create a spark at the spark plugs.
• 😀 The distributor is responsible for channeling high-voltage current to each spark plug at the correct timing for ignition.
• 😀 The distributor uses platinum points (or contacts) to break the circuit and control when the high voltage is sent to the spark plugs.
• 😀 When the platinum contacts are closed, the current flows; when they open, the current is interrupted, causing the coil to generate a high voltage.
• 😀 The condenser is used to absorb electrical energy and prevent large sparks or surges from damaging the ignition system.
• 😀 The rotor within the distributor rotates, directing the high-voltage current to the appropriate spark plug in the correct firing order.
• 😀 Proper timing is crucial in the ignition process to ensure combustion occurs at the right moment in the cylinder, usually at the top dead center (Top 1).
• 😀 The video hints at further discussions about advanced topics like the vacuum advancer and additional system components that affect ignition timing.

Q & A

What is the role of the battery in a conventional car ignition system?

The battery provides the electrical power needed to operate the ignition system, supplying 12 volts of electricity to various components.

What is the function of the fuse in the ignition system?

The fuse protects the electrical system of the car by breaking the circuit in case of an overload, preventing damage to components.

How does the ignition coil work in the ignition system?

The ignition coil increases the 12-volt battery voltage to a high voltage, often above 10,000 volts, which is necessary to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine.

What is the function of the distributor in the ignition system?

The distributor directs the high-voltage electrical current from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug, ensuring that each cylinder receives a spark at the right time.

What is the purpose of the platinum points in the distributor?

The platinum points act as a circuit breaker, opening and closing to control the flow of electricity to the ignition coil, which helps create the necessary high voltage.

Why is a condenser used in the ignition system?

The condenser temporarily stores electrical energy to prevent a large spark from occurring when the platinum points open. Without it, a large, damaging spark would form, potentially disrupting the ignition process.

What does the rotor do in the ignition system?

The rotor rotates inside the distributor and connects the high-voltage terminals to the correct spark plug wire in the firing order.

How is the ignition timing adjusted in the system?

The ignition timing is adjusted by ensuring the rotor points to the spark plug wire for cylinder number one when it reaches the top of the compression stroke, ensuring combustion occurs at the right time.

What happens if the ignition system is not properly timed?

If the ignition system is not correctly timed, the spark will occur at the wrong moment, causing poor engine performance, inefficient combustion, or even engine misfires.

What is the significance of 'Top 1' in adjusting the ignition system?

'Top 1' refers to the position where cylinder number one is at the top of its compression stroke. This is when the ignition system should be adjusted to ensure proper timing and efficient combustion.