Ignition Systems - Explained

How does spark plug timing work? An explanation of automotive ignition systems. Ignition coils, distributors, and firing intervals all play an important role in ignition.

Note: The cylinder order from left to right on the engine is 4-3-2-1, not 1-2-3-4.

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[EngineeringExplained]

So glad to hear, thanks for watching!

[applebitefool]

Just came back to this for the throwback feels when I discovered this channel during my mech engineering freshman year ❤ miss the simple videos without the whole Youtube gimmick

[EngineeringExplained]

@ThePustr117 Close, it's actually driven by a gear connected to the camshaft. The camshaft and distributor rotor will rotate at the same speed.

[boriskiprich]

My life is better and more enriched because of you, buddy, and what you do here! Love it!

[EngineeringExplained]

@evanreidel22 Yes, this is something I failed to address in the video; it's geared with the camshaft, so as the camshaft makes it's full revolution, the distributor also makes one full revolution.

[EngineeringExplained]

Fuel doesn't like to ignite unless it's reached a good high temperature. For diesel, this is even more true, so it can be useful to warm the block up before attempting to start (using the battery).

[Theisa]

I have seen almost all of your videos now and you are really good at explaining all these complicated things in an easy way. I have a lot of respect for you.
And I don't know why but it does not surprise me that you drive a Honda Integra :)

[Nicosh]

I've been doing an A-level project on the car engine and your videos have been extremely useful and have helped me to understand all the processes. Thanks! :)

[EngineeringExplained]

The rotor is geared to the camshaft. Not sure of the voltage range. The firing order is selected so that the forces on the crankshaft are as even and smooth as possible; in combination with the flywheel it allows for the engine to stay relatively stable and not shake much.

[EngineeringExplained]

@smtbbo Timing is a topic all in itself. The crank angle to ignite the fuel before top dead center is critical in power and efficiency, as you have mentioned; I just wanted to keep this video fairly straight forward.

[nurmogati]

I Nurhendratmoko, from Indonesia, is currently running the LPG Engine project.
Ignition
system used for 4 pieces of spark plug, I divide from the current into
the primer coil, it takes 4 pieces of coil to power the machine, but the
flame of each spark plug is more perfect.
Thank you, hopefully this correction is not considered negative for the predecessor ignition of the existing system.

[EngineeringExplained]

@sgtpepperaut Correct, they get rid of the ignition coil and each spark plug has its own. Then the ECU is responsible for timing.

[EngineeringExplained]

@PirateXzibit They're made of materials capable of withstanding the heat, and they're shaped specifically so they don't absorb heat well. Yes, they're quite present during combustion.

[EngineeringExplained]

David Schwimmer's voice with Aston Kutcher's looks?

[EngineeringExplained]

I'm not sure what you're asking. If the cylinders are moving and firing, then the engine is running. If you're referring to when you start your car, and it doesn't start, it just means your power stroke is non-existent. Your starter motor creates the 4 strokes of the engine, but you don't successfully ignite the air fuel mixture, so your car doesn't start.

[EngineeringExplained]

Thanks. HEI is high energy ignition, and it's when the coil is included within the distributor. Pretty old though don't think it's around anymore.

[derekgelenaw]

The coil wouldn't be on the spark plug. It would be on the wire leading to the spark plug, superb vid man

[EngineeringExplained]

Not sure what you're asking. Are you asking if a V12 will start (turn the key) faster, or something with regards to combustion instead? The engines will start in relatively the same amount of time. The V12 cylinders do not fire faster, there are just more cylinders firing, thus more frequent power strokes.

[EngineeringExplained]

Correct, minor correction is the pistons are moving up and down, rather than the cylinders (as I'm sure you knew). The engine needs to heat up the air enough, and have a good balance of air/fuel to ignite the mixture.

[EngineeringExplained]

There is some overlap between each cylinder and the next, so it would be more like 1.5 cylinders in each stroke, if that makes sense. Meaning one cylinder starts firing before the last cylinder is finished firing.