SPARK PLUG

Uses the coils high voltage to

create a spark in the engine.
It consists of :
Steel shell
Ceramic insulator
Side electrode
A center electrode sometimes
called a center terminal

SPARK PLUG REACH

The distance from the end of

the threads to the tapered
seat or sealing surface.

This is critical because it

determines the position of
the spark inside of the
combustion chamber.

SPARK PLUGS SIZE

Spark plugs also vary in the size of the
thread diameter. 10, 12, 14, and 18mm
plugs are being made.
Spark plug gap:
Older cars will have a gap of
0.030-.035inches with point systems,
but newer cars can have gaps of over
0.060inches .

TYPES OF SPARK PLUG

HOT SPARK PLUG:
Designed with a ceramic
insert having smaller contact
area with the metal part of the
plug.
This reduces the heat transfer
from the ceramic, making it run
hotter and thus burn away more
deposits.
COLD SAPRK PLUG:
Designed with more contact
area, so they run cooler.

HEAT RANGE
500-800 Deg. C

IGNITION TIMING

IGNITION TIMING
COMPENSATES FOR BURN
TIME

IGNITION TIMING FACTORS

Ignition timing is how early or late
spark plugs fire in relation to
position of engine pistons
Ignition timing must vary with engine
speed, load and temperature
Must be advanced at times and
retarded at other times

IGNITION TIMING
MECHANISM
Distributor rotor system

Lower half of
distributor

CONTROL OF IGNITION
TIMING
There are two reasons to focus on ignition
timing:
To allow sufficient work output.
( W = Pressure*Area*Length of stroke)
limited extent of exhaust emissions.
(in vehicles where maximum power is not
required retardation is used to reduce Nox,
which is the main pollutant)

METHODS OF CONTROL OF
IGNITION TIMING

DISTRIBUTOR CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE

DISTRIBUTOR VACUUM ADVANCE

ELECTRONIC (COMPUTER) ADVANCE

CENTRIFUGAL ADVANCE

Varies in direct relation to

engine rpm

Centrifugal
weights out

Allows spark
to happen
sooner to allow enough time
for combustion to take place
on power stroke.

force

throws

VACUUM ADVANCE

Provide advance at
lower engine speeds
and part throttle
operation.

Matches timing to
engine load.

Controlled by venturi
vacuum or manifold
vacuum

FIG 5-35

ELECTRONIC SPARK
TIMING
Distributor does not have a
centrifugal or vacuum advance
mechanism
Uses engine sensors as inputs to
computer
You must disable spark advance when
setting base timing on computer
controlled cars

DISTRIBUTORLESS
IGNITION SYSTEM

ENGINE FIRING
ORDER

REFERS TO
SEQUENCE SPARK
PLUGS FIRE
CAST INTO INTAKE
MANIFOLD
EACH ENGINE WILL
HAVE DIFFERENT
FIRING ORDER
MUST USE DURING
TUNE-UP
FIG 5-3