Ignition System
There are many sub-systems involved in making an engine work, but none are as vital as the ignition system. The ignition system is responsible for the primary purpose of the engine: combustion. And even though the technology of the combustion engine is over 100 years old, it is constantly evolving to improve efficiency and power.
Once the engine has been... Read More
Subcategories
-
Spark Plugs
Products Found: 27 -
Spark Plug Wires
Products Found: 98 -
Ignition Coil
Products Found: 48 -
Distributor
Products Found: 125
-
Distributor Cap & Rotor
Products Found: 31 -
Glow Plugs
Products Found: 10 -
Relays, Sensors, Switches & Electronics
Products Found: 67 -
Pickup Coils, Points & Condensers
Products Found: 25
Please Wait... - Ignition System Information
-
Why are Ignition System Part(s) Important
There are many sub-systems involved in making an engine work, but none are as vital as the ignition system. The ignition system is responsible for the primary purpose of the engine: combustion. And even though the technology of the combustion engine is over 100 years old, it is constantly evolving to improve efficiency and power.
Once the engine has been manually started via the starter system, the ignition system controls production and distribution of the spark needed to run the engine. The ignition system begins when a charge from the battery is relayed through the ignition coil. The ignition coil is a basic induction unit that jumps the voltage up to as many as 100,000 volts. The charge is then sent to the ignition distributor which disperses the charge via the distribution rotor and cap to the individual spark plug wires. From the wires, the charge arrives in the spark plug which creates a spark that ignites the fuel within the engine. In many newer cars, the ignition distributor has been axed and replaced with electronic timing units.
In diesel models, the process of ignition is slightly different: there is no spark. Ignition is achieved by compressing the air and diesel fuel within the cylinder until it combusts on its own. However, diesel engine ignition systems require a glow plug for combustion when the engine is cold.
Unsurprisingly, when the ignition system goes awry, engine performance is drastically affected. If it doesn't cause the engine to cease operation all together, problems with the ignition system can range from rough idle, loss of power, a stumbling engine (if one of the cylinders is not firing), or simply lose power after a short period of time.
- Brands
