Ignition timing is the relationship between the spark and piston position in an engine. It affects power output, fuel consumption, and engine longevity. Timing is established using a timing light and reading the engine’s harmonic balancer. Pre-80s engines are tuned before TDC, post-80s engines are tuned after TDC. Ignition timing is the relationship of the […]
Minimum ignition energy (MIE) measures the minimum energy required to ignite a dispersed fuel or combustible compound in air. Chemicals with low MIE values, such as acetylene and hydrogen, must be handled with care. The TWA 800 airline accident was attributed to a possible MIE explosion. Fine particulate matter, including powdered metals and solid fuels, […]
When replacing an ignition system, all components should be examined, including spark plugs, wires, distributor caps, and rotors. It is also advisable to check the serpentine belt system and tune the vehicle after replacing the ignition. Advances in manufacturing mean that replacements are less frequent. To replace an ignition, it is imperative that all components […]
There are two methods of testing ignition coils: shorting a spark plug or using a multimeter. The multimeter test is more accurate as it can test both primary and secondary windings. A weak coil can cause engine problems, and testing with a multimeter can reveal any issues. There are two basic methods of testing ignition […]
Compression ignition engines use highly compressed air to ignite fuel, without relying on a spark plug. They use dense, oily petroleum-based fuels and have higher compression ratios, producing better fuel efficiency and performance in wet environments. Diesel is the most common fuel, but biodiesel is also being developed. These engines are more efficient at low […]
Power-Up in Standby (PUIS) mode allows devices to start up in standby mode, saving energy by only activating when needed. Quick start functions can be added for easy use, and inactive components return to standby mode to conserve energy. Not all systems support PUIS, but it can reduce energy consumption and extend the life of […]
