Ignition Timing and Vacuum Advance - Part 1

Do take note that you need to have an interest in automotive engines before proceeding to read as this article can get quite technical. 


This article was written for owners of automotive vehicles using mechanical and vacuum advance ignition timing in mind. Certain parts of the article may no longer be applicable for modern cars with its own computer controlled, distributorless Engine Management System.

Ignition Timing Advance


We all know spark plugs are used to ignite the air fuel mixture in the engine cylinder chamber. The combustion/explosion results in the sudden expansion of the volume of gases and in turn pushes the piston. The vertical forces of the piston is then translated to rotational forces by means of the crankshaft.

Step by step diagram of the 4 stroke cycle