What are the ignition methods for gasoline engines?

[DeVictoria]

Here are the ignition methods for gasoline engines: Motorcycles: Single-cylinder capacitor discharge ignition system controlled by thyristor. Some automobiles: High-voltage mechanical rotating distributor ignition system, which is being phased out due to high wear and requiring maintenance. Computer-controlled dual-cylinder simultaneous ignition method: Only used for even-numbered cylinder engines, where a pair of cylinders reaching top dead center simultaneously spark. One uses positive high-voltage ignition, while the other uses negative high-voltage ignition. One cylinder is at compression top dead center, while the other is at exhaust top dead center. The cylinder with higher compression pressure receives higher voltage (80%), while the one with lower exhaust pressure receives lower voltage (20%).

[StBenjamin]

The ignition method of gasoline engines primarily revolves around spark ignition, which I commonly see as the standard for almost all gasoline vehicles during repairs. The core principle involves using high-voltage electricity to generate sparks that ignite the air-fuel mixture, encompassing traditional distributor ignition systems and modern electronic ignition systems. The distributor system mechanically rotates to distribute sparks, while electronic ignition employs computer control for greater precision and reliability. Some high-performance vehicles even utilize multi-spark ignition or direct ignition systems, capable of discharging multiple times instantaneously to enhance combustion efficiency. Poor ignition can lead to engine misfires or starting difficulties, so I recommend regularly inspecting spark plugs and coils to ensure smooth ignition of the mixture—a particularly critical practice during winter startups.

[StVera]

Car enthusiasts know that the ignition system is the key to engine power. Gasoline engines rely entirely on spark ignition to release energy, primarily through the spark plug ignition method. Older cars used distributors to allocate sparks, but now the mainstream is electronically controlled ignition, with the ECU module finely adjusting the ignition timing. For modified cars, I often increase the energy of the ignition coil, enhancing performance through capacitor discharge or high-energy sparks, which can also reduce emissions. But be aware, spark plug carbon buildup can weaken ignition, so it's best to replace them every 30,000 kilometers to keep the engine running smoothly.

[DeFinn]

Gasoline engines rely on high-voltage sparks generated by spark plugs for ignition, which I've studied in-depth during my mechanical training. The primary methods include traditional coil ignition and electronic ignition systems. Coil ignition triggers sparks via a breaker or Hall sensor, while electronic systems depend on the ECU to optimize timing. Some models also integrate multi-point simultaneous ignition or sequential ignition technology. All these systems ensure the air-fuel mixture detonates at the precise moment. Voltage instability or aged wiring can cause stalling, so always test with a multimeter.