What Causes Incorrect Ignition Timing?
2 Answers
Incorrect ignition timing is caused by: misalignment during timing belt replacement or issues with the tensioner causing the timing belt to skip teeth. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing through its connection to the crankshaft and specific transmission ratio. Belts are used instead of gears for transmission due to their lower noise, minimal self-variation, and ease of compensation. In gasoline engines, ignition timing is key to fuel combustion efficiency. Proper ignition timing promotes complete fuel combustion, maximizes thermal efficiency, ensures normal engine power output for maximum effective power, and prevents a series of faults such as piston top burning, ring breakage, cylinder scoring, and power loss caused by engine knocking.
With years of experience in car repair, I've found that common causes of incorrect ignition timing include worn or loose timing belts or chains, which cause misalignment during engine operation and affect power. Sensors such as the crankshaft position sensor, when dirty or faulty, prevent the ECU from receiving accurate data, leading to calculation deviations. Mechanical components like skipped gear teeth or incorrect camshaft positioning can also cause issues. Poor fuel quality or improper ECU calibration can worsen these conditions. Regular maintenance requires frequent checks of belt and chain conditions; otherwise, the car may be hard to start and fuel consumption could increase significantly. The safest approach is to promptly visit a repair shop for professional testing.
