Ignition timing Ignition timing In a spark ignition internal combustion engine, Ignition timing refers to the timing, relative to the current piston position and crankshaft angle, of the release of a spark in the combustion chamber near the end of the compression stroke. The need for advancing (or retarding) the timing of the spark is because fuel does not completely burn the instant the spark fires, the combustion gases take a period of time to expand and the angular or rotational speed of the engine can lengthen or shorten the time frame in which the burning and expansion should occur. In a
Delco ignition system Delco ignition system The Delco ignition system, also known as the Kettering ignition system, is a type of Inductive discharge ignition system invented by Charles F. Kettering. It was first sold commercially on the 1910 Cadillac and was manufactured by Delco. Over time, this system was used extensively by all automobile and truck manufacturers until the development of capacitor discharge ignition (electronic ignition) systems in the 1960s. Delco ignition systems were also used by a number of early aircraft engines. This ignition system uses an ignition coil wound as an autotransformer to step up the voltage from the 12 volts