We’ve all been there. You’re about to take off for your weekend getaway and you fumble with the keys, searching for the right one. Just as you’re about to insert it into the ignition, you remember—you disabled the car’s timing! If this has ever happened to you, you’re not alone. According to a study by CarMD, disabling the car’s timing has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is most likely due to concerns over emissions and fuel efficiency. However, there are a few side effects of disabling the car’s timing that many people may not know about. In this blog post, we will explore these side effects and how you can prevent them from happening.
What is the Ignition Timing System?
The ignition timing system is responsible for starting the engine. The system also regulates the fuel supply, and allows the piston to reach top dead center (TDC) before the spark plugs fire. By delaying the ignition timing, you can improve fuel economy, emissions performance, and overall engine performance. There are a few different ways to retard the ignition timing: using a mechanical timer, electronically controlled retarder module (ECTM), or with a computerized control unit (CCU).
How Does The Ignition Timing System Work?
The ignition timing system controls the amount of air and fuel that is fed to the engine when it starts. The timing system is based on a set of gears that rotate around an axle. The gears are connected to a camshaft, which helps control the spark plugging during combustion. When you turn the key in your car’s ignition, the camshaft rotates and this causes the gears to move. This movement sets off the spark plugs at specific points in time, which ignites the fuel mixture and starts your car.
How to Reset The Ignition Timing System
The ignition timing system controls when the engine starts by adjusting the spark advance. When it’s time to start your car, the computer checks to see if all the cylinders are firing at the same time. If they’re not, the computer sends a signal to the distributor to retard the ignition timing. This makes all of the pistons fire at once and starts your car.
If you want to reset your timing system, there are a few things you need to do first. First, remove any objects in between the camshaft and crankshaft that may be preventing them from working together properly. Next, disconnect each serpentine belt and pulley, then remove any plugs from each cylinder head (see photo below). Finally, replace each plug and Serpentine belt/pulley combo. Be sure to torque everything down correctly – over-torqueing can damage your car!
Pros and Cons of Retarding The Ignition Timing System
There are pros and cons to retarding the ignition timing system on your car. Retarding the timing system helps reduce fuel consumption, but it may also cause a loss of power and performance. You should also be aware that if you retard the timing system too much, your engine may no longer start.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to check your car’s ignition timing before you take it out for a spin. It might seem like a simple task, but if something is blocking the sparkplug from firing on time, the car won’t start. This can be caused by anything from a piece of metal lodged in the plug to an air bubble that’s preventing the engine from getting enough oxygen. If you notice any issues with your ignition timing, don’t hesitate to have it checked out by a professional.