Battery power source
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The battery is used to supply a voltage to the system components.
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Ballast resistor
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A ballast resistor is used to reduce the voltage to the ignition coil during normal running conditions.
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Ignition coil
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A standard ignition coil has a secondary winding with 15000 to 30000 turns of very thin enamelled copper wire, wound around a laminated iron core. The primary winding with a few hundred turns of heavier copper wire is wound on the outside of the secondary.
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Ignition switches
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The ignition switch has more functions than simply starting the vehicle. The common points on an ignition switch include: Lock; Off (not on all vehicles); Accessories; On; Start.
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Contact breaker
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The contact breaker is a mechanically operated electrical switch in the primary ignition circuit. The contacts open and close automatically with engine rotation.
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Capacitor/condenser
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A capacitor is used to assist in the rapid collapse of the magnetic field in the ignition coil.
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Distributors
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The distributor in a contact breaker system distributes the high tension voltage surges to the spark plugs in the correct sequence and at the correct instant in time in the engine cycle.
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Distributor types
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The distributor uses one of several different systems to create the timing of the ignition spark.
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High-tension leads
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High-tension leads are used to transmit the high voltage required by the spark plugs to ignite the fuel air/mixture in the cylinders.
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Spark plugs
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Spark plugs are identified by thread size or diameter the reach or length of the thread and by the heat range.
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Spark plug components
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Most passenger car spark plug wires snap onto the terminal of the plug, but some wires have spade connectors which are fastened onto the plug under a nut.
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Advance & retard mechanisms
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Ignition timing can be varied by a centrifugal advance mechanism, according to engine speed and by a vacuum advance unit according to engine load.
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