Ignition Timing

The process of setting the time that a spark will occur in the engine combustion chamber (during the power stroke) relative to piston position or crankshaft rotation. Setting the correct ignition timing is crucial in the performance of an engine. The ignition timing affects many variables including engine longevity, fuel economy, and engine power. Modern engines that are controlled by an engine control unit use a computer to control the timing throughout the engine’s RPM range. Older engines that use mechanical spark distributors rely on inertia (by using rotating weights and springs) and manifold vacuum in order to set the ignition timing throughout the engine’s RPM range.


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  1. Timing : Motorcycle-Glossary.com on May 20, 2007 1:25 pm

    [...] or when the spark occurs. It is normally expressed in degrees or millimetres before TDC (see ignition timing and port [...]

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