Ignition Faults Easily Detected T HE ignition test apparatus now i
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being produced by the English Electric Co., Ltd., Stafford, is equipped with an ignition-loading device which reduces the energy of the circuit to imulate hill-climbing or other heavy loading conditions of engines. It can be used to diagnose electrical faults of the engine either in the workshop or under operating conditions on the road.
It is contained in a metal case 14 ins. high, 8 ins, wide and 18 ins. long. The front cover opens to reveal the screen of a cathode-ray tube and the control knobs, whilst the back cover forms a convenient storage pocket for the multi
core lead which is connected to the engine when on test.
Sparking-plug faults, including incorrect adjustment or incipient failure of insulation, together with problems
arising through distributor tracking. can be quickly traced. Furthermore, the apparatus will detect incorrect breaker gaps or defects in primary condenser.
The multi-core lead has four tails, one of which is attached to a sparking plug. The second is connected to the circuitbreaker terminal of the coil to convey primary impulses to the tube. A further clip is attached to the switch terminal of the coil to provide a power supply to the test unit and the fourth lead is provided for earth return. The set can be used on engines with any number of cylinders and can operate from 6, 12 or 24-volt D.C. circuits.
With the set connected, a trace extending across the cathode-ray tube shows the complete firing cycle of all the cylinders. Shape, height and general characteristics of the path of he trace can be simply interpreted with the aid of a booklet provided with the set. Complete control of the length and height of the trace is obtained by movement of the control knobs.