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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Richmore on February 15, 2006, 09:15:08 AM

Title: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: Richmore on February 15, 2006, 09:15:08 AM
Hi all,

just wondering, what damage (if any) does having a smaller then recommended sparkplug gap cause?

If suzuki say a healthy ignintion system on a GS should be able to generate a spark that can jump 0.8 - 0.9mm if i re-gap to say 0.5mm will this do any harm?

Thanks folks.
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: domas on February 15, 2006, 09:47:20 AM
The spark will be too small, and may not ignite the mixture. This will result in stumbling and misfiring.
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: Richmore on February 15, 2006, 09:49:19 AM
Thats the answer i was looking for, thank you.

Richmore
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: scratch on February 15, 2006, 01:20:24 PM
Ok, now I have a question - Will a smaller gap advance the timing of the spark?  Does it take less time for the spark to happen because of less of a distance for the spark to gap?  Or, will it be over too soon?
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: RedShift on February 15, 2006, 05:29:16 PM
Quote from: scratch on February 15, 2006, 01:20:24 PM
Ok, now I have a question - Will a smaller gap advance the timing of the spark?  Does it take less time for the spark to happen because of less of a distance for the spark to gap?  Or, will it be over too soon?

I doubt there will be a significant-enough difference in the timing of the spark if the gap is a bit less.  I believe Domas is likely correct -- you'd fail to provide enough of an ignition source with a smaller gap well before appreciably advancing a spark. 
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: Phaedrus on February 15, 2006, 10:00:35 PM
This thread reminds me a little of the thread about the "Poor Man's Ignition Advancer: Deep Thoughts" thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=19849.0

Not exactly the same thing, but I am sure a similar theory applies.
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: GeeP on February 15, 2006, 10:55:21 PM
Spark plug gap has no bearing on ignition timing.  Regardless of the gap, the spark will originate at the same time.

In addition, electromagnetic energy propagates at 186,000 miles per second.  Therefore, negating capacitance, it will bridge the gap in .00000000007856 seconds.  During this time the crankshaft will have revolved.000000000000000233 degrees at 11,000 RPM.
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: ashman on February 16, 2006, 12:07:03 AM
Quote from: GeeP on February 15, 2006, 10:55:21 PM
Spark plug gap has no bearing on ignition timing.  Regardless of the gap, the spark will originate at the same time.

In addition, electromagnetic energy propagates at 186,000 miles per second.  Therefore, negating capacitance, it will bridge the gap in .00000000007856 seconds.  During this time the crankshaft will have revolved.000000000000000233 degrees at 11,000 RPM.

wow  :o that is an amazing repsonse. what is the meaning of life?  :laugh:

-ash
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: ukchickenlover on February 16, 2006, 01:10:41 AM
Quote from: GeeP on February 15, 2006, 10:55:21 PM
Spark plug gap has no bearing on ignition timing.  Regardless of the gap, the spark will originate at the same time.

In addition, electromagnetic energy propagates at 186,000 miles per second.  Therefore, negating capacitance, it will bridge the gap in .00000000007856 seconds.  During this time the crankshaft will have revolved.000000000000000233 degrees at 11,000 RPM.

I believe you have quoted the speed of light. The spark that ignites the petrol air mixture is an electron beam not a pulse of light.
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: makenzie71 on February 16, 2006, 01:37:35 AM
You're right, Chickenlover!  Electricity actually moves at 300,000km/sec.

;)
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on February 16, 2006, 01:52:10 AM
But will it do  this (http://www.arcfault.org/video.htm)?
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: Richmore on February 16, 2006, 02:28:56 AM
 :o

That Vid is quite honeslty the craziest thing i have ever seen.... i like it   :)
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: Cal Amari on February 16, 2006, 03:55:18 AM
Thanks for that link; if anyone wants to download the video to save it directly to their harddrive (400KB), the direct link is:

http://www.arcfault.org/LugoSWR-1.wmv
Title: Re: Quick ? on sparkplug gap
Post by: GeeP on February 16, 2006, 09:21:36 AM
QuoteI believe you have quoted the speed of light. The spark that ignites the petrol air mixture is an electron beam not a pulse of light.

Same thing!  Light is an electromagnetic wave. 

Nice vid! 

Quotewhat is the meaning of life?

[spockvoice]  I do not understand the meaning of the question.  [/spockvoice]   :laugh:  :icon_mrgreen: