Magneto Ignition System: Parts, Function, Working, Advantages and Disadvantages

Magneto Ignition System : Parts, Function, Working,
Advantages and Disadvantages

Today we will discuss about Magneto Ignition System. In my last
post we have learnt about Battery Ignition System its parts and
working but the Magneto ignition System is completely differ from
it. Magneto is a special type of ignition system with its own electric
generator to provide necessary energy for the ignition system. It
replaces all component of battery ignition system except spark plug.
Today we will complete study about this system.
Magneto Ignition System:

Parts of Magneto Ignition System:
Magneto:
It is the major part of this type of ignition system because it is
source of energy. A magneto is a small electric generator which is
rotate by the engine and is capable of produce a very high voltage
and does not need battery as a source of external energy. The
magneto contains both primary and secondary winding thus it does
not require a separate coil to boost up the voltage required to
operate the spark plug. There are two types of magneto. First one is
known as armature rotating type and other one is known as magnet
rotating type. In the first type, the armature rotates between the
stationary magnate. On the other hand in second type armature is
stationary and the magnates are rotating around armature.
Distributor:
Distributor is used in multi cylinder engine to regulate spark in each

spark plug at correct sequence. It distribute ignition surge in
individual spark plug in correct sequence. There are two types of
distributor. One is known as carbon brush type and the other one is
gap type. In carbon brush type carbon brush carried by the rotor
arm sliding over the metallic segment embedded into the distributor
cap or molded insulating material. This makes electric connection or
secondary winding with spark plug. In gap type distributor electrode
of rotor arm pass close to but does not make contact with the
distributor cap. So there is no wear of electrode.

Spark Plug:
A spark plug generally has two electrodes which are separated with
each other. A high potential discharge flow through it which
generate spark and ignite the combustion mixture in cylinder. It
mainly consist two electrodes a steel shell and an insulator. The
central electrode connected with the supply of ignition coil. It is well
insulated with the outer steel shell which is grounded. There is a
small air gap between steel shell and central electrode, between
which spark is generated. The electrode usually made by high nickel
alloy so it can withstand with high temperature and corrosion
resistance.
Capacitor:
It is a simple electrical capacitor in which two metal plate are
separated by an insulating material with a distance. Commonly air is
used as insulating material but for particular technical requirement
some high quality insulating material is used.
Working of Magneto Ignition System:

The working principle of magneto ignition system is same as battery
ignition system except in the magneto ignition system Magneto is
used to produce energy except battery. The diagram of four
cylinder magneto ignition system is as follow.
MAGNETO IGNITION SYSTEM
 First when the engine starts or during cranking magneto rotate

which generates a very high voltage.
 The ignition capacitor connected in parallel with contact breaker.
One end of magneto winding is also grounded through contact
breaker.
 The cam regulates the contact breaker. Wherever the breaker
open, current flows into condenser, which charged the
condenser.
 As the condenser become charger the primary current falls and
the magnetic field collapses. This will induces a much higher
voltage in condenser.
 Now this high voltage EMF produce spark at correct spark plug
through distributor.
As the engine speed is low at starting, the current generated by the

magneto is quite small. As the engine speed increases the flow of
current also increases. Thus with magneto ignition system there is
always starting problem and sometimes a separate battery needed
for stating. This ignition system is best suited at high speed so it is
used in racing cars, aircraft engines etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:
1. This system is more reliable at medium and high
speed.
2. It is more reliable because no battery is used.
3. It requires less frequently maintenance.
Disadvantages:
1. It has starting problem due to low cranking speed at starting.
2. It is more expensive compare to battery ignition system.
3. There is possibility of misfire due to leakage because wiring carry
vary high voltage.
This is all about magneto ignition system parts, working, advantage
and disadvantages. If you have any query regarding this article ask
by commenting. If you like this article, don’t forget to share it on
social networks.
Difference between Battery Ignition System and
Magneto Ignition System
Today we will difference between Battery Ignition System
and Magneto Ignition System. These both are major ignition system
used in both light and heavy engines. In battery ignition system a
battery and ignition coil is used to generate spark at spark plug but
in magneto ignition system necessary energy is generated by its
own electric generator. It is mounted on the engine and replaces all
component of battery ignition system except spark plug. We have
discussed both of these in previous articles. Today we will
differentiate them.
Difference between Battery
Ignition System and Magneto
Ignition System:
S.No. Battery Ignition System Magneto Ignition System
1. As the name implies, battery is No battery is needed in this type of
necessary in this type of ignition ignition system. It has its own electric
system. generator.
2. It is difficult to start when the There is no such problem because no
battery is discharge. battery is used.
3. It required high maintenance due It required less maintenance.

to battery.
4. In battery ignition system current In magneto ignition system, required
for primary circuit is obtain by electric current is generated by the
battery. magneto, which is an electric generator.
5. Spark strength does not depend on Spark strength depends on speed of
speed of engine due to current is engine due to magneto.
supplied by battery.
6. Good spark is available at low During starting or at low speed, quality
speed. of spark is poor.
7. Efficiency of system decreases with Efficiency of the system improves as the
the reduction in spark intensity as engine speed rises due to high intensity
engine speed rises. spark.
8. Battery ignition system occupies Compare to battery ignition system,
more space. magneto ignition system requires less
space.
9. Commonly employed in cars and It is mainly used in racing cars and two
light commercial vehicles. wheelers.
These are all major differences between battery ignition system and
magneto ignition system. If you have any query regarding this
article, ask by commenting. If you like this article, don’t forget to
share it on social networks.

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Magneto Ignition System : Parts, Function, Working,

Advantages and Disadvantages

Magneto Ignition System:

Distributor is used in multi cylinder engine to regulate spark in each

Working of Magneto Ignition System:

MAGNETO IGNITION SYSTEM

 First when the engine starts or during cranking magneto rotate

As the engine speed is low at starting, the current generated by the

Advantages and Disadvantages:

3. It required high maintenance due It required less maintenance.

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