Ignition System: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Disassembled view of electronic ignition distributor:

This system consists of the distributor, Fig. 1, ignition switch, ignition coil, ECU igniter and spark plugs. Primary circuit current is controlled by the ECU igniter in response to timing signals produced by the distributor pickup. The distributor consists of the power distribution section, signal generator, ECU igniter, advance mechanism and drive gear section. The signal generator is a small magneto which produces a signal that is processed by the ECU to determine the exact time to open the primary circuit and fire the spark plugs.