Make or break

From 1895, mechanical contact breaker systems have served petrol engine electrical ignition, and then, later, electromagnetic devices undertook vehicle voltage regulatory roles. Both types have drawbacks and limitations, which are overcome by replacing them with solid state devices.

Words: RICHARD ROSENTHAL

Before looking at solid state regulation devices, the deficiencies of mechanical systems for ignition and electromagnetic types need considering. Mechanical ignition systems • It is difficult to manufacture the ignition cam, heel-to-contact points and required spring to a standard which will maintain accuracy over many thousands of miles. At service intervals, the points will need adjusting to compensate for heel wear and pitting to the points. Often, points can be refaced, but they can also need replacement due to excessive wear (to heel) and deep pitting (to face). • At high engine speeds, centrifugal force starts to affect the efficiency of the contact breaker points action, causing the gap to increase beyond the intended (designed) gap, meaning heel contact with the cam will diminish. And the faster an engine runs, the worse the…

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The Classic MotorCycle (Digital) - 1 Issue, May 2024

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