jim beam <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in
news:a6ydnZGDWcRm14HbnZ2dnUVZ_vmqnZ2d@speakeasy.ne t:

> Tegger wrote:
>> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in

>>
>>> but I think they hold up. We
>>> already know Honda ignitions are unusually powerful,
>>
>>
>>
>> No more than any other. They generate the usual 15~20KV to strike the
>> spark, then drop to 4 or 5KV for the duration of the spark.
>
> spark strike voltage depends on mixture, temperature and compression.
> i understand this type of electronic ignition generates up to 45kV
> accordingly.



You're referring to flame speed.

Spark-strike voltage is mostly a function of the gap the spark has to
jump.

Neglected plugs that have their gaps widened to double original gap (or
more) dramatically raise strike voltage.

If the spark has created a path to ground in the plug well in the valve
cover, it's jumping a gap that can be a quarter-inch or more. Big jump
in voltage there.







>
>>
>>
>>> in that they will
>>> destroy the coil in short order if the energy isn't directed
>>> elsewhere. It stands to reason the entire system is designed to
>>> direct that energy to the plug gap. Inadequate leads or rotors or
>>> caps can only be trouble, causing some of the energy to be
>>> dissipated where it shouldn't be.
>>>
>>
>>
>> For shortened ignition life, you're primarily looking for extended
>> periods of overvoltage, such as would result from worn and
>> overly-large plug gaps.
>
> and excess temperature. semiconductors don't last too long at
> elevated temperatures - and the igniter unit runs too hot to touch.



So does a home PC's CPU. They're made to take the heat.




--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

 

"Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in news:bTYSh.20288
$PL.12315@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net:

> "Tegger" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote
>> "Elle" <honda.lioness@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote
>>> "Tegger" <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote
>>>> Distributor components can last 300,000 miles when
>>>> properly
>>>> cared for.
>>>
>>> Perhaps they can but reports here indicate distribubor
>>> components are Thee Achilles heel of Hondas c. 1990. It's
>>> why your site has an extensive FAQ section on the
>>> subject,
>>> after all.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> Yeah, that's right.
>>
>> But my observations indicate to me that most Honda
>> ignition failures are
>> due to neglect and incorrect servicing, hence the FAQ
>> page.
>>
>> The only two exceptions to the above are
>> 1) 1990 igniter failures (for which there was a TSB), and
>> 2) 1992+ distributor shaft bearing failures (again a TSB).
>>
>> With proper servicing, Honda ignition components last
>> almost forever.
>
> Maybe yours did, in your cold Canadian climate. Otherwise I
> haven't seen data to convince me that Honda ignition systems
> are superior.
>
>


I don't think they are either. I think it's timely servicing with top-
quality components that extends life.

I asked a few parts-house countermen about the market for remanned Honda
distributors. Apparently they sell quite steadily, so igniters and coils
are dying up here as well.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

 

Tegger wrote:
> jim beam <spamvortex@bad.example.net> wrote in
> news:a6ydnZGDWcRm14HbnZ2dnUVZ_vmqnZ2d@speakeasy.ne t:
>
>> Tegger wrote:
>>> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote in
>
>>>> but I think they hold up. We
>>>> already know Honda ignitions are unusually powerful,
>>>
>>>
>>> No more than any other. They generate the usual 15~20KV to strike the
>>> spark, then drop to 4 or 5KV for the duration of the spark.
>> spark strike voltage depends on mixture, temperature and compression.
>> i understand this type of electronic ignition generates up to 45kV
>> accordingly.
>
>
>
> You're referring to flame speed.

no, i'm referring to strike voltage - that needed to initiate the spark.
it varies greatly on the gas that's between the electrodes.

>
> Spark-strike voltage is mostly a function of the gap the spark has to
> jump.

no, mainly the gas that's between the electrodes - temperature,
pressure, composition, velocity, etc.

>
> Neglected plugs that have their gaps widened to double original gap (or
> more) dramatically raise strike voltage.
>
> If the spark has created a path to ground in the plug well in the valve
> cover, it's jumping a gap that can be a quarter-inch or more. Big jump
> in voltage there.
>
>
>
>>>
>>>> in that they will
>>>> destroy the coil in short order if the energy isn't directed
>>>> elsewhere. It stands to reason the entire system is designed to
>>>> direct that energy to the plug gap. Inadequate leads or rotors or
>>>> caps can only be trouble, causing some of the energy to be
>>>> dissipated where it shouldn't be.
>>>>
>>>
>>> For shortened ignition life, you're primarily looking for extended
>>> periods of overvoltage, such as would result from worn and
>>> overly-large plug gaps.
>> and excess temperature. semiconductors don't last too long at
>> elevated temperatures - and the igniter unit runs too hot to touch.
>
> So does a home PC's CPU. They're made to take the heat.


no, semiconductors are fundamentally challenged by heat. if your cpu is
that hot, there's something wrong, and while it may work for a limited
time, its lifetime will be short compared to lifetime at a more ambient
temperature.

http://www.reed-electronics.com/tmwo...ticle/CA187523