Automotive Basics
How To Read and Understand Spark Plugs
A spark plug delivers electric current from the ignition system in the combustion chamber to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture. [More…]
Ignition System
How To & DIY
How To Choose The Correct Timing Set For Your Application
There are a few different types of timing sets out there, each for a specific application. Pat shows why each is used for each application… [More…]
How To & DIY
How To Convert To Electronic Ignition and Never Change Points Again!
Pertronix Ignitor Electronic Ignition replaces breaker points and troublesome stock ignitions. [More…]
DIY Projects
How To Wire Your Rat Bike or Motorcycle
Generally, building a rat bike or custom motorcycle project involves stripping the bike down to only the necessary functions. You can see that the original wiring looks extensive and complex. You don’t need to get scared because building a rat bike means that you can eliminate a lot of it… [More…]
Automotive Basics
How To Set Ignition Timing
Setting the timing on your engine is one of the most misunderstood adjustments, but the information on this video will help you understand and answer all of your questions about ignition timing. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Ignition Systems
The ignition system is a key component in making an engine run because it provides a way for the fuel mixture in the engine to burn. All gasoline engines require an ignition system. Most four stroke engines use mechanically timed electrical ignition systems. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Car Starters
In the earlier days when automobiles were a new thing, a hand crank was used to start the engine, but by 1920, nearly every vehicle had self-starters. It had replaced the hand-cranking. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Cold Engine Starts
Starting a car with a cold engine is easier said than done. Cold weather will come; that’s for sure and inevitable. The trick is to not let cold engines stop you from driving your car without hassles. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Ignition Coils
Ignition coils, also known as spark coils are an induction coil in an automobile’s ignition system. It transforms a storage battery’s 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to spark the spark plugs. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Distributors
Distributors are an important part of the ignition system in an internal combustion engine. They are a device that routes the high voltage into the correct firing order to the spark plugs. Both magnetos and battery ignitions have distributors. [More…]
Technical Info
Common V8 Firing Orders
MSD Ignition created this helpful chart that displays many common V8 firing orders and distributor direction for AMC, Buick, Chevy, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. [More…]
How To & DIY
How to Test an Ignition Coil
This testing procedure is valid for just about any automotive ignition coil coil. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between the side terminals of the coil. Do this with all of the wires to the coil disconnected. You should see 0.75 to 0.81 ohms of resistance… [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Hot Engine Starts
It is usually a cold engine, which is exposed to extreme weather that is difficult to start. However, a hot engine can have problems too. They can be tough to start and many people don’t know how to deal with this situation when it occurs. Here are some common reason why this may be. [More…]
Automotive Basics
Understanding Aluminum Heads and Spark Plugs
Spark Plug seizure in an aluminum cylinder head is usually caused by improper installation and too much torque. Aluminum alloys are softer than cast iron. Different plug shell and head materials cause these metals to expand and contract at different rates. [More…]