How a LAWN MOWER Engine Creates a Spark - How it Makes a Spark! (by Craig Kirkman)

VISUALLY EXPLAINED
A spark plug is a small yet essential component in the ignition system of internal combustion engines, including those found in lawnmowers, cars, motorcycles, and more. Its primary function is to create an electric spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine's combustion chamber. This ignition process is crucial for the engine to generate power and run smoothly.
Here's how a spark plug creates a spark:
Components of a Spark Plug:
Central Electrode: This is the center conductor extending into the combustion chamber. It is typically made of copper or a copper-nickel alloy, which is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
Ground Electrode: Surrounding the central electrode is the ground electrode, usually made of steel or nickel alloy. There is a gap between the central and ground electrodes where the spark occurs.
Insulator: The central electrode is separated from the ground electrode by a ceramic insulator. This insulator prevents electrical leakage and withstands extreme heat and pressure inside the combustion chamber.
Electricity Flow:
When the ignition switch is turned on, it sends electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plug through a spark plug wire.
The electrical current enters the central electrode of the spark plug.
Creating a Spark:
The electrical current flowing through the central electrode reaches the tip, which has a sharp edge. As the current approaches this point, it encounters resistance and forms a concentrated electrical charge.
Meanwhile, the ground electrode, which surrounds the central electrode, provides a path for the electrical current to jump across the gap.
When the voltage reaches a certain level, typically around 5,000 to 25,000 volts, it ionizes the surrounding air within the gap, creating a conductive path.
At this moment, a spark is generated. The spark's energy, produced by the rapid movement of electrons, is incredibly hot, reaching temperatures of up to 5,000 to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,700 to 3,300 degrees Celsius).
This intense heat causes the air-fuel mixture near the spark plug's gap to ignite, initiating the combustion process.
Repeated Sparking:
In a four-stroke engine, like those found in lawnmowers and cars, the spark plug creates sparks repeatedly in sync with the engine's cycles. It fires at precise moments when the piston is at the top of its compression stroke to ensure efficient combustion.
Maintaining Proper Spark Plugs:
It's crucial to ensure that spark plugs are in good condition. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled with carbon deposits, affecting their ability to create a strong spark. Routine maintenance, including cleaning or replacement, is essential for optimal engine performance.
In summary, a spark plug creates a spark by allowing electrical current to flow between its central and ground electrodes. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber, enabling the engine to generate power and run effectively. Proper maintenance and the use of high-quality spark plugs are essential to ensure consistent and reliable sparking in internal combustion engines.
So, whether you are using a Riding lawn mower, Push mower, Petrol lawnmower or even an electric lawn mower, this principle is valid. Also true whether your mower has either a 4 Stroke Engine or a 2 Stroke Engine. The Robot Lawn mower doesn't escape this principle either!
All images in this video are Copyrighted to Craig Kirkman of The Repair Specialist.
Here I want to acknowledge several sources of information that I used to put together this video:
Transistor: whatis.techtar...
Magnetron Ignition System: www.wisc-onlin...
How Spark Plugs Work: auto.howstuffw...
What happens to the charge when a spark jumpe between two wires?: scienceline.ucs....
Why does lightning push electricity through the air, but common batteries do not?: wtamu.edu/~cba...
How lightning works: science.howstu...
Many thanks indeed
Craig Kirkman (Owner and creator of The Repair Specialist Channel)
Please check out my amazon shop. I have recommended some useful items from Amazon below.
So I will only recommend good products. www.amazon.co....
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