EETC EETC - Equipment & Engine Training Council Ignition Systems and Spark Technology Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

An engine has good compression and fuel but will not start. A spark test shows a weak orange spark. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Worn ignition coil or incorrect coil-to-flywheel air gap

Answer

Clogged air filter

Answer

Low engine oil level

Answer

Dirty carburetor bowl

Question 2

What does the kill switch (stop switch) on a small engine do to stop the engine?

Accepted Answer

Grounds the ignition coil primary circuit to prevent spark

Answer

Cuts fuel flow to the carburetor

Answer

Opens the throttle to cause a stall

Answer

Disconnects the battery from the starter

Question 3

What symptom suggests ignition timing is too retarded (late) on a small engine?

Accepted Answer

Engine lacks power, runs hot, and has difficulty starting

Answer

Engine knocks and detonates under load

Answer

Engine runs smoothly at all speeds

Answer

Engine overspeeds uncontrollably

Question 4

Which spark plug heat range should be used in high-load commercial equipment engines compared to light-duty residential equipment?

Accepted Answer

Colder plug in commercial engines to prevent pre-ignition under sustained high loads

Answer

Hotter plug in commercial engines to prevent fouling

Answer

Same heat range for all applications

Answer

Heat range only matters for two-stroke engines

Question 5

What is the purpose of the resistor built into many modern spark plugs?

Accepted Answer

Suppress radio frequency interference (RFI) from the ignition system

Answer

Increase spark energy

Answer

Reduce required ignition coil voltage

Answer

Prevent electrode wear

Question 6

When inspecting a used spark plug with a white or gray blistered electrode, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Engine running too lean or timing too advanced causing overheating

Answer

Normal operation

Answer

Excessive oil consumption

Answer

Cold running conditions