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

Question 1

What is the primary function of the ignition coil in a small engine?

Accepted Answer

Step up low battery voltage to high voltage needed to fire the spark plug

Answer

Regulate fuel delivery timing

Answer

Control valve timing

Answer

Filter electrical noise from the charging system

Question 2

On a magneto-based ignition system, what component triggers spark at the correct crankshaft position?

Accepted Answer

Points or electronic trigger module aligned with the flywheel magnets

Answer

Battery

Answer

Carburetor float

Answer

Governor spring

Question 3

What is the correct method for measuring spark plug gap on a small engine?

Accepted Answer

Wire-type feeler gauge inserted between center and ground electrode

Answer

Visual inspection only

Answer

Flat feeler gauge slid between electrodes

Answer

Gap is factory-set and never needs checking

Question 4

What does a black, sooty spark plug indicate about engine combustion?

Accepted Answer

Rich fuel mixture or oil fouling

Answer

Lean fuel mixture

Answer

Correct air-fuel ratio

Answer

Ignition timing is too advanced

Question 5

What is ignition timing advance, and why is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

Firing the spark plug before top dead center to allow full combustion pressure at the power stroke

Answer

Delaying spark until after TDC to prevent detonation

Answer

Increasing spark voltage for cold starts

Answer

Retarding timing to reduce NOx emissions only

Question 6

What is the air gap specification between the ignition coil armature and flywheel magnets used for?

Accepted Answer

Setting the magnetic coupling distance for proper coil charging and spark energy

Answer

Controlling fuel metering

Answer

Adjusting valve clearance

Answer

Setting carburetor float height