Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff
Spark plug kill switch
alexanderbrevig:
Hi everyone!
I'm trying to figure out if there is a product that will hook in between the spark plug cable and the spark plug that contains a relay that you could control with a small voltage signal.
I've searched around and did not find anything, so I thought I might build him some.
Then I struggled finding a spark plug "connector", as in not the cable shroud that goes on it, but a connector that is like the plug itself so it can receive the cabled connector.
It also seems like it may be challenging finding a relay that can deal with the high voltages on the spark plug (I've seen the internet refer to 10-40kV).
The end goal is super silly: being able to shut off the generator that is outside and behind the cabin - without having to leave the comfort of the hearth.
Thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks!
ejeffrey:
Yeah, off the shelf relays are not going to handle interrupting a spark plug. After all the spark is intended to jump the gap of a spark plug even under the high pressure environment of a compressed piston. It is much better to shut off the 12V to the coil or otherwise prevent the ignition circuit from firing.
bdunham7:
You don't interrupt an ignition circuit as the spark can jump an inch under the right conditions. You either interrupt the primary power (12V coil systems) or short it (magnetos). And keep in mind that even the "low voltage" primaries will see several hundred volts at the peaks, so be careful how you set things up.
tautech:
--- Quote from: alexanderbrevig on July 16, 2019, 08:18:12 pm ---Hi everyone!
I'm trying to figure out if there is a product that will hook in between the spark plug cable and the spark plug that contains a relay that you could control with a small voltage signal.
I've searched around and did not find anything, so I thought I might build him some.
Then I struggled finding a spark plug "connector", as in not the cable shroud that goes on it, but a connector that is like the plug itself so it can receive the cabled connector.
It also seems like it may be challenging finding a relay that can deal with the high voltages on the spark plug (I've seen the internet refer to 10-40kV).
The end goal is super silly: being able to shut off the generator that is outside and behind the cabin - without having to leave the comfort of the hearth.
Thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks!
--- End quote ---
Electric start or pull start ?
Electric start, insert relay between ignition switch and ignition coil.
Pull start, insert some switch/relay to mimic the OFF switch operation and place it in parallel with the OFF switch. This will likely short the ignition primary wire to ground and disable the ignition spark but check the operation of the ON/OFF switch to confirm its operation.
Be careful bringing any switching inside for fear of sparks starting an explosion.
alexanderbrevig:
Thanks everyone!
I think I'll just hack something inline with the on/off switch on the generator and tell him "No, this is not a viable product idea as its hard to make a one-fits-all and I don't feel like playing with HV DC".
He likes thinking up products, not all of his ideas translate too well. :) Same as me!
Probably true what they say about that apple...
Thanks again!
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