What Is the Gap between Ignition Coil and Flywheel? Complete Guide

The car has complex components that maintain smooth performance. But when they are not aligned in the best way, it’s obvious why you are noticing odd behavior of your car. Today we shall find out what is the gap between ignition coil and flywheel.

In the vehicle, the flywheel is the big disc that is there, linked to the rotating shaft’s end. It makes sure that the engine power gets maximized and also stores energy during the rotation.

The flywheel is the most important part when you talk about the engine performance in a manual transmission car. The distance should not be less than 0.30mm. Likewise, it should be greater to put more strain on the component. 

For instance, if the distance between the flywheel and the ignition coil is less than 0.30mm the flywheel is likely to touch the coil because the heat will expand the engine.

Let’s dig deeper and find out why there is a gap?

What Ignition Coil and Flywheel?

Too much information can be overwhelming. Therefore let’s find out the ignition coil and flywheel first. The ignition coil and the flywheel are the most highlighted pact in the vehicle for its smooth performance.

For ignition the car, the ignition coil is there to let out the high-voltage spark that further ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of the car engine. For car mobility, it’s important to keep the spark plug in an ideal state.

Now, the flywheel in the car is linked to the ignition coil which is a heavy-disc for engine regulation. It maintains the engine momentum and balance during the rotational activity. Ignition coil and flywheel work together.

What Is the Gap Between Ignition Coil and Flywheel?

The distance between the flywheel and the ignition coil is an important factor. You cannot increase or decrease it without keeping the precision in mind. The ideal distance and alignment is important for effective car functionality. 

This is because when the spark occurs in the spark plug by the ignition coil, at a specific time, the flywheel magnets pass by. The time matching by the flywheel and ignition coil is what makes the best combustion possible to keep the engine going with ideal fuel efficiency etc.

What Happens When the Gap between the Ignition Coil and Flywheel is improper?

There are many concerns that come with the improper gap of the ignition coil and the flywheel of the car. Below are the most common risks that you might be facing if you don’t observe the recommended gap.

  • If the gap between ignition coil and flywheel is not right, it can result in reduction of power output. No matter if the gap is too much or too low, the weak spark or the misfire in spark will cause minimal power output of the engine, in either case.
  • The spark at the wrong timing can lead to increased fuel consumption because you have to start the car again and again to match the timings. If the spark is not strong enough the fuel-air will not burn and it can lead to increased fuel consumption.
  • When spark does not ignite the fuel air mixtures as it should, its improper alignment causes the engine to misfire. This is why the engine of the car faces improper fifing which makes it stall.
  • The gap also causes several engine related defects such as poor combustion, engine misfire, rough idling, reduced acceleration, or a lack of responsiveness to throttle inputs, and more.
  • Another impact of improper gaps is the wearing out of the components before time. The between the ignition coil and flywheel puts more stress on the ignition coil and other components get the impact as well. If the gap is minimal, the spark can jump and cause more wearing on the coil. Conversely, the larger distance

When Should I check/Adjust the Ignition Coil and Flywheel Gap?

To get the best answer, we advise you to consult your car user manual. It will tell you the exact information depending on what car model you have and what to expect in view of the right distance gap. 

As a routine check, it’s best to keep an eye on the car performance including its components efficiency. Besides, when you own the car its routine maintenance is as important as you think driving is.

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