Abnormal Combustion
Abnormal Combustion
• Excessive compression
• Insufficient fuel octane
• Carbon deposits
Pre-ignition
• Like detonation, pre-ignition causes two flame
fronts to propagate and collide causing a dramatic
increase in cylinder temperatures and pressure
• When the second flame front occurs before the
spark plug fires the abnormal combustion is called
pre-ignition
• Pre-ignition will cause excessive cylinder
pressures (1200 PSI) and temperatures (4000 F)
Pre-ignition Causes
• Excessive compression – as the temperature of
compression approaches 1700 Fahrenheit fuel will
spontaneously combust (depending on octane)
• Abnormal heat in the cylinder – caused by:
– Detonation
– Inoperative EGR valve
– Faulty cooling system
– Faulty intake air temperature control system
• Low octane fuel
Pre-ignition Causes
• Hot spots
– Sharp edge on combustion chamber or piston
– Carbon deposits
– Too high heat range plug
– Overheated valve (insufficient valve margin)
– Head gasket fire ring protruding into cylinder
• Plug wire crossfiring
Abnormal Combustion Effects
Abnormal Combustion Effects
• Piston damage
– Cracks in piston head
– Cracks in ring lands
– Melted piston head (aluminum spattered spark plug)
– Micro-melting of ring lands causing stuck rings
• Broken rings
• Blown head gasket
• Spark plug damage
• Connecting rod, bearing, and crankshaft damage
Abnormal Combustion Effects
Abnormal Combustion Effects
Abnormal Combustion Effects