What defines the E-gap in magneto timing?

What defines the E-gap in magneto timing?

• A. The E-gap angle is the position of the rotating magnet where the primary current is greatest.
• B. The E-gap angle is the position where the magnetic flux is zero.
• C. The E-gap angle is the position where the breaker points first close.
• D. The E-gap angle is the position where the secondary coil voltage peaks.

Answer: (A)

The E-gap is the angular position of the rotating magnet where the primary current reaches its maximum. This moment occurs as the breaker points are closed and the magnetic flux through the primary winding builds to its peak. Setting timing at this point ensures the energy stored in the primary is greatest when the field begins to collapse, producing the strong secondary voltage that fires the spark at the correct crank angle. The flux being zero would mean no energy transfer, so that isn’t the reference point. The moment the breaker points first close is earlier than the peak current. The secondary voltage peaks after the field collapses, not at the E-gap, which is tied to the peak primary current.

The E-gap is the angular position of the rotating magnet where the primary current reaches its maximum. This moment occurs as the breaker points are closed and the magnetic flux through the primary winding builds to its peak. Setting timing at this point ensures the energy stored in the primary is greatest when the field begins to collapse, producing the strong secondary voltage that fires the spark at the correct crank angle.

The flux being zero would mean no energy transfer, so that isn’t the reference point. The moment the breaker points first close is earlier than the peak current. The secondary voltage peaks after the field collapses, not at the E-gap, which is tied to the peak primary current.