SECTION 2.

10
IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
CEC IGNITION MODULE SYSTEM
The Custom Engine Control (CEC) Ignition Module is
located on the engine's left side (see Figure 2.10-1
and Figure 2.10-2).

HALL-EFFECT
PICKUP

The CEC Ignition Module system consists of the following engine mounted components:
Ignition Module
Hall-effect pickup
Timing magnets
JUNCTION
BOX

Ignition coils
High tension leads

IGNITION
MODULE

Figure 2.10-2 L36/P48 CEC Ignition Module System

Spark plugs

MAGNETO IGNITION SYSTEM

Wiring harnesses
Engine driven generator (if equipped)
JUNCTION
BOX

The magneto includes pulse activated solid state electronic components. Electrical energy is stored in the
internal storage capacitors. Silicon controlled rectifiers
(SCR) function as switches to release the stored
energy to the transformer coils.
The breakerless (capacitor discharge) magneto ignition system consists of the following engine mounted
components:
Magneto
Magneto ON/OFF switch
Ignition coils (one per cylinder)
High tension wires (secondary)

IGNITION
MODULE

Figure 2.10-1 F18/H24 CEC Ignition Module System

FORM 6284 Third Edition

Spark plugs
Wiring harness
The magneto (if equipped) is located on the engine's
left side (see Figure 2.10-3).

2.10-1

IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

IGNITION COILS
MAGNETO

The remote mounted ignition coils produce a high

energy, long duration spark, which provides consistent
cylinder firing. These coils are located on mounting
brackets on top of the intake manifolds (see
Figure 2.10-4 and Figure 2.10-5).
HIGH TENSION LEAD

IGNITION
COIL

Figure 2.10-3 Magneto Ignition

IGNITION SYSTEM COMPONENT

DESCRIPTION
CEC IGNITION MODULE
The Ignition Module is powered by 24 volts DC. The
module steps up the DC supply voltage to charge an
energy storage capacitor. The microcircuit logic and
SCR switching devices release the stored energy to
the ignition coils firing the appropriate spark plug (see
Figure 2.10-4).

SPARK PLUG

Figure 2.10-4 Standard Ignition Coil

CSA
IGNITION
COIL

CEC HALL-EFFECT PICKUP

The Hall-effect pickup senses each magnet as it
passes and trips the logic circuit to fire. The pickup is
located above the barring device in the gear housing.
CEC TIMING MAGNETS
The timing magnets are mounted in the left bank camshaft gear which rotates at half engine speed. The L36
gear contains a magnet for each cylinder. The P48
uses one magnet for every two firing cylinders. Both
engines use an additional indexing magnet to reset the
microcircuit logic.

HIGH TENSION
LEAD

Figure 2.10-5 CSA Flange Mounted Ignition Coil

HIGH TENSION LEADS

The standard high tension leads route the ignition secondary current from the ignition coils to the spark
plugs.
WIRING HARNESS

SPARK PLUGS
The spark plugs are housed within the cylinder head
and fire the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber
(see Figure 2.10-6).

A wiring harness is used to connect the Ignition Module or magneto primary wiring to the ignition coils. The
wiring harness uses solderless connectors on the coil
terminals and a multiple pin connector at the Ignition
Module connection.

2.10-2

FORM 6284 Third Edition

IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

SPARK PLUG
ACCESS TUBE

ROCKER
COVER
IGNITION
SWITCH

Figure 2.10-7 CSA Stop Switch

CYLINDER
HEAD

SHIELDED
SWITCH

Figure 2.10-6 Spark Plug Installation

HAZARDOUS LOCATION IGNITION

SYSTEM (CSA APPROVED) COMPONENT
DESCRIPTION (OPTIONAL)
This ignition system is designed to meet the hazardous location requirements for explosion proof systems.
The shielded ignition system consists of the following
components:

Figure 2.10-8 CEC Ignition Module Shielded Ignition

The F18/H24 shielded magneto ignition system uses a

toggle for the Run/Stop switch (see Figure 2.10-9).

CEC Ignition Module (standard)

CEC Hall-effect pickup (standard)
Ignition switch (explosion-proof)
Shielded spark plug
Junction box (explosion-proof)
Integral ignition coil
Primary wiring
Secondary wiring
Timing light hookup
IGNITION SWITCH
The shielded Run/Stop switch is mounted on the left
side of the engine. The switch contacts are isolated
from the atmosphere. The push/pull Run/Stop switch
is used for both normal and emergency shutdowns
(see Figure 2.10-7 and Figure 2.10-8).
FORM 6284 Third Edition

SHIELDED
SWITCH

Figure 2.10-9 F18/H24 Magneto Shielded

Ignition Switch

2.10-3

IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

SHIELDED IGNITION COIL
This coil is assembled to a special rocker cover. This
coil contains a similar style of primary and secondary
windings as a standard coil (see Figure 2.10-10).
CSA
IGNITION
COIL

HIGH TENSION
LEAD

Figure 2.10-10 CSA Flange Mounted Ignition Coil

SHIELDED SPARK PLUG

A standard spark plug is used with the flange mounted
ignition coil.
PRIMARY WIRING
The wiring that connects the Ignition Module or magneto to the junction boxes is housed within conduits.
Junction boxes are used at each cylinder to provide
the connections to the ignition coils (see
Figure 2.10-11).

IGNITION MODULE POLARITY

Observe correct polarity when connecting
power to the Ignition Module. Failure to correctly
connect the power supply may damage the Ignition Module.

CAUTION

The system is designed to deliver negative voltage to

the spark plug center electrode. If improper wiring
causes positive voltage to be delivered to the plug, the
voltage required to jump the gap may be increased as
much as 45%. If the ignition system cannot deliver the
increased voltage requirement, the plug will not fire.
Fouling or missing will occur. The center electrode normally runs at a higher temperature than the shell electrodes. The hotter center electrode is better able to
discharge a spark than the colder one. If the polarity is
correct, the wear will take place on the center electrode rather than the side electrode.

CEC GENERATOR SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION
The optional CEC generator system supplies voltage
to the CEC Ignition Module as well as being compatible with future CEC module components.
The CEC generator supplies AC power to the voltage
regulator (see Figure 2.10-12).
CEC
GENERATOR

DRIVE UNIT

Figure 2.10-12 CEC Generator

# 1 CYLINDER
JUNCTION BOX

Figure 2.10-11 Shielded Wiring Harness Conduit

The voltage regulator converts and regulates the

power to a nominal 24 VDC (30.0 volts VDC maximum
open circuit) (see Figure 2.10-13).

SECONDARY WIRING
The wiring that connects the junction boxes to the coils
is housed within a steel braided wire.

2.10-4

FORM 6284 Third Edition

IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

VOLTAGE
REGULATOR

The KDM does not have all the same capabilities of

the CEC Detonation Sensing Module (DSM), though it
works with some of the same technologies.
OPERATOR INTERFACE
The KDM is equipped with a light (LED) on the front
panel that informs site personnel of system status (see
Figure 2.10-15). The light is on when the KDM is powered and functioning properly with the knock sensors
connected. The light is off when there is a fault or
there is no power to the KDM.

Figure 2.10-13 CEC Generator Voltage Regulator

The CEC Type I generator is equipped with a battery

and has some power above the Ignition Module
requirements to supply future CEC module needs. The
battery is mounted off the engine.
The CEC Type II generator is not equipped with a battery and is used to power only the CEC Ignition Module.

CEC KNOCK DETECTION MODULE

SYSTEM F18/H24 ONLY
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
In order to detect detonation or knock, Waukesha
Engine has developed a CEC Knock Detection Module (KDM) system for VGF F18/H24 GL, GLD, and
GSID engines (see Figure 2.10-14). The KDM system
protects Waukesha VGF spark ignited gas engines
from catastrophic damage due to detonation.

STATUS LED

Figure 2.10-15 Knock Detection Module

COMPONENTS
The KDM system includes the KDM module, two
knock sensors (see Figure 2.10-16), and harnesses
that may vary depending on the application.

KDM SENSOR
KNOCK DETECTION
MODULE

Figure 2.10-16 KDM Knock Sensor Installation

Figure 2.10-14 Knock Detection Module System

NOTE: For maximum engine protection, the KDM

system must be connected to a safety shutdown.

FORM 6284 Third Edition

2.10-5

IGNITION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

IGNITION SYSTEMS SERVED
The KDM was designed to operate with the CEC Ignition Module or Altronic III Magneto. The KDM uses the
G-lead and the positive lead of #1 coil of these systems to determine the number of cylinders and engine
speed.

DSM FILTER

ALARM

SHUTDOWN

POWER

NOTE: Refer to Form 6285, KDM Custom Engine

Control Knock Detection Module Installation, Operation,
And Maintenance Manual, for further information.

CEC DETONATION SENSING MODULE

L36/P48
Detonation is the autoignition of end gas that has not
been consumed in normal flame-front reaction in a
combustion chamber. When this happens in a combustion chamber of an engine, two pressure waves,
created by the two flame-fronts, slam against the cylinder walls and cause an audible ping or knock
known as detonation. Avoiding detonation conditions
is critical since detonation is normally detrimental to
engine components.
To prevent detonation from occurring, Waukesha Engine
has developed an electronic CEC Detonation Sensing
Module (DSM) system (see Figure 2.10-17). The DSM
protects Waukesha spark ignited gas engines from damage due to detonation. The DSM and its related systems
must function with a CEC Ignition Module with a 14 pin
DSM expansion port (see Figure 2.10-18). The DSM
system also includes a Waukesha designed filter, a detonation sensor mounted between every two engine cylinders (see Figure 2.10-19), and a number of
interconnecting cables and harnesses that may vary
depending on the application.
Run the AutoCal program after doing any
repair or replacement of cylinder heads, gaskets,
liners, pistons, or knock sensors. The DSM AutoCal program automatically establishes detonation
levels so that the DSM system can operate properly. Failure to run the AutoCal program could
result in poor engine performance and engine
damage.

CONTROL MODULE

Figure 2.10-17 DSM Control Module And Filter

DSM EXPANSION
PORT

IGNITION
MODULE

Figure 2.10-18 Ignition Module With Expansion Port

CAUTION

See the DSM manual for the AutoCal programming

steps (Form 6268 for DSM Interface Program version
5.3C; Form 6278 for DSM Interface Program version
6.0 series).

2.10-6

DSM SENSOR

Figure 2.10-19 DSM Knock Sensor Installation

FORM 6284 Third Edition