Typical Systems Discussed

• Altronic III
• CPU 95

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Capacitive Discharge Ignition System

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Typical Systems

Altronic III
2 - 16 Cylinder Engines
2 or 4 Cycle

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Altronic III - Brief Description

• Alternator(A) powered
Electronic Ignition
• All electronics are mounted on
back plate
• As the timer arm(E) passes over
the individual pickup coils(C), it
triggers the SCR Switch(D) to
release the stored energy in the
capacitor(B).
• This energy goes to the coil
where it is stepped up and sent
to the spark plugs.

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Altronic III Back Cover

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Altronic III

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Altronic III

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CPU Overview

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 Magnetic pickups

• Two are mounted above

flywheel

• One counts the number of

drilled holes in the flywheel or
teeth on the flywheel gear

• Two electrical pulses per

hole provided to control unit

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 Magnetic pickups

• Second pickup looks for

complete revolution

• Tells the logic board when

to begin a new cycle

• Reduces inaccuracy due to

mechanical drives

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 Magnetic pickups

• Third pickup usually

mounted on camshaft

• Tells the logic board if

engine is on compression or
exhaust stroke

• Altronic calls it a “Hall

Effect” sensor

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 CPU Control Unit

• Microcircuit logic board (brain).

• Energy storage and

distribution unit

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 CPU Control Unit

Power Ignition
Coils

Counts
Memory
Energy Storage
Reset
and
Logic Board Distribution
Board
Hall
Effect
Step
Manual Change 4-20 mA
Timing Timing Timing 14
 CPU Control Unit
Timing Switches

• Three Total

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 CPU Control Unit
Timing Switches
• Manual retard similar to
conventional ignition system

• Fifteen positions
representing 1/2 degree each

• Tweaker screwdriver

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 CPU Control Unit
Timing Switches

• Step Change used for

changes in inlet air temp or BTU
change

• Fifteen positions
representing 1/2 degree each

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 CPU Control Unit
Timing Switches
• Automatic- On or Off

• 4 to 20 Milli-Amp signal

• Adjusts timing based on

variables like engine speed,
air manifold temp and
pressure…etc

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 Power

• External source

• Could be engine driven

alternator

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 Typical CPU Systems

Altronic
CPU 95

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CPU 95 Overview 21
 Problem Isolation
Ignition Unit
• Check engine to unit timing
– On 4 cycle engines, was it timed on
compression stroke
• Check voltage output of the unit
• Check for triggering by use of a spark
plug indicator

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 Problem Isolation
Annunciator
• Check wire from ignition unit to panel
• Check panel board adaptor
• Check Fuel Valve wiring
• Check tattletale wiring
• Check all end devices

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 Problem Isolation
Primary Circuit
• Perform Ground & Continuity tests
• Check electrical connections to the coil
– Grounding
• Check firing order – is it correct?
• Ignition unit cables – (“A” pin to “A” wire,
etc.)

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 Problem Isolation
Secondary Circuit
• Check coil to ensure:
– Recommended coil
– Proper resistance
• Check high tension lead for:
– Connection
– Corrosion in the high tension outlet (tower)
– Coil secondary ground circuit
• Check sparkplug for:
– Correct reach
– Correct heat range
– Port & thread cleanliness
– Proper torque

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Sparkplugs

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 Basic Ignition Circuit Example

Lower Voltage
Primary Wiring
330 - 380 Volts
Altronic
Ignition
System
Ignition
Step-Up
(Transformer)
Coil

Higher Voltage
Secondary Wiring
>1000 Volts - Open
STITT S-R107-2 Spark Plug Circuit Voltage
(Nominal 38,000)
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Single Prong Style Three Prong Style

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Low Seat Spark Plug High Seat Spark Plug
“Cold Heat Range” “Hot Heat Range” 29
 Heat Transfer
Historical Heat Range Rate Of Thermal
Expressions Transfer

Hot = Slow

Cold = Fast

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Proper Spark Plug Spark Plug Reach Spark Plug Reach
Reach In Port To Long In Port To Short In Port
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Tools of the trade!!!

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 Sparkplug Port
Thread Chaser &
Seat Conditioner

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 Go / No-Go Gages

14mm x 1.25 SAE Spark Plug Thread Go / No-Go Gage

18mm x 1.5 SAE Spark Plug Thread Go / No-Go Gage

7/8” - 18 SAE Spark Plug Thread Go / No-Go Gage 34

Port Brush

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STITT Spark Plug Company strongly recommends
that only a balance-beam style torque wrench be
used to achieve proper torque values.

Torque Wrench

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Normal Torque Over Torqued

Shell Torqued Shell Stretched

Properly. Seat Gasket Away From Internal
Remains Tight. Seat Gasket Causing
No Leakage. Leakage. 37
 Torque Values
Society Of Automotive Engineers
STANDARDS FOR SPARK PLUGS, J548d

Spark Plug Thread Size Required Installation Torque

Cast Iron Cylinder Head Aluminum Cylinder Head

7/8” - 18 50 - 60 ft. lbs.

(FS - 78 External Seat Gasket) 68 - 81 Newton Meters

18mm x 1.5mm 32 - 38 ft. lbs. 28 - 34 ft. lbs.

(FS - 18 External Seat Gasket) 43 - 52 Newton Meters 38 - 46 Newton Meters

14mm x 1.25mm 26 - 30 ft. lbs. 15 - 22 ft. lbs.

(FS - 14 External Seat Gasket) 35 - 40 Newton Meters 20 - 30 Newton Meters 38
 Maximum Torque Limits

Spark Plug Thread Size Torque Should Not Exceed

7/8” - 18 85 ft. lbs.

18mm x 1.5mm 65 ft. lbs.

14mm x 1.25mm 45 ft. lbs.

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 Folded Steel Gaskets

FS-14 FS-18 FS-78

14mm x 1.25 mm 18mm x 1.25 mm 7/8” - 18

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 Proper Thread Lubricant
• BG Service Corp, Mica Lubricant
–A718 = 4 oz. Can
–A719 = 16 oz. Can
–A768 = 32 oz. can
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See the Altronic CD or go to
www.altronicinc.com for
additional information
including installation and
service instructions.

See www.stitt-sparkplug.com
for more info on sparkplugs. 42
Any Questions?

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