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  #1  
Old 17 Jun 2015
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Boxer engine - I don't understand the ignition

Hi all,

Just a random question that popped in my mind and I can't figure it out.

I used to have a VW t3 Westfalia. This was powered by a 1.9 petrol water cooled boxer engine.

Once I changed the coils, cables and the rotor (is this the correct English name?).

Anyway, point is, there was a specific order for the ignition cables, cil 1, 2 3 and 4.

BUT! If the engine is a boxer.. should cilinder 1 and 2*fire at the same time?? They share the crank.. so they both hit the high point at the same time.

And when cil 1 and 2 are on there lowest.. cil 3 and 4 should fire.

So, how come that there is a firing order ?!
I searched online and read Wikipedia. They state that the firing adds to the smooth operation, but not how it works.

Thanks for explaining this to me!

Alex
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Old 17 Jun 2015
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As all four strokes, it only needs to fire every second time the piston is on top.
When piston 1 and 3 is on top cylinder 1 fire, next time they are on top cylinder 3 fires and so on.
Remember that the cylinders work together in pairs but the valves do not. So cylinder 1 is in compression stroke (right before ignition) when cylinder 3 is in exhaust stroke (exhaust exits cylinder)

It doesn't matter if it's a boxer or an inline engine.




Note, to add some more confusion:
On two cylindered boxer-bikes you fire both sides every time pistons are on top. (but of course you only get explosion on one side, it's very hard to ignite exhaust...).
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Old 17 Jun 2015
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God that I didn't think of that! The cilinders are on the high point at the same time but at different stroke...

Jeez I feel stupid!

Thank you so much!
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