Ignition timing control system

Abstract

A method for improving engine performance, by increasing fuel efficiency and/or power output, and/or by decreasing the output of pollutants. When the temperature of the engine's exhaust system is lower than a target temperature, the ignition position of the cylinders of the engine is changed such that fuel and air propagate from the cylinders into the exhaust system while undergoing combustion. The heat from the combustion of the fuel and air in the exhaust system increases the temperature of the exhaust system. The ignition position may be retarded from the normal operating ignition position by up to 40 degrees or more, or to 10 to 20 degrees after top dead center. The ignition position may be changed manually or automatically. The exhaust temperature may be sensed and displayed. An engine control system for improving engine performance includes an ignition changing mechanism to change the ignition position of the cylinders, and an activating mechanism for activating the ignition changing mechanism. The system may also include an exhaust sensing mechanism for sensing the temperature of the exhaust system, a display mechanism for displaying an indication of the exhaust system temperature, a comparing mechanism for comparing the temperature to other data, and a control mechanism for controlling the ignition changing mechanism based on the results of the comparison.