What do breaker points do in an ignition system?

Breaker points in an ignition system play a crucial role in controlling the flow of electrical current to the ignition coil. When the engine is running, the breaker points open and close, effectively starting and stopping the current that passes through the coil. This process generates a high-voltage spark in the ignition coil, which is essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.

When the breaker points close, current can flow into the coil, causing it to build up energy. Once the points open, this stored energy is released as a high-voltage spark, firing the spark plug. The timing of the opening and closing of the points is critical to ensure that the spark occurs at the right moment for optimal engine performance. This operation is fundamental in functioning of traditional ignition systems in many small engines, making the understanding of breaker points essential for anyone involved in small engine technology.