The cam ignition system, which was used on the classic VAZ, for example, has gradually become a thing of the past. She has one merit - it's simplicity. The contactless system turns out to be much more effective, in the role of a breaker of which a Hall sensor is used.
The adage that new is not the best is not always relevant. If we talk about ignition systems, it does not apply here. The old, proven over the years, cam (contact) ignition system has already been forgotten, since it was replaced by a contactless one, which is not only newer, but also more practical, and more efficient, and more reliable. But what are the pros and cons of each system? It is worth taking a closer look at this and making a final conclusion about which is better.
Cam ignition system
So, the ignition system, which has already been tested by more than one generation of auto and motorcycle enthusiasts, is quite efficient and was widely used on the VAZ classics, for example. If you have driven cars with such an ignition system, you know how important it is to correctly set the gap in the contact group. Wrong a little and not see a good spark.
But this system has one big plus. Of course, this is simplicity, since there are no electronic components, the reliability of which is in doubt. As an interrupter: cam mechanism, high voltage coil and ignition distributor with vacuum ignition timing. Simple, and most importantly - cheap.
But the cons affect the whole design. At the moment of release, a spark is formed, which adversely affects the metal contacts. They become covered with black carbon deposits, which impairs contact. For this reason, no spark is generated at the spark plugs and the engine cannot be started. You have to clean the contacts from time to time and adjust the gap.
Contactless ignition system
Contactless (electronic) ignition on VAZ cars began to be installed, starting with the eighth family. The advantage of the system is that a Hall sensor is used as a breaker. There are no contacts, but there is a more vulnerable spot - a switch, whose task is to amplify the signal from the sensor. The switch is made on semiconductor elements, which turns out to be not always reliable. Most motorists prefer to carry a spare switch and Hall sensor with them in their car.
These are two elements of the ignition system that fail and cannot be repaired. But on the other hand, the contactless system is much more efficient than the cam system, and it lasts longer. A high-quality Hall sensor and switch can last for many years and will never let you down. And they do not need any care. It is only important that the switch is firmly mounted on the body for better cooling. And the wires from the Hall sensor, which are located inside the ignition distributor, did not come into contact with moving parts.
Having evaluated all the pros and cons, we can say that a contactless ignition system will be much better than a cam one. It requires a minimum of care and is quite effective in work. And the cam is outdated at the moment and needs frequent adjustment of the gap and cleaning (replacement) of the contacts.
