Contact Breaker Ignition Course: Adjustment and Calibration
Online 300 h course in contact breaker ignition: adjustment and calibration. 6 modules covering ISO 6518-1 (ignition systems, vocabulary), ISO 6518-2 (electrical performance and test methods) and PicoScope. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Contact Breaker Ignition Course: Adjustment and Calibration — studying from India
India has a strong heritage of classic vehicles, motorcycles and machinery, with active enthusiast communities and specialist workshops in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai. Interest in vintage cars and motorcycles, including classic Ambassador and Royal Enfield models, has grown steadily. Restoration work combines historical research, metalwork, mechanical rebuilding and conservation techniques. While formal regulation is limited, vehicle registration and roadworthiness fall under state transport authorities, and the Automotive Research Association of India provides technical expertise. Engineers and craftspeople in this area focus on restoration, documentation and technical authenticity.
Fees for India: ₹47,500 (Indian Rupee), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in India
Typical roles
Questions from India
Is there a recognised body in India for classic vehicle restoration?
There is no statutory title for classic restoration in India. Vehicle standards and registration involve bodies such as the Automotive Research Association of India, and enthusiast clubs operate informally. SEIUM's qualification is a private one and is not accredited by any national body, so its value depends on how employers and clients see it.
Which employers or clients in India use classic restoration skills?
Specialist restoration workshops, collectors, classic car dealers, and heritage motoring firms are typical employers and clients. Work is often based on reputation and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may support your background, but clients and employers will judge your actual craftsmanship.
Can I study this part-time from India, and is it in English?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you need a working level of English. You can study from home anywhere in India without a student visa, and an assigned technical tutor supports you. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible if your workplace will fund it.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the operating principle of contact breaker ignition.
Adjust the contact point gap and dwell angle.
Verify condenser, coil, leads and spark plugs with instrumentation.
Carry out static and dynamic ignition timing.
Diagnose faults using primary and secondary oscillograms.
Assess electronic replacement systems against the original contact breaker.
Plan periodic maintenance of contact breaker ignition.
Who it's for
- Classic ignition mechanic who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Classic car electrician who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Engine timing technician who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Classic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Diagnostic technician for vintage engines who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Historic engine tuner who wants to specialise in Contact Breaker Ignition: Adjustment and Calibration.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to join classic car restoration workshops.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6518-1 (ignition systems, vocabulary)
- ISO 6518-2 (electrical performance and test methods)
- SAE J973 (ignition system measurement procedures)
- ISO 28741 (spark plugs and cylinder head housings)
- IEC 60384-1 (fixed capacitors)
- UNECE Regulation No. 10 (electromagnetic compatibility)
- FIVA Technical Code
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Primary and secondary circuit1.2Coil and its transformation ratio1.3Ballast resistor and its function1.4Contact breaker, condenser and their role1.5Spark energy1.6Mixture requirements for ignition1.7Spark plugs and their heat range1.8System documentation1.9Adjustment tool required1.10Workshop: characterisation of an engine's ignition
2.1Contact gap2.2Dwell angle and its relationship to the gap2.3Measurement with a dwell meter2.4Wear of the fibre heel2.5Pitted contacts and their cause2.6Condenser: capacitance and testing2.7Contact bounce at high speed2.8Replacement points and their quality2.9Cam lubrication2.10Practical: adjusting contacts and dwell angle
3.1Coil testing3.2Primary and secondary resistances3.3Ballast and starting3.4HT leads: resistance and insulation3.5Firing order and its verification3.6Spark plugs: type, gap and condition3.7Reading spark plugs for diagnosis3.8Distributor cap, rotor and HT leakage3.9Radio interference3.10Practical: complete check of the HT circuit
4.1Locating top dead centre4.2Flywheel and pulley marks4.3Initial advance and its adjustment4.4Stroboscopic lamp4.5Adjustment to available fuel4.6Verification of total advance4.7Fine tuning on the road4.8Interaction with carburation4.9Recording the values4.10Practical: complete ignition timing
5.1No spark: checking order5.2Weak or intermittent spark5.3Faults at high speed5.4Faults in damp conditions5.5Hard starting when hot5.6High consumption and misfires5.7Ignition oscilloscope and its reading5.8Comparison between cylinders5.9Recording the diagnosis5.10Practical: guided diagnosis of three faults
6.1Electronic replacement ignitions6.2Hidden modules in the distributor6.3Real advantages and disadvantages6.4Reversibility and preservation of parts6.5Periodic ignition maintenance6.6Recommended spares on board6.7Common workshop errors6.8Authenticity criteria6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: adjusted and documented ignition
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PicoScope, Advanced Excel, LTspice, Fluke Connect, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real measurement procedures for the dwell angle with a dwell meter, primary and secondary ignition oscilloscope, and static and dynamic ignition timing. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the operating principle of contact breaker ignition.
Adjust the contact point gap and dwell angle.
Verify condenser, coil, leads and spark plugs with instrumentation.
Carry out static and dynamic ignition timing.
Diagnose faults using primary and secondary oscillograms.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with PicoScope, Advanced Excel, LTspice and Fluke Connect. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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