Abstract: A torch chamber apparatus and method for providing a more thorough combustion of a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The torch chamber is configurated as a hollow, cylindrical body having a jet nozzle and external threads at a first end and an axial, internally threaded, spark plug-receiving opening at the second end. A diametrally enlarged shoulder, wrench engagement nut with an indicia thereon is also included at the second end. The dimensions of the hollow cylindrical body and the shoulder are selectively predetermined to adapt the torch chamber to be inserted into a spark plug access bore with a deformable gasket sealingly engaged between the shoulder and the rim of the access bore. The method includes interposing the torch chamber between the spark plug and the combustion chamber while aligning the jet nozzle inside the combustion chamber by viewing the indicia.

Abstract: An improved ignition device wherein a spark plug is provided with a torch chamber surrounding the spark gap. A first mixture of fuel-rich fuel and air is supplied to the torch chamber where it is ignited by a spark and propelled as a jet of burning fuel into the combustion zone of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The burning fuel from the torch chamber provides suitable ignition of a relatively lean second mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber which mixture is leaner than would otherwise be suitably ignited with a spark from a conventional spark plug. A porous plug in the fuel line acts as a one-way valve by allowing liquid fuel to pass by capillary and/or seepage action while resisting backflow caused by periodic high pressures within the combustion chamber. A cooling and heat-shielding system protects the fuel supply system against excessive heat absorption which would tend to prematurely vaporize the fuel and interfere with the valving apparatus.