Quote:
having a hard time with the idea that a spark from the ignition of one chamber in the cylinder can migrate from the mouth of that chamber, through a wad of grease which completely seals the mouth of an adjacent chamber, then goes past the ball and ignites the powder charge behind it.
|
You are correct to think that sparks don't turn corners and migrate past grease seals. However, chain fires aren't caused by sparks, they're caused by hot combustion gases, and gasses can indeed turn corners, seek out tiny gaps and even pass through weak or thin grease seals. The only issue with a hot gas setting off powder is whether the gas has had to travel so far that it's cooled down below the powder ignition point. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't!