If I'm not mistaken (I very well could be...), ether will fire on compression alone, right? Seems like a shot of starting fluid or as Mitty said, carb cleaner might be something to consider. I'm just waiting on a prop, and the last few steps in finishing up the airboat hull, then I'll see what this conversion business is all about. I have my old Homelite XL chainsaw engine ready to go. It too still has the stock ignition, we'll have to see how well it works out. I'll know in a few days hopefully. It's just 1.6ci in displacement, so I'm hoping that my 12V electric started will spin it, if not I'll try the drill trick.