Update on Saito glo-to-gas conversion: As you'll recall, this project stalled when I discovered I'd blown my ignition module because the RCEXL 1/4" spark plug adaptor was only intermittently connected to the plug. This led to all kinds of conflicting symptoms that threw me off for awhile, including hard starting, suddenly quitting at any rpm, and erratic rpm's when it did run. The module was not completely blown, but was arcing internally to the box. This was probably due to an insulation breakdown in the coil sometimes providing a more sympathetic pathway to the high voltage than the spark plug. A clicking could be heard inside the box at these times.

I ordered a CHEXL electronic ignition box and sensor from CH Electronics. It arrived, I intalled it. My first observation is the metal shroud is far more secure than the RCEXL boot was. It takes a lot more force to install and turn-to-lock. It also comes with contact grease pre-installed. Also, the shroud is not a full 90 degrees, but something less. This helps do the twist in engines where the cooling fins hide the plug area.

Primed the engine, hooked up the battery, and it runs VERY well. Excellent transitions with no stumbling. No overheating, good idle. I have no idle or WOT data yet because I can't get my tach to work with the 60hz lighting I'm stuck with. But the sound tells me it's already pretty good. We're expecting a January thaw by this weekend, so that's the time to take this outdoors for a good tach reading. Where would we be if the sun had 60 hz too??

The last issue to deal with is there is an imbalance at around 3k rpm. I suspect this is the new rod and needle bearing I installed. I'm going to rebalance the prop, and if that doesn't fix it I'll reinstall the original rod and do a test. If that fixes the imbalance, I'll leave it that way and perhaps reduce the fuel/oil ratio. I'm currently at 30:1. I'm told that I don't need to do this by some folks, others insist it's necessary. I'd hate to sieze the lower end bearing finding out. Maybe 20:1 is the answer.

My thanks to CH for having a quality IGN and especially the boot unit, and for their quick shipping.