Thoughts on the CDI kit so far…
Bearing in mind I still need to test it at an event, and the conversations that I have had here about it.
1. The bits look very similar to stuff you can get off Ebay for about £30 all in Except the Pulse/ Stator/ Trigger sensor which has been made bespoke for the GX200 type engine. I cannot track down a single trigger sensor with the same plug and wiring. A GY6 sensor might do (another £8 eBay purchase but it is an unknown). Another big unknown is if the internals of the CDI unit have a map to suit the GX200 or it is just a standard four stroke single cylinder map as for the GY6 engine. This said, the $100 (down to $80 on thanksgiving, Xmas, labour day, black Friday) plus postage – which if you choose land mail takes literally months - still seems reasonable to me given the unknowns of trying to create my own and adapting a sensor. If you do go down this route, budget for a rechargeable battery, charger and battery holder unless your system already runs off a battery.
2. The engine runs well, starts easily and it sounds more like a motorbike than a lawnmower now – yet to be tested in real life yet.
3. Adjusting the timing is very easy now as the flywheel stays put and the sensor moves. No hitting the flywheel nut with a hammer or levering, no need to lock the shaft to apply the correct torque. – I like that.
4. The first time I put the kit on, it ran well (see video above) but the plug showed that I had retarded it too far, two more adjustments to the timing and the plug is the right colour and it doesn’t spit flame on the over-run. I don’t want to add too much advance as this kills the torque low down, and torque low down was my initial aim rather than power at the top end.
5. The connections to the CDI box will need support to ensure they don’t vibrate out – an easy job. I will mount the CDI box on the cyclekart body, strap and tie the wires and cushion it to stop vibration killing it.
6. I can now fit a rev counter as I have a coil pack and a battery, at £10 off eBay, I think it will be worth it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1343482749277. The battery pack also gives me the opportunity to add cool stuff like a klaxon 😊
I am happy so far with it, the metal the sensor is on is soft, a good flat washer needs to be used under lock washers as lock washers cut up the surface. Gapping does not seem too critical either.