To all, thanks for all the recs.
Dan, I was just fussing over that coupler a few weeks ago, how shoddy it looked. I'll look at it more closely. That would be interesting. The fuel is brand new from an empty tank/carb since last year when I moved cross country. But if I eliminate the others, I'll give it a flush as well.
Superchuck, I have the same hypothesis about the TCI. I was giving it another shot, and either by coincidence or not, when I would pick up the TCI and move it around, the bike seemed to skip firings or die, and sometimes not, so it's an observational detail, no proof. I'll pull out the ignition switch as you suggest. Though it's never given me a problem I'm aware, at this point I need to fine-tooth-comb it.
As for the TCI, I'm just going to bite the bullet, pun intended, and order a new green one from our host. I saw the ebay suzuki and the coil, but for $26, I just don't trust I'm getting parts that arrived off the boat vs off a used bike or back of a truck. Hitchcocks Adrian sent a reply that they don't have an opinion technically on it, other than people have tried it.
Tooseevee, I have the aftermarket "performance' TCI Hitchcocks was selling. The contacts for pulsar coil are one horizontal and one vertical as opposed to, I think, the green being both vertical, so would have to rewire at least that connector. Can anyone tell me for pulsar coil is it GW on top and W on bottom or vice-versa for the green OEM TCI?
As Mick/mgm are saying, I guess it's worth the $40 to get a coil and replace it or keep it on hand if the wiring sleuthing (remember my tail light is out and unless it's simply burned out, the grey wire for it's operation goes where? The ammeter.), and the ignition check and the TCI and clutch housing...and whatever else I uncover. Anyone have an opinion on coils? I saw Tooseevee you've got a pertronix on your 2008 per details on your bike and superchuck mentioned it. Is that an endorsement by the forum? ha. Part number 45011? Best way to mount that since it won't have native bike mounts?
I really hope it's not the pulsar coil doing anything. I'd rather not take off the chain case cover right now. No way to test that other than diagnosis by exclusion?
I have some work to do and parts to order. The ongoing wiring saga will be good fun if the high winds/rain keep me shut in the garage all weekend.
Again, thanks for all this advice. You all are A+.