Abstract: A circuit protecting against overspeed and overheating in a two-cycle engine having a capacitive discharge ignition system which includes a charging coil in which voltage is induced when a magnet in the flywheel of the engine passes the coil. A rectifier bridge is connected to the coil and a capacitor connected to the bridge. An ignition coil and spark plug are associated with each cylinder of the engine. An electronic switch is associated with each ignition coil and has a trigger which responds to an applied trigger voltage to conduct and discharge the capacitor through the ignition coil. A trigger coil applies a trigger voltage to the triggers. The protective circuit includes a control responsive to engine speed. The control triggers one of the electronic switches to conduct and discharge the capacitor in response to a predetermined response speed. A circuit responsive to operation of an engine temperature responsive switch reduces the predetermined response speed of the control to a lower response speed.