Diesel Running Backwards

[Jstpssng]

I want to add my 2 cents. About 50 years ago the neighborhood was out on a snomobile ride, we had about ten different brands, (when there were about 80 or 90 manufacturers). I was running a Scorpion with a 268CC (I think) Sachs 2 stroke engine. It was a warm day and to keep up I was usually at full throttle. We had stopped for a short break and when I pulled the recoil, it snapped back in, but the engine started. What shocked me was when I hit the throttle, the sled went backwards. The single cylinder Sachs recoil housings had a rubber plug oppsite of where the recoil cable came out. I beleive they were designed to be set up to run in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. If my cousin had not witnessed the event, I doubt anyone would have beleived me.

I had a similar experience on an old '67 Panther with a Hirth. I was riding with my father and a friend when the sled started slowing and lugging down. Then it backfired and started running smoothly, except when I hit the gas it took off in reverse. Startled, when I let off the throttle it backfired again and started running forward again. It would have been funny if I could have kept it going, and pulled up to them running the sled backward.

 

[Massey convert]

I had a similar experience on an old '67 Panther with a Hirth. I was riding with my father and a friend when the sled started slowing and lugging down. Then it backfired and started running smoothly, except when I hit the gas it took off in reverse. Startled, when I let off the throttle it backfired again and started running forward again. It would have been funny if I could have kept it going, and pulled up to them running the sled backward.

I was also too shocked to run it that way, but it sure would have been fun!

 

[jimoq]

Detroit Diesel began as Grey Marine (or Gray). As marine engines they were designed to run either clockwise or counterclockwise to satisfy dual propeller arrangements. A Detroit will still run "backards" if set up to do so.

 

[IndyJay]

As a young man I raced motocross professionally. We had large crowds at pro events. I provided some excellent entertainment one day when I fell in alarge mudpuddle. People were getting a good laugh about me covered with mud!. I started my bike up and dumped the clutch to find out it started backwards. My bike pushed me back through the mud and I crashed again totally inundated in the mud.
The fans were all laughing hysterically.

I've never had it happen on a diesel but on that 2-stroke bike it ran perfectly!

My brother had that happen during a "rubber band start"... everybody else went forward, he went backward.