why does this engine have more power when reversed

[Nooodles]

been using my dads very old Kawasaki mule lately to pick up sticks and stuff. For some reason when the engine is reversed it has much more response in reverse and doesn't smoke. I asked my dad and he said he didn't what in the heck I was talking about and walked away. What would cause this. When the engine is going forward it does run so well.
ned

 

[RaydaKub]

What do you mean by "engine reversed"? How did you accomplish this feat? I remember once a neighbor was using his Deutz hard on the loader and managed to kill the tractor, but hit the clutch just in time and it started to run backwards. He shut it off immediately and started it right back up forwards. I didn't understand what had happened until I realized the rain cap had slapped down on the exhaust and the air was whistling in around it. It only ran that way for a few seconds, no damage.

So I repeat, are you sure you were running it backwards? Your exhaust would now be coming out through your air filter, so I'm not surprised you don't see smoke.

 

[CobyRupert]

:fishing:

 

[farm88]

Do you now have to use reverse to go forward? Maybe the kid will learn us something.

 

[murphy1244]

Do you now have to use reverse to go forward? Maybe the kid will learn us something.

:drink:

 

[crazyal]

If you mean it has more snap when you shift into reverse it's most likely because reverse is geared lower.

 

[Creamer]

It should not have more power but it may run just fine if there is no exhaust pressure in the air filter. With the gears reversed it may just feel like it has more power because of the gear ratio choices you have.

 

[RoyJackson]

If you mean it has more snap when you shift into reverse it's most likely because reverse is geared lower.

Yep...THIS is the answer...

 

[ericb2400]

For what it is worth, some older gas golf carts run the engine backwards for reverse. When you stop the motor stops. when you push the gas pedal the motor starts back up.
I wonder if an older kw mule is the same way.

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[kevin37b]

been using my dads very old Kawasaki mule lately to pick up sticks and stuff. For some reason when the engine is reversed it has much more response in reverse and doesn't smoke. I asked my dad and he said he didn't what in the heck I was talking about and walked away. What would cause this. When the engine is going forward it does run so well.
ned

From such a smartass , that is the dumbest thing I have read today .

 

[Patches]

As far as I know, Mules do not have different ratios for forward/reverse. They are powered by a 4 cycle engine through a CVT system with simple forward/reverse gear selector

 

[ericb2400]

For what it is worth, some older gas golf carts run the engine backwards for reverse. When you stop the motor stops. when you push the gas pedal the motor starts back up.
I wonder if an older kw mule is the same way.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

You might have some luck with checking on a golf cart form (buggies gone wild) they have info on those older motors. Might have to do w ignition timing or compresson.

Good luck.

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[Gale Hawkins]

Not sure this is a factor or not but when I am going backwards at 20 MPH it seems faster than 60 MPH when going forward. As I understand it only a 2 stroke engine can run in either direction and the fuel and exhaust be correct. Did it once with a model plane but it would not take off backwards.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Very easy to get a 2 stroke to run backwards. Ski-doo has been doing that with their snowmobiles for 10 years, or more.

 

[RPW]

Yep, older golf carts were 2 stroke. They would couple a generator to the motor and use it as a starter. Flip the switch one way it runs forward the other and it runs backwards.