Engine turns backward???

3

35slantback

Junior Member
Tried to start the '35 and something weird happened. I'm not an electrical person so am confused. Had car running about a year ago and today hooked up freshly charged 6v battery with + ground. When cranked engine it rotated clockwise (looking at engine front) and nearly started but ran the battery too low. Then when tried to pull the car in gear it to start, the engine rotated counterclockwise. When flipped on switch to coil and pulled again, engine rotated clockwise again, and when flipped switch off again it reversed to counterclockwise again ???
None of my buddies or I had ever seen anything like this before.
Just got started on flatheads, and not sure whats happening...any help?
Also installed new mech fuel pump but still not getting fuel to carb...using temporary tank can so don't think its rust from old tank??
 
The starter should crank it clockwise looking down at the engine from the front. Did you pull it with the trans in reverse?
 
Just something to try, sometimes the mechanical fuel pump wants to be primed. If you have one with the glass bowl, remove the bowl from the pump, fill it with gas and reinstall. Good luck
 
ponymare said:
Did you pull it with the trans in reverse?
Click to expand...

You are using this pattern, correct?

SDK-C5ZZ-7213-H_ml.jpg
 
Starter motors are wired so they rotate in the same direction no matter what the polarity of the battery is. When cranking on the starter or running a normal Flathead rotates clockwise. The only case that I can think of is a twin engine boat application requiring counter rotating props. One engine would need to be rigged to run Counter Clockwise.
The cam and starter and firing order would need modification.
 
Yes, this pattern. Had it in 2nd gear then a friend also did and repeated.
We thought it was a reverse issue but wasn't...none of us had ever seen this before. The rotation changed when the switch to the battery was flipped...only change we made...was strange.
 
How could you tell which way the engine was turning while towing it? Were you looking at the fan? I suppose it's possible the generator was motoring backwards??
 
Sounds like pre-ignition but it can't run backwards but for a few revolutions. The pistons would shove the fuel back to the carburetor.
 
I agree with Ronnie. It sounds like the center section was installed upside down, giving you three speeds in reverse motion and 1 fwd. Try pushing in high gear to verify this.
 
Ronnie- I'll get on the diff flip right away! You are as helpful as a bucket under a bull..."LOL" yourself.
40 Deluxe- wait by the phone until I send you the video!
To the rest of you guys, thanks for the suggestions & ideas.
 
Did you do this at night? (Serious question)
I just wondered if you are looking at the engine running and the strobe effect of ac lighting is fooling you?
Other than that, I think you may have done a con job your self. (not intending to offend)
 
Actually Ronnie is VERY serious. If you push or pull the car with the transmission in a "forward" gear and the crankshaft rotates in reverse the center section of the rear end has been installed 180 degrees out of proper location.

As an aside, I know of a locally famous Rodder who rebuilt everything in his Cad powered 28 Roadster during a 3 month winter project only to slam it into the work bench at the front of his shop on the first drive of the newly rebuilt machine.
 
First things first buy a new battery, then get can of gas and under starter power turn over see pump is working then start it. If the reared is backwards you will have 1 forward gear.
 
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