ORIGINAL: jkulhanek
ORIGINAL: gubbs3
A two-stroke engine can easily run backwards, the only difference is the timing of the engine is retarded rather than advanced. This means that it will make virtually no power and as soon as you hit the gas it will die.
In spark ignition engines yes, but in glow engines the timing is automatic therefore an engine can run backwards with the correct timing..
The reason they dont put out much power is because the crank port or rotary valve is WAY off timing when engines are running backwards.
Sorry, I didn't specify. The ignition timing won't change, the position of the crank port is incorrect when running backwards, obviously then the intake timing.
I believe MVVS makes an airplane engine the can run either standard or reverse direction. It features a two-piece crankcase where the front half (containing the bearings and carb) rotates about 90 degrees to correct the intake timing.