RE: Engine running Backwards?
The engine will fire and run backwards if it's flooded. This happens to a lot of pilots in that they over prime the engine. And then it will start and run backwards. Start experimenting with priming less until you find how much to prime it so that the engine still starts but doesn't start backwards.
When your engine does start backwards there are a few things to do. Many pilots will "blip" the throttle stick which can sometimes pop the engine into running properly. Or simply close the throttle until the engine dies and then restart it. It may take a couple of tries until you burn off enough excess fuel for it to run properly.
Ken