RE: Engine running Backwards?
I'm in agreement with RCKen. After you put the igniter on--treat it like it can cut your hand off. It's "HOT" now and can hurt you.
I also agree that this condition is mostly from over-priming. A flooded engine will be much more likely to start backwards. I use a chicken stick 90% of the time. I don't grab the electric starter unless it's really cold outside.