Yeah! it happens to me always....when it starts backwards...if I advance the throttle, it speeds up and doesn't die....

It's funny to see the engine put some smoke on the carb...

I think it happens mainly because the engine is at 135 degrees, and I have to prime it to make it run...(not easy at all to start by hand) and it looses priming fast since the valves are under the engine...everything goes to the muffler....
Anyway I don't like to let it run backwards....don't want a flying 2 blade knife....