My super tigre 45 has always run really good, but sunday it started backwards every time, Any ideas why ??

your starter was put in backwards in your power panel

Extremely unlikely that he didn't check this if he was even using a starter. 2c engines don't mind running slowly in reverse at all and it's actually quite common with hand starts. The engine can usually be "persuaded" to go back to forward by simply adding a little throttle because they don't to run FAST in reverse. They'll "jump" into forward. I think this condition happens more often with a too rich mixture.

Engines usually run backwards when you try to start them and they are flooded. Try reducing the amount you prime the engine. Or if it's already running backwards simply kill the engine and try again. If it continues to start backwards you can remove the glow plug and turn the engine over with your electric starter (close the throttle first) to blow the extra fuel out. Then replace the glow plug and try to start it agian.

Ken

Hello Bruce:

Thanks for the information about engines being too rich encouraging running backwards.

Being a "newbie" with a new engine, an OS 50sx, I was experiementing with starting the engine by flipping the prop backwards against compression. A couple of times, it started in reverse and then started running forwards. On one occasion it didn't do that and I found myself scrambling after my plane.

Now, the engine has more running time and I've leaned it out, I will try the back flip starts again.

Bye, Ian

This is why I don't tie my planes down for starting or fly alone. A ALWAYS have someone FIRMLY hold my plane during starts even though I do use an electric starter AND start at idle.

Thanks guys, nope, no starter yet, but it starts so easy I dont need one.

On one occasion it didn't do that and I found myself scrambling after my plane.

And why are you not using a hold down or friend to restrain the plane??? []

nope, no starter yet, but it starts so easy I dont need one.

I sincerely hope you're using a "chicken stick", then. Please don't tell me you're sticking your fingers into that 10" circular saw on the front of the engine! [X(]

Dr.1

Running backwards after a start up is common. 45 is a good engine

Re: "Running backwards after a start up is common. "< that would be a new thing for me to see. Just hasn't happened yet. I think it is far more common on 4 strokes but don't know for sure. [8D]

Fastsky,

If the engine is too "wet" or has high compression, it will easily start backwards unless using an electric starter. My current Webra Speed .32 will start backwards a LOT.

Dr.1

Thanx for the info. I always use an electric so maybe thats why it hasn't happened to me. [8D]

my MDS .40 does that a lot, its mainly if i try and start it at idle, i often add 2 or 3 clicks of throttle (enough to start it in forwards and give it a high idle but not enough to make it move the airframe) but now ive run it in a bit more and leaned it out it seems to be a bit better

if you are using your fingers - Your a numpty! get a chicken stick or an electric starter and make sure you have that plane tethered to something solid or restrained so if it does start up and try and take off you arent in the way

numpty? Good grief, such language.

Oh heck yes I use a chickin stick .. I may have gone to school in Weatherford, but that dont make me stupid, crazy maybe I have a starter, just waitin on the battery..