Running an engine in reverse
 

If I start an engine in reverse (counter clockwise from the cockpit), will it continue to run normally until the fuel is gone?

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

It has been my experience,that an engine running in reverse will die when I rev the throttle. Occasionally,I can "blip" the throttle just right and get it to switch directions without dying.
As to whether it will sit there and run at idle til it's out of fuel,I am not sure...but they don't seem to run as well when they're going backwards.

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

Maybe I'm asking the wrong question....new thread.

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

The dont run backward when you increase the throttle. Think it is because of the porting arrangement that is optimised for the engine oto run in a particular direction. They do start in reverse all the time though

Ameyam

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

So what is the right question? Don,t ya just hate these trick questions with no info. If the engine in question is a cox reedy then yes you would be correct but no with most other glow engines.

John

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

If nothing else I would guess that the engine would overheat PDQ as the propwash from the engine has to have some cooling effect on it. If it runs backwards and blows the air away from the engine, won't it overheat and seize rather quickly?

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

To run a conventional two stroke glow front rotor engine in reverse rotation for a counter rotating twin engine airplane You would need either a reverse rotation crankshaft which you are unlikely to find or if the engine is an older two piece crankcase design with a four bolt removable front case and carburator. If it is this type then rotating the housing 180 degrees I think it is will allow reverse running.

You will still need a pusher prop on one engine mounted backward with the blade face toward the engine rather than facing away from the engine in a pusher installation. This severely limits your selection of props and the whole CR thing is grossly overrated and won't save your bacon if choose the wrong response when an engine does quit on you. The small advantage of not having a 'critical engine' with CR is simply not worth the considerable hassel.

John

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

Why would you want it to?

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

He's setting up a twin and wants to eliminate torque.

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

There are not too many engines built with a removable crank housing anymore. But for those that do have this, you only rotate the front end by 90 degrees counter clock-wise. The rotor has to be open as the piston is rising when the engine is turned in the direction it is going to run.

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

Not to mention a backwards running engine would probably have a tendancy to try to 'self-loosen' the prop nut.

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

Thank you for the correction HP you are quite right. I have never done CR as its in most cases a waste time. The trade off's are not worth it. Trouble is most of the fellows always want to start reversing engines when they first get into multi's and its just another crutch kinda like Flaps that every new warbird flyer just has to have.

PDM last night Foosball started another thread here in the beginner forum that explained that this was over his thoughts on a twin. That thread the moderators since moved to the multi engine forum which is reasonable since this is definately not a beginner subject.

John

RE: Running an engine in reverse
 

Thanks for clearing that one up John. He hadn't said anything about a twin that I had read and couldn't for the life of me figure out why he would want to do that.[X(] Makes perfect sense now. LOL

Paul