86 spree is running backwards

[bushpigwillie]

I am completely baffled. It was running just fine in the right direction when I pulled it off. It starts and idles fine but it is running backwards. The fan intake is blowing air out not pulling it in.

The only thing that is changed is that the frame and wiring is for my 85 that I pulled off to repair the exhaust support. I figured I would through the 86 on to use while the 85 motor gets repaired.

I saw the other thread about an engine running backwards but didn't see anything useful to explain what is happening.

Could the 85 regulator , coil or wiring cause this?

Help!

[swimmingfree]

how are you starting it???? all sprees run in the same direction...
swimmingfree

[bushpigwillie]

Kickstart. The kickstart mechanism correctly turning the engine clockwise. I have not disassembled the motor at all since it last ran correctly.

The only change is plugging it into 85 wiring loom and electrics.

[bushpigwillie]

I'm positive. The engine is running the wrong direction.

[paulpauly7]

does the wheel try to drive backwards? spree motors run the the other way to a af16 motor

[bushpigwillie]

Yes I am very well aware that the final drive reverses the direction. The wheel drives backwards.


I pulled my timing light out and checked timing as it ran backwards with the 85 cdi and the timing looks spot on.

Interesting discovery. I pulled the stock 85 Cdi off and plugged in the cdi that was on the 86 when I got it, (it ran fine with this cdi when I took the engine off my 86 frame.). It doesn't look at all like the 85 cdi. And, it doesn't run well at all. It just sputters a couple times and dies, occasionally backfiring.

The picture is of the cdi that was on the 86 electrics.

[bushpigwillie]

Nothing has been done to any thing on the engine since it was on the 86 wiring and running fine.

My next step, I guess, is to put it back on the 86 spree and see if it runs fine or runs backwards. I'm wondering if there has been something odd done to the 86 wiring by the previous owner.

[Pete M]

Put the tire on and start the engine. You may be surprised

[Johnniespeed]

Are the negative and positive battery wires reversed ?
Is the engine a Spree engine or Aero engine ?

[mousewheels]

Is the engine a Spree engine or Aero engine ?

I've been taking the poster's thread title '86 spree is running backwards' at face value, but you never know....

Are the negative and positive battery wires reversed ?

From the armchair -- If the starter motor rotates in the *wrong* direction, the bendix will not engage. Inertia and reverse rotation would pull the bendix all the harder into the dis-engaged position.

[onlyoldiron4me]

Hmm, did you ever get it figured out? Old AMF golf carts had smokers in them, would start and run fine either forward or backwards!