An interesting & Funny Story
Posted: Fri May 08, 2015 1:54 pm
A funny story…..
So this winter I built this fully modified Mc8 intended to run in sportsman rear this season. I mounted it up last week on my ’63 Grand Prix and started her up and did some initial tuning on the block. Figured I was ready so I shut down until Wednesday. Went to Avon for a vintage practice day with three other vintage karters in the area.
Unloaded my stuff and at 11:00 (When we can start the engines) I suited up, fueled up, oiled the clutch and chain and started it on the block. It kicked back a bit but fired up right away. Seemed a little sluggish but I figured it was just cold. I took the kart off the block, got in and hit the gas!!
Funny thing is that instead of racing ahead, it raced backwards right into my block and starter. I was a little shocked at first and it didn’t really register in my brain that the engine was actually running backwards. I always thought that was impossible for a Mac but no longer!!
You see I installed a PVL ignition system which fires off the flywheel magnets so it will apparently generate a spark in either direction. I am sure the timing was off a bit and that was why it was sluggish.
Must be during that kick back it started in reverse. I restarted it and it was fine for the rest of the day.
So this opens up a new realm of possibilities for Left and right McCullochs.
Just thought I would share that.
So this winter I built this fully modified Mc8 intended to run in sportsman rear this season. I mounted it up last week on my ’63 Grand Prix and started her up and did some initial tuning on the block. Figured I was ready so I shut down until Wednesday. Went to Avon for a vintage practice day with three other vintage karters in the area.
Unloaded my stuff and at 11:00 (When we can start the engines) I suited up, fueled up, oiled the clutch and chain and started it on the block. It kicked back a bit but fired up right away. Seemed a little sluggish but I figured it was just cold. I took the kart off the block, got in and hit the gas!!
Funny thing is that instead of racing ahead, it raced backwards right into my block and starter. I was a little shocked at first and it didn’t really register in my brain that the engine was actually running backwards. I always thought that was impossible for a Mac but no longer!!
You see I installed a PVL ignition system which fires off the flywheel magnets so it will apparently generate a spark in either direction. I am sure the timing was off a bit and that was why it was sluggish.
Must be during that kick back it started in reverse. I restarted it and it was fine for the rest of the day.
So this opens up a new realm of possibilities for Left and right McCullochs.
Just thought I would share that.