Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Running 2 stroke engines in reverse rotation, 2 stroke engines, centrifugal clutch

Question
This question probably caps it all, but here I go anyway...  I'm wanting to run a small 2 cycle motor in reverse, for reasons I'll soon explain.  I am hoping to do this with a mid 80's Lawn Boy engine.  The reason I want to do this is so that I can adapt the lightweight engine to power a bicycle, running it with a centrifugal clutch to the frint derailleur sprocket on the bike.  The advantage that this would give the project is that I wouldn't have to fabricate a jackshaft.  I can fabricate a reverse pull start system, but I'm concerned with the spark/timing issue.  I believe that the engine uses a solid state ignition system.  I'm a serious, very mechanically capable old guy, with a well-equipped shop, and I'm dead serious...  My regular email is gtreflex43@yahoo.com.  Thanks, Geoff

Answer
I have seen LB engines run in reverse but you are correct about the timing issue.  If you rotate the flywheel magnetic so it leads in reverse you may have an operational engine.

The last time I had one run in reverse it destroyed several external parts but the internal parts were not damaged.  Keep in mind the engine only ran in reverse for a few seconds.  I don't know if running in reverse all the time would cause any serious internal damage.  In theory, you should be able to run it in reverse but you better not run the orginal starter cause running in reverse will destroy it.

Eric