Yep, it's true.
The engine on my 1974 SR5 is turning backwards.

No, it does not run.
But the distributor is suppose to turn counter-clockwise.
Instead it turns clockwise.

Any ideas?

( ANd yes, I know there is a wiring issue. I'm just not sure where to look. Hence this post. )

 

The only thing I can think of is the starer.

 

Yep, it is probably the starter...

But I've gone to a variety of part stores and even a starter shop.
All say it is impossible for a starter to turn backwards.
In other words, the bendix (sp??) can only go one-way.

Yet it has to be the starter.
It's wired wrong and makes everything go in reverse.
I'm told that this is impossinble.
But it is happening!
( Will post video when it stops raining locally.)

Anyway, I've pulled the started and had it bench-tested.
It runs fine in the test.
So I'm still lost...

Any help?
I don't want to trash a '74!

 

Stater

Try wiring it in your truck but dont bolt it in and see what its doing. The bendex only pops out in one direction.

 

18R engine, firing order 1-3-4-2
distributor rotation-"clockwise"
point gap-.016-.020 in.
timing-7' BTDC

 

Nook --

Thanks for the specs.
Problem: this is a 20R engine.

This is the first year of 20R engines.
I have a 1973 Hilux, so these specs will go to good use.

I still have no idea why the engine turns BACKWARDS.
The carb actually "burbs" exhaust.
And the negative ground from the engine to the back firewall is hot.

So yes, it's wiring.
But which wires???
And why is the starter still turning if it is wired incorrectly?

 

Maybe your battery is hooked up backards??? Idk, that is some weird sh*t!

Is the crank pulley turning clockwise? Sometimes the carbs burbs if the timing is off too.... Good luck!

 

You must have a real late model 74 truck, as 75 was the first year for the 20R in the pickup according to Toyota
Something just doesn't make sense here, distributor rotation on the 20R is also clockwise, you tested starter and its fine, battery is connected correctly? negative to ground, positive to starter? turn the engine over which way does the crankshaft pulley turn, should be clockwise also.
If it had a direct ground somewhere like in the alternator sending voltage to ground, then either fuses/ fuse links, would be blown, wires melted, something, it just wouldn't flow voltage everywhere like through the engine block to the head ground, at least not for long.

 

take it out of reverse....

 

Are you from Australia or something. Doesnt sh*t spin the other way over there. Just kidding man I'm lost already.

 

wait...your distributor is turning clockwise....thats normal.

sounds like your timing is really off. Also make sure the ground at the back of the head isnt the only one for the whole car and that everything including the starter isnt grounding through that tiny wire.