Got back to it in earnest today. Earlier in the week I checked the timing cranking it with the plugs out, and it was way off. I got it back in the ballpark, went over the shift cable adjustment once more just to be sure of it, changed the plugs, replaced a plug wire that obviously came from a car, and fired it up. It runs okay, and in the correct direction. I shifted into forward and verified proper RH prop rotation. Awesome. Maybe I'll get it out on the river tomorrow.
So apparently some 2-strokes can run backwards if the timing is off. 
jstand
HalfDork
7/25/15 4:28 p.m.
1988RedT2 wrote:
So apparently some 2-strokes can run backwards if the timing is off.
Some snowmobiles intentionally use timing to make the engine switch direction for reverse. Ski doo RER is an example.
No battery or starter needed. The ECU adjusts the timing at idle to make the engine change direction when switch from forward to reverse and back to forward.
A buddy of mine landed his 2stroke husky wrong and in the driveline shock started run backwards.
It happens
jstand wrote:
1988RedT2 wrote:
So apparently some 2-strokes can run backwards if the timing is off.
Some snowmobiles intentionally use timing to make the engine switch direction for reverse. Ski doo RER is an example.
No battery or starter needed. The ECU adjusts the timing at idle to make the engine change direction when switch from forward to reverse and back to forward.
Some golf carts were like that also.
Because I know closure is important to you people, I offer the following: Even running in the right direction, the motor lacked power and was prone to stalling. Turns out it was running on two cylinders. The P.O. installed the coils on the port side with the leads hooked up backwards. Spark was good, it just wasn't occuring at the right time! Motor now starts on the first crank and purrs like a kitten.
Wanted to relish my victory over this thing and share it with youse guys! Had the family out on the river this morning and man this thing flies! Finally (mostly) worked out an issue with the timing advance on the motor. Last time out, it was firing on all four, but was not getting any advance as the throttles opened. This time, the idle was a bit high, but she was getting maximum advance at full throttle. I've got a little more adjusting to do with the control cable. So much fun getting her up on plane for the first time!
Not mine, but similar:
