Engine rotation

[Rickinnocal]

OK, so, the "most expensive term in the English language".... "Free boat"

I've become the proud (?) owner of a 1978 30' SeaRay Express Cruiser. Twin SB 350's, inboard drive. Has been sitting for over a year in the Marina. It came in under it's own power, on the stbd engine only. The port engine had apparently been hydrolocked, and had already been stripped down to a short block.

Owner had to demonstrate a couple of months ago that the vessel could move under its own power, and the starter wouldn't work. He supposedly had the existing starter rebuilt and re-installed. The engine now turns over, but won't fire. He had some boat handyman guy work on it to no avail, and basically walked away from it. I've picked it up.

Here's my question. The engine is being turned standard rotation, so far as I can tell - viewed from the front, or #1 cylinder, end, it spins clockwise. It was my understanding that on such a boat - 1978 twin inboard - the stbd engine should be reverse rotation. Can anyone confirm or deny my belief?

If the repair guy just threw a standard starter motor into it, would the gear mesh with the flywheel and spin the engine? It does seem to turn over more slowly than I'd expect with two good batteries.

TIA,
Richard

 

[dubs283]

yes, boats of that vintage with twin engines usually had one standard rotation engine and one counter rotated engine. Standard rotation engines rotate counterclockwise looking from the back/flywheel end, counter rotated engines rotate clockwise looking from the flywheel end

generally speaking you are correct, the stbd engine would be counter rotation and if a standard rotation starter has been installed, the engine will not start. you can verify this by removing the starter and looking at the cut away on the gear teeth, as compared to the port engine they should be cut away on the opposite side