Generally, combustion engines follow a standard principle of operation founded on the premise that the crankshaft spins clockwise (as seen from the driver’s seat). That’s how the powerplants are designed, engineered, built, and used. But why should a cornerstone of motoring stay unchanged for the most part when we have brilliant minds that like to tackle every single aspect of the automotive universe?
Garage 54 is a team of mechanics from Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia. They like cars, but not in the same way as everyone else. Their philosophy of existing is to tackle everything about how a car works (or doesn’t), and this time, they turned their attention to the engine. I apologize; that came out the wrong way: they turned the engine to get attention.
To be crystal-clear (if this is possible regarding a Garage 54 project): the Russians made a four-stroke, four-cylinder Soviet-built engine to spin in reverse. Counterclockwise. Right over left. The other way around. You get the idea. However, several issues concern such an endeavor—you can’t simply turn the crankshaft the other way and call it a day.
Every component of an internal combustion engine works in conjunction with everything else, so altering the sense of rotation of the main element of the motor will start a chain reaction that’s not that easy to overcome. Since I mentioned ‘chain,’ that’s the immediate problem—the timing coupling between the crank and the camshaft.
Reversing the spin means the cam goes the wrong way, which is the equivalent of throwing not just a wrench but the entire toolbox and the shop into the job. Valves open at the wrong time, so the engine won’t run. And that’s the goal of the merry lads from Novosibirsk—to make a reverse-spinning engine work properly.
Apart from the intake and exhaust issue, there’s the ignition problem: the distributor has to be adjusted accordingly so it sparks at the right time. However, this isn’t the end of it: a mechanical assembly involving moving parts usually needs lubrication for (smooth) functioning, and the oil pump on the old Soviet-era Lada engine can only pump one way (if it rotates in the right way). Turn that around, and it pulls oil from the engine into the sump.
The same goes for the fuel and water pump, but the Russians have thought about everything - including how to start the engine without altering the starter motor. the answer is pretty straightbackward - literally: put the gearbox in reverse and tow the car until the engine comes to life (but don't shut it down afterward).
If I go too technical and describe everything they’ve done to this contraption, I’ll spoil all the fun of watching the video - only to be met by the frustration of not having a thorough and detailed walkthrough of their work. So, I’ll leave it up to you to come up with ideas about what they did to the poor four-cylinder powerplant to make it start, run, and drive.
Yes, of course, the car will now have one forward gear and four in reverse, but that’s not the point now. Can you think of alternate ways to make a clockwise-spinning four-stroke inline-four change its mind (and its sense of rotation)? If so, drop them in the comments section.
After nearly two decades in news television, Răzvan turned to a different medium. He’s been a field journalist, a TV producer, and a seafarer but found that he feels right at home among petrolheads. Full profile
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