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I haven't tried it (and honestly I'm scared to try) but I have heard the myth/legend that reverse pop starting is indeed possible. Is it?
It sure would help to know that it can be done safely.
Thanks.

Are you wanting to put it in a forward gear or reverse gear? Reverse, no problem- haven't done it on a Pinz but many times on a Jeep. Push backwards with it in a forward gear? I honestly don't know, but it can't be good for the drivetrain.

To answer the question I think you are asking, “Can a Pinzgauer engine be started backwards like some model airplane engines?” No not with a Pinz or any other 4 stroke motor, with some 2 stroke bikes yes. A 4 stroke motor will not run in other than the direction it was designed to run in.

However the way the question is worded could be taken to mean, can you compression start a Pinzgauer by rolling backwards and using reverse gear? Yes. To compression start a Pinz if it’s going to be rolling forward use a forward gear, if it’s going to be rolling backwards use reverse.

Now that I’ve confused things even more…

Yes. What I was asking about was the possibility of compression starting the engine by rolling backwards and popping the clutch in reverse gear. Just like how you do it when facing forward and in first gear.
Thanks. This is a good thing to know.

The only problem is having enough traction. In forward gear on dirt / gravel I usually use third gear, first typically causes the tires to skid, reverse will likely do the same.