Two Cylinder Engine Question
 

I was 'given' a two cylinder engine for a small home project, but it has no starter.

First issue is to figure out which way it should rotate.

I would think the easiest way is to look at the valves while I crank it manually, and make sure it sucks through the intake (and intake valves) and exhausts out the muffler (and the exhaust valves)?

Yes?

50:50 shot. Just try to run it? My money is on clockwise...

Clockwise rotation when facing the engine (i.e. output shaft at rear) is normal I think...

So standing at the front of your RWD car engine's typically rotate CW. I think.

you're right ^^
The only ccw rotation I can think of would be marine for dual engines....

Corvairs, some older Honda, and Mitsubishi 4 cylinders also turn CCW.

I would start by identifying the make and model. With that info you can probably find a manual on line that would provide all kinds of useful information.

dang it... you caught me... I was thinking Corvairs after I wrote that. I don't think I have personally ran into any besides marine, and Crovairs.

Turn it by hand and check for suction on the intake

Thanks guys. I think I have this now...