Rotation Reversal

Since you have not given the application of the motor that the problem occur in it would be difficult to pin point the exact cause. I do know in some cases that if the motor is all ready rotating backwards due to some outside force. When power is applied if will continue to rotate in that direction. In a capacitor start motor the winding that start it through the capacitor are small. They exert very little force on the motor and set the rotation. Wind blowing though the blades of a fan to cause it to rotate opposite the desired direction may continue in that direction after the power applied.

you lit the candle. the motors are direct drive on residential sized furnace/air handlers. the geniuses put six on a common supply and return and staged them in pairs. you put me right on the problem. amny thanx