John Deere 420 engine direction

Had to change the end plate on the 420 starter, because the aluminum case came apart. The cast iron replacement said to change the plate so it would be CCR and to redrill the end plate 90 degrees offset. The problem is, only the positive brushes are isolated from ground on this plate and if you try to clock it 90 degrees off by redrilling it and moving the brushes you have a short. The wires won't reach to rotate the plate when the brushes are isolated. I'm now wondering if they meant the engine is CCR, which would mean the starter would be clockwise. Starter turns clockwise sitting in the seat with it assembled where the parts fit. What is the direction of this engine? Beyond frustrated.
 
Had to change the end plate on the 420 starter, because the aluminum case came apart. The cast iron replacement said to change the plate so it would be CCR and to redrill the end plate 90 degrees offset. The problem is, only the positive brushes are isolated from ground on this plate and if you try to clock it 90 degrees off by redrilling it and moving the brushes you have a short. The wires won't reach to rotate the plate when the brushes are isolated. I'm now wondering if they meant the engine is CCR, which would mean the starter would be clockwise. Starter turns clockwise sitting in the seat with it assembled where the parts fit. What is the direction of this engine? Beyond frustrated.
Looking at the front of the crankshaft, the engine turns clockwise (like most other common engines).

The starter location is somewhat unique as it is behind the flywheel, facing forward, and due to the gear drive it rotates opposite of the engine, so looking at the "drive end" of the starter from the front of the tractor, it rotates CCW, as the other poster stated.

If it is true that when viewing the commutator end of the starter from the seat it turns CW, that would be correct.

As to redrilling the plate, I'm sure they meant drilling a new dowel pin hole and new bolt holes, you must must be thinking they meant moving the actual brush holders with respect to the end plate?
 
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I resolved it. The crappy instructions said to move the brushes 90 degrees and drill a new hole for the ground, because it required a counter clockwise rotation starter. Apparently, they thought moving the brushes would change the direction? No, the engine is CCR (from rear, standard automotive view, not old tractor), not the starter, looking from the rear which requires a clockwise starter to turn it counter clockwise. Yes, I know they call it clockwise from the front. Also, when you move the brushes, the springs and pins are not isolated on the positive brushes and produces a direct short, so I had to move them back. Long story, but I got it going.

Thanks for the responses, I read them all.
 
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