Honda HRB 475 pinion gear confusion

[Mike58]

Hi, first post and yes I’m a bit dim when it comes to mechanical things.
Replaced rear wheels on my old Honda HRB475 and initially found strong drive but mower did not want to turn left. Changed a pinion around and mower didn’t want to turn right. Finally got some info online that pinion gears are punched or stamped and should have marking on left wheel facing in and right wheel facing out. Both wheels click now in reverse but I have no drive !!
So what’s the setup with this, I love learning stuff, but this is baffling.

 

[Bertrrr]

post some pics if you can - I'm not following what you're saying

 

[Mike58]

Can’t access pics right now , maybe later.

 

[Mike58]

Sorted, I removed wheels and driveshaft was turning, but not when wheels were on.
So removed pinion gear on each side flipped it over and bingo… drive restored and lawn mower turns in both directions smoothly.
So my tip is if you somehow get mixed up when replacing pinion gear, fit it, and before applying circlip, put the wheel on and with mower on a block of wood lifting rear wheels up, check they are turning. If not flip the pinion gear and ignore the damn punch hole orientation.
Simple fix but really fiddly getting a lube soaked circlip off and on.