Mazda Rotary Club

General => General Technical => Topic started by: leersv on April 27, 2011, 01:54:41 PM

Title: general engine query
Post by: leersv on April 27, 2011, 01:54:41 PM
I am new to he forum and in the market for an rx7 and have identified two, neither of which appear to have done many miles in the last few years and have spent a long time idle.
 
A friend once mentioned that in rotary engines that have been unused for a while the seals in the pistons can \'dry out\' effectively damaging requiring a rebuild etc.
 
Is he correct or is there anything else that i need to consider when looking at these cars?
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Lee
Title: general engine query
Post by: BlitzBoy on April 27, 2011, 02:12:17 PM
Quote from: leersv;758528A friend once mentioned that in rotary engines that have been unused for a while the seals in the pistons can \'dry out\' effectively damaging requiring a rebuild etc.
 

Pistons??????? WTF lol

there are no pistons in a rotary dude only Rotors, tell your friend to go back to engineering school.

If an engine has been left for a long time , the side seals might stick, normally a good run normally unsticks them , change the oil first
Title: oops
Post by: leersv on April 27, 2011, 02:37:16 PM
Yes, i meant rotors. Dont i feel a complete tool now. I was clearly not paying full attention when asking the question. So you are suggesting nothing to be unduly concerned about?
Title: general engine query
Post by: BlitzBoy on April 27, 2011, 03:03:38 PM
you should be fine with a change of oil and plugs, make sure the battery is fully charged
Title: general engine query
Post by: Prof on April 27, 2011, 03:18:03 PM
Agree with Blitz - maybe turn it over by hand gently first - make sure it rotates nicely :driving
Title: general engine query
Post by: David Nock (RIP) on April 27, 2011, 05:55:23 PM
Rotaries will stand much better than piston cars. It has been said  many times on here that engines on project cars have started almost straight away after standing for ages.

Mine was stood nearly 8 years when new. Now done 54,000 no engine probs at all.

One car in Belgium stood outside 16 years bur still fired up and ran. Car was scrap by this time thiough.