Does anyone have first hand experience with the viton oil rings from Atkins? I need to order a set ASAP so I can put my motor back together but wanted hear your feedback first.


Thanks, Ed

 

I have tried to use them, but I didn't have much luck. They are thicker than the Mazda ones (standard sizes vs. metric). I reused the metal oil control rings, and broke a few in the process getting the Atkins rings in place (luckily a had a few spares from an old 12A engine that I had). Some people haven't had as much of a problem with them, though. I think it is a combination if you are using old or new control rings and the technique putting them in to place. I believe that Judge Ito on nopistons recommends the green Mazda o-rings (I think the part number is listed on here or over there). The Mazda ones are more expensive, but the metal control rings are also expensive and they only come in pairs. I am pretty sure I still have the Atkins o-rings if you want them. For me, it wasn't worth the trouble.

Kent

 

Kent, thanks for the info! This is why I went to the board first although I was itching to order them right away after receiving my gasket from Mazdatrix w/out the oil o rings. I wasnt sure if these were the ones that people were having trouble with. Anyways I wonder if the aftermarket ones that Mazdatrix sells are the same way?

Thanks, Ed

 

I'm pretty sure Kevin Landers uses those viton rings on the rebuilds he does--since he uses them on his rebuilds I wouldn't hesitate to use them myself.

Check over in the 2nd gen forum and double check me but I'm pretty sure that's what he uses. Heck just post over there and he'll likely respond.

Scott

 

Scott, which ones are you reffering too?

Thanks, Ed

 

I think there is a thread on here or nopistions by Kevin Landers (Rotary Ressurection) about how he installs Atkins o-rings (these are what he uses on his builds). He said it was tricky at first, but now that he has the technique down, it is real easy for him. If you had someone to help that knew the technique, then I would go ahead with them.

I also read about the problems with the o-rings before I bought them. When people said they were tight, I thought that they meant as getting them around the metal carrier. I figured if this was the case, I could strech them a bit or put them in hot water first to get them to go on. Well, they fit over the carrier, but they are so thick they don't go into the grove in the rotor very well.

I imagine the Mazdatrix ones are the same way, if they are aftermarket. People have also bought viton o-rings from McMaster-Carr (general industrial supply place). The problem is the viton rings in this size are only really avaliable in standard sizes. So the rings are close to the right size, but the difference is enough to cause fitment issues. Maybe someone will chime in a good technique to get the Atkins/aftermarket rings in.

The old metal carriers are quite brittle and break very easily (I am not sure if this is true of new ones as well) and are expensive to replace. I would go for the Mazda ones. That way you know they will work and you won't have fitment issues. Just think about it this way: Mazda ones may end up being cheaper once you consider the cost and time to replace the metal carriers (if they break). Try to get the green Mazda ones. I believe they are also viton. Judge Ito said the outer is available in green or black and he said the green is better.

Kent

 

I actually just finished reading the threads on these viton o rings and everyone on the 2nd gen board seems to be using them? What to do? Anyone have website for rotary aviation?


Thanks, Ed

 

Here you go:

http://www.rotaryaviation.com/

I am not saying the Atkins o-rings are bad or anything. I am just saying what I have as far as personal experience. I thought that they would be a great deal, but I ended up not even using them after breaking several carriers. Are you using new metal carriers or are you using your old ones?

Kent

 

I'm using my old ones. Thanks for the site! Turns out they only sell them in kits which include parts I already have. Which ones did you end up using? I'm thinking of trying these only because I have an extra set of metal rings.

Thanks, Ed

 

Atkins Viton oil O rings work great at keeping the magic smoke from leaving the engine. I reused my oil seals even though they were very nearly below spec. If I still get any smoke at start up, it's very small amount. I haven't noticed any in a long time.

 

Okay, I'll order them. I need to try it for myself. Any tips on getting them in Jeff? By the way thanks for your input guys!


Ed

 

I just did my first rotary rebuild, using the Atkins rebuild kit. Yes, the Atkins vitons are somewhat difficult to get in place, but I managed to do it, so I don't think it's really an issue. I used the RotaryAviation video and followed the technique outlined in it.

Good luck,
Rich

 

Thats good to hear. How about some tips?

Thanks, ED

 

Oil 'em up and push with an old oil seal. I also tap with a plastic hammer.

 

sounds fun. I can't wait for my rebuild!

 

I'll try to convert that part of the video to an mpg tonight and port it...basically, you carefully use the rounded edge of a feeler gauge to shoehorn it in. But it's just the outer one that is somewhat difficult...

 

Cool! I should be receiving mine in a couple of days. On another note were able to still see the color coding on the oil seal springs coz I cant see nothing on mine.


Thanks, Ed

 

Here you go. I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller so I could give you more, so I hope this helps. One word of caution...be VERY careful with the oil seals. The edges are quite sharp. I cut my thumb twice...the first time wasn't bad enough, so I had to do it again.

Rich

http://85rx7.home.mchsi.com/oilseal_orings.mpg

 

Good info. Will come in handy with my rebuild.