Please don't flame. I'm sure this has been delt with before but I've just looked through the 500 search results and couldn't find my answers.

I've done piston pusher rebuilds. Can I do a rotary at home too?

How much does this tend to cost?

Any cheap shortcuts, and with that what shortcuts should I not do?

How long does it take?

Any rotary specific tools I need to get?

Thanks. Apreciate the help. Trying to decide if I should keep her or move on.

 

yes it can be done at home. cost depends on what needs replacing and if u plan on porting it. there r no "cheap shortcuts" to rebuilding any engine. the engine i did cost a little over $1000 and was already ported. the gasket set isn't what costs, it's all the internal seals that cost so much. no special tools needed except that big socket for the flywheel, 54mm or 2 1/8 in. and long breaker bar, and make something to keep the flywheel from turning. as for how long it takes, the most time consumming in any rebuild is cleaning everything. the reassembly goes pretty quick but u should have an extra pair of hands.

 

Pretty sure that she needs a rebuild? Just checking...

 

thought you needed a dowel rod remover

 

maybe, if u want to remove them before seperating the housings. sure it might make it easier but i've never needed one.

 

Dowel pin remover, aka, lug bolt and a couple other bolts that have the same diameter and pitch. If the pin sticks, screw the bolt through a box wrench and tap upwards on the wrench with a hammer.

Invest in the Turrentine video, that will give you and idea if you want to tackle a rebuild. They are easier than piston engines.

 

Yea, I did one myself...first time rotary rebuild. The engine isn't in the car yet, so can't testify to the success, but it was easy. I highly recommend the Turrentine video (from RotaryAviation.com). I used it and it's a huge help. Atkins also sells a video that everyone likes as well.

Rich

 

The "trick" is being careful when reassembling the motor. I've seen a few builds where the corner seals fell off and the builder didnt know until the motor was all together. Attention to detal and patience and you will be ok. Rebuilding your own motor and then seeing it fire up is one of the most greatest moments in a Rotorhead's life! I still remember my 1st rebuild better then my 1st night with my wife! Rebuild and learn!

 

hahaha dont let your wife read that....

 

Not a chance Evil....

 

good cause i really dont want to hear you cry.. lol... j/k

 

Thanks guys. Apreciate the help. I'll get a video and pull the motor and see how bad things are. Lost all compression on the #2 rotor. Hopefully the housing is still good. I have seen that and the rotor are expensive parts to replace. Once I break this one open I guess I'll know what this job is really worth. Thanks again.

 

You can look in the Exheaust port and see the damage.

 

Get the haynes or a factory service manual. I haven't actually rebuilt a rotary, but I have tore 2 down. Both took at least 1 rear apex seal and destroyed the rear rotor and housing. The 12A was from my car, while the S4 TII I tore down was one I bought to replace the 12A after I ported and rebuilt it to take 15psi of tire scorching boost. Since my 12A went out about 2 years too early, I was stuck getting another running engine. Oh well. Mabey I'll turbo the NA 13B.