For piston engines, one can tell quite a bit about engine condition by monitoring intake vacuum, e.g. figuring out things like worn rings, sticky valves, weak valve springs, exhaust restriction.

I assume there is similar stuff for the rotary engine ??
Any experience in detecting engine problems by just looking at vacuum readings ??

I think that would be useful to have some kind of correlation between vacuum readings and what the possible engine problems could be (like the tables you see for piston engines).

just a thought,
hugues -

 

I've never seen anything like that. The only thing I could think of would be the condition of your seals. If you lose vaccum over the years without doing any modifications your seals are probably getting worn.

 

You can use it to find leaks in the hoses, thats about it.

 

Checking the vacuume will tell you your valves are fine and you rings are good. Won't have to replace them.

I know what you are refering to and no there isn't much you can tell with the rotary.

 

A vacuum reading will tell you the condition of a lot of things. Intake leaks, low compression, etc. Basicaly the same as a piston engine...minus valves and such.