How easy is it to work on rotaries?
 

I am extremely new to rotary engines, but I have some time before I actually have to purchase my next car, and I have quite a lot of choices in mind that span quite a few categories of cars. But, I always planned on doing my own work on the cars. So is it hard to learn how to work on a rotary? How easy is an engine swap? How many of you work on your own car? And could anyone give me some good sites with good tech articles? I've tried searching but I come across pretty basic sites. Help me out! Thanks!

here are two really good sites.

http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobinette/
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7

as far as learning how to work on them... remember when you first learned how to work on piston engines.... wasn't too difficult, was it? that's how hard it is to work on these.

it's all the same - just different. ;)

I think the 3rd gen engine is a PITA to work on. The main design consideration where to make it small and light. Making it easy to work on was way down on the list. If you drop anything (bolts, nuts, etc) on the passenger side of the engine there's a good chance you won't see it again. And to get something off you need to take 3 or 4 other things off. This is probably true of many engines but it seems worse on this one. I've worked on my wife's Corolla, which is very easy, and I used to have an AWD turbo Talon which was fairly easy with the exception of the timing belt.

Once you've done it a few times though it gets much faster and then its not so bad.

Routine maintainence isn't too bad- replacing spark plugs is best done from beneath the car and still its a little bit of a pain.

Bottom line is once you get used to working on it its not too bad but when I first started I was continuously cussing at the car and was threatening to get rid of it. I'm happy I kept it and don't cuss nearly as much now.

They can be frustrating, especially if you don't take the time to learn about them. The turbo control system is REALLY complicated. Take anything and everything you know about piston engines and fuggedaboudit....It's a totally different beast, and more similar in a lot of ways to a 2 stroke motorcycle engine than anything - yet - it's a four stroke! Wankel was an absolute genius. If you really want to find out about how to rebuild one the best idea is to order "rebuilding the 13B rotary" video from www.Atkinsrotary.com. $30, excrutiatingly boring, but worth it for the insight. Great viewing for those nights you can't seem to get to sleep. Better than drugs.:p