Do I have to replace this now.
 

I didn't know exactly what to type into a search so I hope someone will be kind enough to respond. I have my engine torn down and was cleaning the mid-iron. Incase I am using the wrong terminology, its the one that houses the primary injectors. I foolishly broke the piece that extends down into the intake port. I think it is a deflector. Is this part cast into the iron, or is it replaceable.

I also have another mystery I am trying to solve. When I tore my engine down, there were no plugs in the round corner seals? Again, incase my terminology is wrong, I am talking about the inner round slotted piece that presses into the round slotted metal piece that holds the corner seal. All six where missing. Seems to me there are only three possible explanations, but if it is the last one, it creates a different question. (It's like a bonus question, so you get extra credits if you answer it).

1. The builder forgot to install them.
2. The builder thought they weren't needed with my seals.
3. The port job they did allowed the seals to fall out when the rotors open the intake ports.

If the builder forgot them I have no problem at this point. I can simply install them with the rebuild. I could ask the shop, but it was three years ago. I doubt they would remember and probably would not want to own up even if they did remember.

As far as not being required with my seals (Rotary Aviation) I contacted them, they said they are required.

Now for the biggie. Is it possible they could have been expelled into the intake ports and then pushed into the combustion cycle and out through the exhaust? I found no evidence of any serious damage to the rotor housing or rotors? I have not taken the turbos apart to check the hot side yet. I was told by at least one builder that this is possible, but could it happen without causing some visible damage to the rotors or housings and what are the chances on both rotors?

Is there a way for a first time builder to determine if the port work has caused the corner seal plugs to be exposed to the opened intake ports allowing them to fall out? Can anyone give me a spec or way to measure so I can know for sure before I rebuild this thing? It is difficult to believe they would have forgotten them. If the port work is the problem is it true I will have to replace them, or can lapping fix the problem?

Wow that's a lot of questions. Hope some knowledgeable people are bored today!

You are talking about the fuel diffuser or air bleed as some call them. It fits below the primary injector and is used to disperse the fuel spray. Just replace it, they are pretty cheap. pic attached. mazdatrix sells em. I'll let someone else chime in on the seals issue.
-spence

Thanks, thats the piece. I was trying to push it up from the inside when it broke. After I got enough light on it I couldn't tell if it was molded into the housing.

Just an update on my other question. Rooky mistake I guess. I just finished cleaning up the faces of my rotors. Not much doubt that the corner seal plugs went through the motor. Looks like I will need to replace both rotors and likely my side housings as well, if the porting is the problem. Anyone that wants to chime in, it would be appreciated. RD

What kind of port was done on the engine? Depending on the port type, some rebuilders don't use the rubber inserts on the corner seals.

It was advertised as a mild street port. If I told you what shop you might know, but I'd rather not name the shop on this form, as I have not spoken to them and don't want to spread a negative if they didn't do anything wrong. If you give me the ok, I'll send you a pm. THX RD

Well, not to be mean but what would be the point? Some builders use them, some don't. Obviously they aren't a critical piece for the engine to work or bridge ports would be out. ;) Most likely if none of them are there, the builder didn't use them.

Are you trying to figure out why the engine failed or are you just trying to assess what you need for a rebuild?

Both really, but mostly if I need to replace the side irons or just get them lapped. All the corner seals and apex seals were intact, but both rotors are scared. I don't know what went through the engine. I want to make sure I don't have a porting problem on the intake ports causing things to get ejected. I didn't know what you meant by some use them and some don't. I did have someone tell me that race or track cars don't use them with wot applications. Not looking to place blame, just know that if I put it back together it will stay together. Seems like they are non-essential. What purpose do they serve? Thx RD

I'm not exactly sure, but I would guess they attempt to keep the corner seal from completely collapsing onto the apex seal.

I sent Sean at A-Spec an email. Hopefully, if I send my side housing to him for lapping, he will check them out and let me know if they are ok. I just hate to ship them to find out if they are ok. If anyone can give me a way to spec them I would really appreciate it.

As far as the corner seal side plugs, I was told they keep the cormer seals in place until they heat enough to expand and seal up the gap between the corner seal and apex seal. I was also told that without them you tend to get more fuel mixing into your pan oil because of the loose corner seals until warm up. I don't know if any of that is correct.

The procedure for inspecting the engine parts beings on C-51 in the FSM (at least in the 94 FSM).

Thanks again, I will check it out.