Hey, I have an engine with blow apex seals, and my shop teacher thinks that this would be a good project for me to do, along with his help. I was just wondering how difficult it would be to rebuilt this motor, and if there is any information or a how-to guide for rebuilding a rotary. P.S. - I don't have alot of money due to the fact that im a student and work part time, and if this option would be possible, then it would be the best way for me to get my car runnning.

 

if you have all the right measuring equipment ie dial micrometers, inside micrometers and so on then it should be feasible for you to do in the shop.
oh and also considering the damage done to the engine.
your call... if it was me i would do it in a heart beat (great learning experience).

 

Atkins Rotary http://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/customer/home.php has rebuild videos and they sell rebuild kits($900).

 

Rotary Aviation has videos as well. There is a Remove & Replace DVD, and a 13B Overhaul DVD.

http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Books_videos.htm

 

The best video is the 13B DYI from the guys in Australia, than RA's R&R and 13b rebuild video are pretty good. Atkins video is a joke compared to the other two as they skip over to many important points. I still get a chuckle out of the amount of Hylomar Atkin's apply

 

The main thing is that you're going to have to buy replacement parts to make a whole good block again. See www.rotaryresurrection.com ---> tech ---> internal engine pics for explanation, see the part about blown apex seals. You should plan on needing a rotor and rotorhousing, if indeed your diagnosis of blown apex seals is correct. 95% of engines with blown seals wind up needing these parts replaced...it is a stroke of luck to find otherwise.

 

Like the man says you will probly need replacement parts and doing it on a buget is hard plus all the gaskets and those damn things aren't cheap either.

 

Kevin is right on the money. I would rather take a chance on warped side housing in a motor with a bad coolant seals than the almost guaranted damage in a motor with a popped apex seal.

 

see if the school will fund it as part of the auto program..it wouldn't hurt to ask..just tell him that the engines are Unique and more people should know about alternatives to piston powered internal combustion engines..it's worth a shot ..the worse thing that can happen is you get turned down and you have to pay for parts and seals..which you would have had to do anyways..and if someone feels like donating parts to educate some kids about rotaries ..ask some of the guys on the forum..(or hold a School Raflle or something to raise money for the cause..)...It's Education based..that's the main thing..

 

Hey guys, I appreciate all the reponses, and I think I might ask my school to help fund it.....I have nothing to lose really.....and also, does anyone know where I can find reasonably priced replacement rotars and housings?

 

The "for sale" section of the forums

 

Ha, I actually just thought of that after I sumitted it.