Got bored and purchased (cheap) an early '70's Sachs (German make)single-rotor snowmobile engine, originally from an Arctic Cat. Guy had it in his garage for decades and wanted to get rid of it. Claimed it put out around 20 hp or so, and to me this sounds about right.
The engine is AIR COOLED, runs on pre-mix, and is cooled internally by having some of the air/ fuel mixture routed thru the bearings on the eccentric shaft (!) The e-shaft is solid, not hollow like on the Mazda rotary. Rotor dimensions are about 1/2 the size of those found on the 12-A, and almost the same width. E-shaft bearings are all roller bearings. Total weight of engine is about 60 lbs.
The housings (all are aluminum) have massive cooling fins on their exteriors and a big-*** cooling fan mounted on one end of the engine. Spark is from a magneto, similar to a lawnmower engine. Also, the rotor has no oil-control seals one the sides, and there is no seal betweeen the housings. I know all of this because it took me exactly 45 minutes to strip the engine down to the last bolt.
My question is, are any of you familiar with this engine and if so, what kind of reliability, power, fuel consumption, and problems did you experience with it? Just wondering, because I'm thinking it just might make a good engine for an ultralight.

 

Or a riding lawnmower? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

make a really loud go cart

 

Or a vibrator for my ex-girlfriend! (I'm married now) Sorry, I couldn't resist either.

 

Yeah, I actually considered a go-cart. No torque at the low end might be a problem though even with a centrifugal clutch. This wouldn't be a problem on an ultralight though. The only time the revs are low in an airplane is during taxiing. As for loud, this thing still has the original exhaust system complete with muffler and in very good shape.

 

Theres an old guy who has one of those in his garage in my area also and he wants to get rid of it.

There is another guy who has a brand new 45hp rotary engine from an Evinrude RC-45-Q. He bought it brand new in the 70's and has never taken it out of the box.

 

Who manufactured the one from the evenrude? Is it air-cooled? Any idea as to the weight of the engine?

 

Yes the Evinrude engines are air cooled and they were made by NSU Wankel. I have no idea of the weight of the motor.

 

Ok, I've since done some research. The engine used in the Evenrude (also used in the Johnston sleds) was manufactured by OMC. BHP was either 35 or 45, depending on the model. The NSU/Wankel logo on the engine would have meant that the engine was LICENSED by NSU/Wankel to be produced by the manufacturer.
My engine is a single-rotor Sachs model KM914B. Displacement is 303 cc, producing 19 BHP at 5500 rpm's, with 20.3 lb-ft of torque coming in at 4000 rpm's. Weight is 67 lbs.
Just wondering--- do you know if the Evinrude engine is for sale? If so, can you pm me with a contact and asking price?
Thanks in advance,
Brett.