im doing a presentation on the rotary engine, i got all hte info i need except these questions:
1. why isn't it more popular?2. how's the gas mileage compared to a piston engine of similar power3. why does only mazda makes rotary cars (other companies make rotary engines, i know)
p.s. - if u dont have anything positive to add, dont reply, im deleting this thread tomorrow
school project on the rotary, help plz
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lessthanjakejohn
- Posts: 4105
- Joined: Fri Oct 25, 2002 6:39 am
"Typically, it is more difficult (but not impossible) to make a rotary engine meet U.S. emissions regulations.
The manufacturing costs can be higher, mostly because the number of these engines produced is not as high as the number of piston engines.
They typically consume more fuel than a piston engine because the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine is reduced by the long combustion-chamber shape and low compression ratio. " (http://travel.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine5.htm)
The manufacturing costs can be higher, mostly because the number of these engines produced is not as high as the number of piston engines.
They typically consume more fuel than a piston engine because the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine is reduced by the long combustion-chamber shape and low compression ratio. " (http://travel.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine5.htm)
the gas milage is very nice comparatively when they are well maintained. usually 3-6 mpg more than a 4 cylinder with the same hp.
Rotary engines are less popular because they were created with degrading parts internally (Apex Seals) that require teardown and replacement every 60-90k miles. On the plus side, these seals are cheap and easily replaced by anyone who can read a FSM.
Mazda was the only company willing to step out on a limb to put a rotary motor into a car. they originally did it to keep up with their american counterpart (Ford) who had released the cosworth. The ideas behind both cars were simple. Make good power in a vehicle that weighs nothing.
Rotary engines are less popular because they were created with degrading parts internally (Apex Seals) that require teardown and replacement every 60-90k miles. On the plus side, these seals are cheap and easily replaced by anyone who can read a FSM.
Mazda was the only company willing to step out on a limb to put a rotary motor into a car. they originally did it to keep up with their american counterpart (Ford) who had released the cosworth. The ideas behind both cars were simple. Make good power in a vehicle that weighs nothing.
Not sure it's completely relevant, but as to the popularity or lack there of, I was once told by a mechanic at the Mazda dealership, when my buddy took his 86 or 87 in was that during a normal oil change interval it should "consume" nearly a quart of oil. Well, figure the people that don't watch oil levels and go 5, 6 or even 7,000 miles between changes and it could get a bad rap real quick.
About 10 years later, when my dad was running the service department at a Pontiac/Mazda dealership in MD, he said that the most "problematic" Rx7's were those that were babied. The owners that admitted to running the heck out of them never needed anything but regular servicde and new chrome tips for the exhaust.
About 10 years later, when my dad was running the service department at a Pontiac/Mazda dealership in MD, he said that the most "problematic" Rx7's were those that were babied. The owners that admitted to running the heck out of them never needed anything but regular servicde and new chrome tips for the exhaust.