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by Jewcano

Question by The Engineer: What steps to follow with a rotary engine in a mazda rx8 to take good care of the car?
New to the rotary engine world and I know that they need a lot more care and attention than a normal engine. I was wondering what a list of steps and procedures will help enhance the life and performance of the vehicle. I know that changing the oil very often is a must and maybe adding a little premix to the fuel but what other steps can i follow?

Best answer:

Answer by cnshinn
Rotary engines don’t really take a lot more care, but proper, knowledgeable care. This is where so many owners get into problems and why rotary engines have such a bad rap. Mazda really needs to educate new owners.

The basics of rotary care:

1) Let the engine warm up a bit before driving off if you can. Restrict RPM’s until the motor is fully warmed.

2) Do NOT shut off a rotary engine “cold” as this can lead to flooding. This is because, like all engines, the high idle fuel flow is higher to keep the motor running until warmed up a bit. The difference is that in a rotary the engine design can let excess fuel “pool” at the bottom of the rotor housing, thinning the oil on the walls, and therefore loosing the seal leading to compression loss. You can safely shut off the motor when it drops to low idle (around 800-900 rpm). If you must shut down cold, rev the motor to 3000 rpm and hold for 8 – 10 seconds. This cuts the fuel flow to regular levels and burns off any excess, preventing flooding.

3) NEVER overheat a rotary engine…period. You will warp a rotor housing and then need a new motor.

4) Carbon build up is a bigger issue in a rotary, and the damage it can cause is higher, too. Keep carbon & varnish at bay by giving the engine rev’s when you can. A red-line a day will keep the mechanic away. Rotary engines love high rev’s so indulge when it’s safe to do so. Taking long highway drives are another good way to keep the motor clean.

5) Check you oil levels often. Since some oil is injected into the combustion chambers you will have to monitor your oil. Expect to add a quart every 1500 – 2500 miles. And since oil is injected get fresh oil in there by changing your oil every 3000 or so miles.

6) Except for a very few specific synthetic oils, stay away from synthetics. You oil needs to burn off as cleanly as possible when injected into the combustion chambers, and most synthetics are designed to NOT burn-off easily.

7) Pre-mixing good 2 cycle motor oil into your gas is something a lot of rotary owners do (including me). It gives that little added insurance that you’ll have good lubrication for the rotor seals. You only need 4 – 6 ounces per full tank.

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