Question:

  Handpropping a rotary engine ... Possible?  Easy/Difficult?
 Robin Berglund


  Difficult due to the gear box. One rotation of the prop is
  2.88 revs on the engine. A lot depends on the EFI tuning
  and the position of the fuel injector relative to the rotor
  housing.

  Also it is a function of prop inertia. A low inertia
  wood prop would not help.

  Paul Lamar


 While the effort (perceived torque) to turn the engine with the prop
 will be relatively high, swinging the prop a relatively short distance
 will cause a comparatively large (and fast) rotation of the engine -
 aiding in starting.  The rotary's relatively low compression ratio and
 small displacement may make it possible.  In a way, isn't propping a
 geared engine much like propping an engine with a large number of
 cylinders?

 Has anyone tried it?  It should be approached with great care as
 propping any engine is potentially very hazardous.


 Matt-



Absolutely impossible on my bridgeported 12a with 2.85 ross 4 blade warp
drive.

Gary Buster
Frankston Texas
Aero Estates Airpark  T25