Subject: Fuel economy
From: rotaryeng
Date: 4/7/2012, 10:42 PM
To: AAAA Put this in the To box



Hi  Paul.

1)  Aside  from   perceived  poor  fuel  economy  of  rotary  engines,   what  are
its  disadvantages ?

2)  You  advised  carbs  and  magnetos.    Why  are  they  not  discussed  here?
Are  they  not  suitable  for  rotaries ?   If  suitable,   Let's  have  more
discussions.

3)  Can  there  be  carb  icing  in  tropical  countries  below  3,000 feet ?

Best regards.
Ben

Fuel economy is only 5% higher than an aircraft piston engine. This is more than made
up for by the 25% lower cost of auto gas.

Magnetos are suitable. They will work fine.  They are just too costly. $2000 each new
and $400 to $800 re manufactured plus cores. People don't want to pay as much for two
aircraft magnetos as they pay for the rest of the engine. In some case much more than
they payed for the engine. RX8 ignition coils are $25 each for a total of $100. One
coil per plug.

However if I were certifying a rotary I would use aircraft magnetos
and an aircraft carb. The FAA is much more comfortable with that they they are with
EFI and electronic ignition. In that case the rotary engine would pass certification
in a heart beat.

The best carb (cost verses power) to use is a two barrel 500 CFM Holley with a
leaning kit.

The FAA will not sign off on your carb engine unless it has carb heat.

Paul Lamar
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