How Rotary Engines Work - Mazda RX-7 Wankel - Detailed Explanation

[@ryanspalding6252]

How the hell does someone even think to make this kind of engine, and then engineer it to work as good as it does. wow

[@InfoumusMOBB]

+nym5678 not any different then Wernher Von Braun....

[@Tokyodriving]

InfoumusMOBB Forgot about him. Thanks! Time to read more.

[@GustSergeant]

+nym5678 murderous Doritos.

[@DoodlezMusic]

+Ryan Spalding Mathematics and physics

[@DoodlezMusic]

+David Beecroft Your name is David, though...

[@pierrot148]

what a fantastic design... No matter how bad the disadvantages are. I really hope they can find solutions for these problems some day.

[@SamuelsShea]

Mazda hinted at the idea of bringing back the rotary but with some derivative of skyactiv tech (from what I've read in a Motor Trend mag). But who knows, maybe they're just giving us blue balls.

[@edgarj4762]

+Shea Samuels yea thats what they're saying, the new engine will have direct fuel injection increasing torque and fuel economy also the rotors will be bigger however they didnt want to set a date stating it would put stress on their engineers.

[@RedPanda555]

If the design has clear inherent disadvantages, can it still be called 'fantastic design'?

[@pierrot148]

RexSpec06 piston engines also have inherent disavantages (RPM cap, friction, etc.). Just think about how genious the person who thought of this must have been. Much more impressive than the piston engine in my opinion

[@pierrot148]

edgar calderon jr Sounds like a dream ;) Man I hope they put it in all their cars up to the mazda 6 haha. That'd be a selling point for me.

[@jesseguerrero7789]

Disadvantages: Oil & Fuel consumption. That's all. I know people try to bundle in Reliability, but it really isnt. My first car was 1990 Rx7, and besides regular maintenance it was bulletproof. Regular redlines included. Any car can break down without the proper care from its owner. The Rx-8 got it the worst. So many people bought them, yet so few knew how to maintain and operate them. Reputation down the drain. Nowadays i drive a scion due to needing the extra seats, but i will always be a Mazda guy.

[@twistedyogert]

Anything will work well if you take care of it.

[@duaneelsbree3460]

@@twistedyogert no engine can take the rpm abuse that this engine does and last 1/2 as long. Simplicity, few parts, fun

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

@@twistedyogert Not true, Wankel engines are inherently unreliable compared reciprocating engines regardless of how you take care of them.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Reliability was the biggest disadvantage of the Wankel engine... so unreliable that they cannot be used in passenger aircraft applications.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

The NHTSA recall investigations of the RX8 completely debunked that popular urban myth. Federal investigator found RX8 oqners with fully documented service and inspection records suffered the same unacceptably high premature engine failure rates.

[@yuset6]

undoubtedly the most beautiful engine design ever

[@XxGreYSh0TxX]

Beautiful, yes. Efficient, no.

[@TheNorthernDrift]

+XxGreYSh0TxX unless your mad mike

[@corporalwaffles]

+XxGreYSh0TxX Depends on what you define efficient. Space efficient? Yes. Material efficient to manufacture? Yes. Fuel efficient? No.

[@yuset6]

+corporalwaffles guys.. take it for what it is .... is jus a very interesting idea.. and about efficiency.. well non internal combustion are efficient.. you want efficient look into turbines (jet engines) !!

[@XxGreYSh0TxX]

+TheNorthernDrift I don't get the reference

[@Morphasella]

The best rotary engine explain video in youtube

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Morphasella Very kind, thank you!

[@pranavkrishna6353]

itss been five years mate

[@Morphasella]

Yes it is. Hence my comment age.

[@Vpr310]

Just a note: The "T" and "L" on the side of the housing indicates Leading spark and Trailing spark. Great job explaining the Rotary engine.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yes, great comment!

[@Inev8able]

+Engineering Explained with great comment comes great inform...ability.

[@rowdykun]

+Engineering Explained are you going to do a video explaining disadvantages of a rotary engine? like in this video u explained how a rotor is More efficient than pistons, but is there a considerable power difference in the way it makes it too?

[@katanamast279]

+Engineering Explained Please do a build and possible engine installation!!! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@jackdaniel1848]

Seeing a disassembled rotary engine for the first time, I'm amazed at how simple it seems compared to internal combustion piston and rod engines. It makes me really want to give them a try.

[@jackdaniel1848]

+The real doktorbimmer I was thinking of maybe picking up an FC RX-7, should I decide to start tinkering. But, I'll probably heed your warning and stick with what I know.

[@MrTshoff]

The real doktorbimmer People dont buy them because all the soccer moms and old peope who went and bought RX-8s and blew them up because average people dont know how to keep up with them refuse to touch a mazda now but originally the rx8 wasnt a bad seller until the later years. They arent being made anymore because they cant pass current emissions. Id be suprised if anything that burns oil by design can.

[@MrTshoff]

The real doktorbimmer It isnt a theory its more of an anecdote as I actually saw it happen. Twice. As I said before it wasnt a bad seller in the first two years. Sure it was no mustang but not bad. I feel like I saw those things everywhere back then. 2012 emissions are not equal to current emissions and as someone who was in cali for a couple years back then the earlier models were not always passing by 2010 and I know more than a few people sold them for that reason. The real issue with the wankel in my eyes is the fact no one tells these people how to keep up with them.

[@MrTshoff]

The real doktorbimmer Its no old wives tale considering people who know how to keep up with them dont have too much trouble getting 100k miles out of them and people who dont significantly less. What people bought or didnt buy doesnt really change the fact the car was pretty solid. We arent talking sales strategies or marketing here we are talking cars. The rx series as far as im aware have never been great sellers but they do have die hard fanatics.

[@jackdaniel1848]

I look at FC's BECAUSE of how cheap they are in comparison to the FD models. I've seem FD shells alone around Vegas go for $8000. I love drag racimg with all my heart and I'd just strip all of the interior and unnecessary part of anyway. You've done a good job of talking me out of rotaries but I'm still curious...

[@joshuafinley644]

Wankel rotary engines have always fascinated me. I love their design, performance, and obviously the incredible sounds they make. I'm trying to one day buy either the RX-7 or RX-8 or even both. Despite its reliability issues and gas guzzling nature, I believe the Wankel engine still holds promise in this efficiency craved world

[@Ostrowam77]

Absolutely fantastic demonstration and explanation here! I have been wondering for years how the Wankel works and you answered every question I had perfectly! Love the channel, keep doing what your doing!

[@EngineeringExplained]

+Alexander Ostrowski Happy to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@th4pr1us65]

+Alexander Ostrowski I couldn´t say it better :)

[@subharatisinha547]

You're

[@VagueMemory]

It took a very creative mind to design the wankel rotary.

[@ROOKTABULA]

They shoulda have went with Walter's name

[@Rentta]

Only thing i could think of when this video started: "Here comes an fd driver and he has one line of conversation" ... " IMMA TELL YOU HOW A ROTARY ENGINE WORKS!!!" -Regular

[@wetnoodle9689]

my fd is best fd

[@MannyFresh1x]

lmao exactly I was gonna write this until I saw yours. "Imma tell you anyway!"

[@ToggleSwitch13]

BBBBBBVVVVTVTVT MOOOOOORE TRIANGLES

[@MannyFresh1x]

+WesticlesEmpire Air goes in one turbo and goes in the the other turbo and... BIGGER AIR!

[@StormCougarTypeZero]

TIRANGELS, TIRANGELS, TIRANGELS

[@polrob6128]

Best rotary engine explanation no the Internet imo

[@aaronmurphy5060]

man, all I can say is I LOVED my '79' first gen RX-7. it was fun. although I owned the repair guides n know how they work, it was nice to see the full scale engine parts in your description. very nice touch.

[@CamoKKing]

Hey man i know this comment is 4 years old and you probably wont see this but do you have any tips on how best to maintain this engine?

[@11dmills]

I feel you should have explained the negatives more, because now people that didnt know about rotary engines are leaving the video wondering why they aren't used in more cars

[@kylandaminick13]

+Revive agreed

[@kylandaminick13]

+Revive maybe he thinks it is obvious. but the only thing I could think of was that it burns oil by design.

[@edgarj4762]

+Revive other car company's cannot use this engine, Mazda has a patent for the rotary engine.

[@amirmograbi]

+1

[@ambydupuis]

+edgar calderon jr But Mazda does not use this engine in any of their car right now, the RX-8 is out of production and the 'next generation' is not available yet. So I would really enjoy a more in-depth explanation where negatives are detailed. If it is only a matter of oil consumption, that could easily be taken care of: There are 2-strokes engine using an external oil tank and it works fine.

[@MattCRHughes]

glad to see the wankel engine getting some love, people complain about it all the time but my 1988 RX7 still runs fine with 140k miles on it and has never been rebuilt.

[@philliphimebaugh1488]

That is a perfect explanation. Thank you for that! I have known the basic princibles on how rotories work for years but never have seen it explained so well, now I'm even more interested in it's fantastic design. I had a chance to drive one several times back in the 90's, it was so smooth. You had no redline to deal with, just shift when it quit making more power.

[@sheltr9735]

What a tremendous presentation! Consistently clear, always as simple as it could possibly be. And very thorough. Thank you very much!

[@jamesbukkaki3501]

I have been waiting for this video my whole life. thank you!

[@EngineeringExplained]

I've been preparing my whole life to make this video for you. You're welcome!

[@transce]

I drove an RX7, it was mind-blowing. The torque curve is unbelievable.

[@Zero-ks3pc]

Yeah, it has more torque than the meme would lead one to believe; but repeating tropes is what people do best!

[@livemoonpiemoonpiemusic4510]

WoW! The Guy Doing The Explaining of how it works never took a breath. He explained how A rotary engine (Wankel)works at all of the stages ie. combustion,exhaust!!!!! I actually watched it a few times (I am a slow learner. Great Tutorial

[@BaronVonPwn]

and this is why I love the rotary. not much can go wrong as long as you drive it right and take care of it properly. I really regret not buying that 08 rx8

[@erickcampanero7626]

Dorito POWERRR!!!

[@rkan665]

All hail the dorito engine!

[@theaustinite5320]

thank you so much, i graduate from Automotive engineering collage on 1990, but now you teach me every thing about Dr. Wankel engine.

[@SeanKayGee]

Great teacher man. I never knew how an engine worked. Now I actually understand how incredible yet complex it is.

[@ErasableNinja]

Amazing video!

[@brodyoloughlin4660]

Since when did you go from rotary engines to ninja defuses??

[@emertes17]

Disadvantages? Burns lots of oil Not as fuel efficient as 4 strokes Apex seals wear out If the engine is turned on then turned off quickly then the engine will flood, at least with the older engines Not as much low end torque

[@BallorMan14]

+emertes17 It also gets very hot. Because you have 3 ignition "strokes" per 1 turn of the eccentric shaft, the engine doesn't get a chance to cool down like a 4 stroke would.

[@mmorzan]

+emertes17 I agree with most of your points but i don't understand why are people so butthurt about torque on rotary engines? How can you expect torque from 1300cc engine that revs to moon?

[@joscythe556]

+emertes17 this IS a 4 stroke engine..

[@BallorMan14]

+Joel Sägesser 4 stroke *piston engine

[@SlipknotMaggot0526]

+Matej Moržan He doesn't seem butthurt at all...

[@todddembsky8321]

Nice presentation. Too bad that the engine has been plagued by seals issues. This would be a wonderful aviation engine due to its small cubic foot print and low mass for the power output. It is a marvelous piece of engineering. How does this differ from the new Wankel in the R8? I heard that they moved the intake ports to the perimeter of the rotor housing rather than in the sidewall as on the RX-7 version. I like the hands on visuals that you give. Now if you could do a BMW/MAN diesel prime mover from a container ship. I believe the pistons are 5 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet in diameter and weigh a couple of tons each. You should be able to horse one of those onto the table :-)

[@feedback5010]

+Todd Dembsky If I'm not mistaken many WWI biplanes had rotary engines so you're spot on with that assessment

[@todddembsky8321]

feedback5010 You are correct in that they had rotary engines, the difference was that it was the engine that spun with the propeller. The crank shaft was held rigid while the propeller was mounted to the engine. This caused huge gyroscopic effects as you had a large rotating mass at the front of the aircraft. Many of those aircraft could snap roll right, but had difficulty in making quick evasive turns to the left. The Wankel rotary has a very small spinning mass and puts out over 250hp -- more with Turbo Charging. While the Gnome put out 37 HP. I do know that one company attempted to get FAA certification for a mod to some Cessna's (182, 206 and such) to replace the air cooled flat fours and sixes with Wankles, but the market was not strong enough to recover the R&D and certification costs.

[@invinciblejets4690]

The case with the rx8 is actually the exhaust and intake are side ports rather than a peripheral exhaust port like this 13b.

[@todddembsky8321]

invinciblejets Oh -- thank you, I could not remember what changed, but I knew one of the ports moved from the peripheral to the side. Thank you !!

[@bingoberra18]

+Todd Dembsky On the other hand you cannot ignore the issues of huge oil and gas bills, heat and noise that it brings with it.

[@jakeiswayblack9275]

I subscribed because of this video. The info was delivered in an extremely intelligent, well put together manner. I have been wondering about the inner workings of the Wenkel, and had no idea that they burned oil on purpose. Is anyone else impressed with this guy???

[@rucarnuts13]

A truly fascinating engine. So many advantages, so many disadvantages. I am happy they never went mainstream. Makes seeing and hearing a rotary a special occasion.

[@johnburns4017]

Disadvantages have been worked on and largely eliminated.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Mazda permanently discontinued development of Wankel engines in 2009 because they no longer offer any significant advantages.

[@stefanradovich8510]

is the main reason they're so much less fuel efficient because of the greater surface area to volume? i.e transferring more heat ?

[@EngineeringExplained]

+stefan radovich No, has a lot to do with combustion chamber shape, and the amount of fuel which tends to not get burned. I'll have a video explaining in detail soon!

[@stefanradovich8510]

+Engineering Explained cool i look forward to it. your videos are good, i know some mazda owners I'll pass this on to.

[@stefanradovich8510]

+Engineering Explained hey off topic question but i was debating this with friends. Do you reckon engine piston speed is currently limited by valve float or oil film shear strength ? I think it's the latter, i.e actual piston velocity in m/s. Or is it just a really complicated combination.

[@EngineeringExplained]

+stefan radovich I would guess it's limited by flame propagation speed, but I don't know.

[@ytdood]

+stefan radovich I'd think it has a lot to do with the parts used to create the engine, the way the engine is built and the inertia of the parts. F1 cars can rev much higher since they have such a short stroke. In a longer stroke engine you get a lot of unwanted up-down movement which tends to break apart stuff and adds too much vibration.

[@xXfresh12Xx]

I bet most of people commenting on the disadvantages are the ones that never owned a rotary lol

[@xXfresh12Xx]

a lot of people are concerned for burning oil but obviously they're the ones who don't service their cars

[@1MotoXRacer1]

+xXfresh12Xx This is honestly really true. And the actual owners of these things say how it's just as reliable as a piston engine because they actually take care of their rotaries. Pre-mix your gas, and keep oil topped off EVERY TIME you take it out. You need to treat it like a two-stroke dirt bike, almost. I'd love to own an RX-7 FD, though.

[@xXfresh12Xx]

+Violetta exactly someone who understands. when filling up my tank, people give me the strangest looks when i put oil in my gas lol treat it like a baby pretty much. FD'S are the dream man

[@zeus2937]

+xXfresh12Xx what do you mix your fuel with? Just a brand or idk be specific please. I own an FC.

[@soniccdx]

+xXfresh12Xx excatly the same reaction here also .. i .use motorcycle oil though .

[@sergioguevara192]

disadvantages?

[@awxy8206]

+sergioguevara192 burning oil constantly, seals

[@MrNicholg]

+sergioguevara192 low torque at all rpm, low gas mileage, it's not as efficient as a reciprocating piston engine

[@b10s]

+sergioguevara192 Some people say it has worse fuel economy than a piston engine.

[@Ratbagsocialist]

+sergioguevara192 yeah people tease you about reliability comparing it to an ls motor

[@ThePlanBPill]

+sergioguevara192 Higher than normal exhaust gases. Which loses a lot of potential energy.

[@GeorgeWBushDid911]

I love the hands on videos like this that you used to do. Would love to see these make a comeback.

[@anthonymigchelbrink3254]

The sound of a rotary engine on the track is amazing. They sound like two-stroke motorcycle engines and they're incredibly loud!

[@9820dominik]

What are the cons in such a engine design?

[@ethangee96]

+Dominik Low bottom end torque, Apex seals don't last forever meaning you need a full engine rebuild usually every 75-100k miles, They burn oil, and they use considerably more fuel than a normal piston engine.

[@sermerlin1]

+Ethan Gee but i bet they're still more efficient then half of piston engines... :v

[@bigandfluffy2000]

+Dominik mine gets 14mpg, i also disabled my squirters and premix 2cycle on every fill up so mine doesnt burn oil, premixing burns cleaner and increases longevity by covering everything rather than the center of the apex seal, mine is at 137k and still running

[@gnashmelllow]

+Dominik 205,000 and still going. Premix only, being driven how it should be, and waiting for it to reach full temp before driving.

[@antep6157]

Its a rotary engine its a rotary engine do you know how small it is do you know how much power it has??? Do you know how these work? Do you know who Wankel is? Do you know HOW SEQUENTIAL TURBOS WORK??? IMMA TELL YOU ANYWAY IMMA TELL YOU ANYWAY IMMA TELL YOU ANYWAY

[@antep6157]

Of course :)

[@bigandfluffy2000]

+CroatianZ 370 i felt so bad after watching that episode.. ive done all those things..

[@andrewowendoff3347]

+CroatianZ 370 Love the Regular Car Reviews Reference. :)

[@gokartbuyer]

+CroatianZ 370 SO small SO MUCH POWER, SO small SO MUCH POWER,TRIANGLES, TRIANGLES, TRIANGLES!!!

[@Rentta]

+CroatianZ 370 Have you heard the remix song of that ?

[@fahmikarim2092]

Can i know what are disadvantage of this engine and the main problem occur in rx8.. Im new to this wankel type engine

[@EngineeringExplained]

Search my channel for "4 reasons why the rotary is dead."

[@brandonwagner2123]

Engineering Explained it's awesome that you reply to old comments too 👍🏻

[@hectorsmall3041]

Khairuddin Karim

[@matthewgaskins202]

This engine is not meant for mpg, please understand that right off the bat. And the reason for the engine failure is because they changed the design from the rx7 to the rx8. Along with the main problem is people didnt keep up with the service, the ignition coils would go bad and then the spark plugs. Usually the coils would end up getting white spots and the spark plugs would look as if it was running lean. Then cause to engine failure. The rx7 has the 21B with the 3rotor and turbocharged, while the rx8 has the 13B that is naturally aspirated. These engines were designed to keep a high rpm while going around curves, they were used by many racers in high performance races such as Indy. You can look up the mazda furai, which properly uses the rotary engine. I own a 2005 mazda Rx-8.

[@xevanx99]

if you keep up with regular maintenance, the engines can be very reliable, especially when they are NA

[@waynebrown8791]

amazing. I've always wondered how the wankle engine worked, and have had my mind blown. I used to be a diesel mechanic, and am floored that three combustion cycles happen in one revolution. thank you, that was really amazing!!!

[@caigenproject]

dude, you are great in explaining. I don't care much about engines but I watched the entire vid cause you're just good at explaining things

[@amkekevre7408]

the "brapmobile" engine lol

[@jonathanerickson1543]

no... this is a rotary... not brap-... nvm

[@jackwheatley9114]

I guess only British people will find the word wankel funny 😂

[@1MotoXRacer1]

OH YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW A ROTARY WORKS?! IMMAH TELL YA ANYWAYYY IMMAH TELL YA ANYWAYYY IMMAH IMMAH TELL YA ANYWAYYY

[@ZepG]

Wow, my head exploded from to much knowledge being forced into an old brain with bad gaskets. Seriously this was the best explanation of a rotary engine that I've ever seen, Subscribed!

[@donaldlucas8688]

You are a natural teacher. Love this video. I owned an RX3 or 5 I can't remember but sold it for a quick profit. It was fast.But liked the gas.

[@two_number_nines]

i want to see it with diesel fuel

[@TurdFurgeson571]

Oh wow. How weird... I always thought RX-7s worked by replacing the stock motor with an LS1.

[@MarchuxProductions]

+TurdFurgeson571 Thus making it boring? No thanks.

[@TurdFurgeson571]

MarchuxProductions Ok. I was making a joke because a lot of people put Corvette engines in these tiny cars. It wasn't a shot against the Wankle. Say what you will, but I don't think you can sustain the case that a Corvette engine in an RX-7 is boring.

[@MarchuxProductions]

TurdFurgeson571 It is certainly less exciting than a rotary.

[@TurdFurgeson571]

MarchuxProductions Why do you say that? Doesn't that depend on preference?

[@Pyrochazm]

+TurdFurgeson571 That's good trolling.

[@michaelw2263]

Did I tell you it had a rotary engine?

[@Pyrochazm]

+michael w IMMA TELL YOU ANYWAY

[@FokkerBoombass]

+michael w TRIANGLES! TRIANGLES EVERYWHERE!

[@thethirdman225]

Not really a car guy, me, but you are one of the best KZbinrs out there.

[@Clearanceman2]

I've seen a lot of rotary explanations on TV and this is by far the most detailed and helpful.

[@Mickey_Bauer]

It would be cool if the the new F1 rules & regulations said "Wankel mothafakaaaas"

[@Camhin1]

DISADVANTAGES

[@monster91rs]

i wonder how many woman blew these engines by not checking the oil....

[@johnburns4017]

The same amount that blow any engine by not checking oil.

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer *Bimmer McBimface, you must stop making things up.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer *Bimmer McBimface, you must stop making things up.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer *Bimmer McBimface, you must stop making things up.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer *Bimmer McBimface, are the voices louder today.*

[@mahsakhadivi]

Couldn't have been explained any better! Simple, sufficient, precise and thorough. Answered all of my questions. thanks

[@RafaelSDourado]

Using real parts to demonstrate the concepts is much better than the white board! Good work!

[@rickpennisympaticoca]

my car is run by coal fire

[@rickpennisympaticoca]

no. coal

[@rickpennisympaticoca]

i run by coal, not tesla

[@rickpennisympaticoca]

yes. coal powers me

[@rickpennisympaticoca]

i am an old locomotive

[@EJL2004]

I just drank a bottle of Italian salad dressing.

[@allisonwatson7204]

By and far the best explanation of Wankel engine design on KZbin. Thanks for your time!👍

[@adamskinner5868]

That was a great explanation, I had a very basic understanding of rotary engines but seeing it all laid out like this along with the your explanations made it so much clearer especially on how the seals work. Thanks for that, worthwhile as usual.

[@solapowsj25]

Thanks for the great😁 demonstration. Rotary engines had drawbacks so did not find a place in the market. Today the turbo jet engine has proven to be more efficient when all factors are considered.

[@GracefulShanks]

Really nicely done, Jason. I bought an RX-8 this summer and have loved every moment with the car. For some reason, there's a lot of myths about rotaries and lack of understanding by non owners but you nailed the explanation of it! I can tell you really put a lot time into your research for this quirky engine and I really appreciate that. This engine is not rational or logical to own; its an emotional attachment. Every time I drive this car it feels like the first test drive all over again: its just plain fun to drive. You really can't a better handling car for the money except for Miatas or S2000s even then this engine is much more of a thrill then those roadsters. I hope to see you reviewing the RX-Vision in a few years!

[@StrongTyer]

Thank you! This is the best detailed explanation of how a rotary engine works. I had a general idea, but this is perfect.

[@mud_gum9367]

I too have always wondered. I'd seen an exploded view of the rotary engine a long time ago but I couldn't take what I know about typical piston engines and make it work in my head. This video was clear, concise and quickly built up in progression the mechanical process of the rotary engine. Well done video that was clearly thought out prior to "record" which makes it enjoyable to watch. Thank you.

[@bitshopstever]

Thank you for taking the time to record and explain this, I grew up in a machine shop and saw RX-7, etc. engines often but never took a long at one.. Interesting to catch it today..

[@thedevilcancry]

i love my RX7 it may be not "reliable" like people say but with good maintenance its a blast to drive. and when you port it the sound is amazing

[@njjeff201]

I was a Mazda mechanic at a dealer '76 - '86 Initially we were replacing lots of engines until the teflon seals came into play. Mazda was on the verge of bankruptcy until the RX7 came out. It was so popular there was a 6 month wait... units were sold above list price & that's what saved Mazda.

[@deegan727]

This is probably the most insight I've gotten about rotaries.Back in highschool we briefly touched the subject and I had a friend that was into rx7s but I haven't personally had to work on one.I work on a quite a bit of stuff on a regular basis but still haven't had to mess with one.Unfortunatly there just isn't too many around.Maybe I'll have to plan a project.

[@douglasmoore2200]

Extremely well explained, probably the best vid I ever seen explaining rotary's. Legend.

[@animalmother8465]

Wow, that was the best presentation I've ever watched. I had no idea an engine like this existed, my knowledge about cars and how they work is very limited. In saying that, I was very impressed with your explanation of the rotary engine simply because you didn't lose me. You made the whole thing very easy to understand and enjoyable to watch. Especially how you displayed the engine itself on the table and didn't use any animation, I believe that was why it was so easy for someone like myself to "keep up" with your explanation. Thank you for the work you do to educate the rest of us on things we never knew were so fascinating.

[@BhaalTheFleischgolem]

Best explanation I have seen! My father had an NSU ro80 with a wankel engine, but I don't think he knows how it works^^. It needed a lot of "love" and he sold it someday.

[@jeronimomurruni]

Yesterday I was watching how this engine works and I thought "Man, I'd like to see a better explain fron Engineer explained". You read my mind. Thank you :3

[@EngineeringExplained]

Yesterday I was thinking Jeronimo Murruni DESERVES a better explanation!

[@jeronimomurruni]

Engineering Explained Hahahahaha thank you :)

[@Raycefan]

This is probably one of the most reliable, efficient, engines ever devised, and it is capable of very large horsepower with vet small sized engines. I wish Mazda would market this engine more because I really do think it is way ahead of its time.

[@andreymelnik9824]

It's been said. But I'll say it again. Best instruction rotary engine video. Ever.

[@andrewsolis2988]

I've owned many rotaries! All of mine were very reliable and my 88 Turbo II actually took me to 180k miles before I sold it. Run 2 cycle oil in the gas and these motors will reliably give you years of fun!

[@garykavanagh7759]

Love the videos bud, your explanations very clear and simple. Thanks

[@EngineeringExplained]

Happy to hear it, thanks!

[@Coros_Midnight]

I just have to say... I love this channel.

[@kurrah100]

seriously man. great explanation. ive seen many explanations, but this one really hits the mark.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

I love the Wankel design! I find it easier to visualize a rotary engine than a 2 or 4 stroke piston engine.

[@abdullahalmoqbali2455]

Not matter the disadvantages , its a brillent peace of engineering art

[@locketom]

I'm glad that Mazda hasn't given up on these engines, anything can be improved on. I also can't wait for the next RX line of cars

[@ryu51890]

you are ridiculously good at explaining things lol every time i wonder something during the video you answered it seconds later...good job mate

[@EngineeringExplained]

Haha, happy to hear it!

[@ziad2243]

Thanks for the explanation, I wonder why this engine design wasn't so popular in motorcycles, it's basically what a motorcycle needs: compact design, high revving, low vibrations, high output.

[@sandervanderkammen9230]

Ironically Feliix Wankel conceived the engine specifically for motorcycles, NSU was a major European motorcycle producer at the time. Unfortunately the Wankel engine was inferior to compareable reciprocating engines in motorcycle applications... it offers no real advantages and many serious flaws and disadvantages.

[@amh007dude]

best breakdown of a rotary i have ever seen well done !!

[@vp8392]

definetly need a video on the disadvantages. rotary concept is very cool but the disadvantages definetly kept it from catching on. i know them just need your detailed video ;)

[@EngineeringExplained]

Coming soon!

[@sand0077]

I've a 1985 RX-7 GS with the 1.1 liter engine which I bought new which now has 150k on the odometer. Up until a few years ago it had always passed the stringent CA emissions test. The culprit turned out to be a faulty air control valve which is associated with the catalytic converter in operating correctly. Replacing the part resulted in passing emissions since the converter was now receiving and able to burn the spent gasses. The vehicle has been very reliable, the oil is checked regularly and tuned up as prescribed by the manufacturer. The engine is compact which makes servicing it easier than other designs and loves to rev. Matter of fact, there's a warning beep that goes off when exceeding around 7000 rpm. I wish it had better fuel economy but perhaps that and other issues the rotary engine has, namely the emissions due to the oil injection, will be addressed in the upcoming RX. The rotary is NOT dead by any means, Mazda is putting a lot into it and I'm sure it will show in the near future what the rotary is capable of in its newest incarnation.

[@JanBabiuchHall]

Great work! I've read a bit about rotary engines but your video puts it nicely in an intuitive visual form.

[@MrPaperjazz]

The best video ever about the rotary engine explanation! I was watching the video and for a while wondering why it got only 3k views....then I noticed it was published just today :D :D :D GREAT JOB ;)

[@_TenaciousD_]

Really amazing video!! So well explained! For ages I've always known bits and pieces about how these engines work but now that I've seen your vid I actually understand it all now :). You mention in the vid however about these engines having good reliability. I find that an interesting comment as most people's experience is that rotaries don't last as long as conventional combustion engines due to the loadings and multi-directional force on the seals, plus the huge importance of adequate engine oiling. I would also have like to have heard your thoughts and comments on rotary engines' general lack of torque (they can make big HP, but relatively low torque) and also high fuel efficiency when compared to regular combustion engines. Thanks for a great youtube channel!!

[@Atlas_FPV]

Best explanation of a rotary engine Ive seen, Thanks.

[@vinnyvdalidemonet8527]

Pretty good explanation Jason. You might have added/shown the several ways that the engine can be modified. Bridge Ported or a Peripheral Port where the plates are blocked off and fuel goes through the rotor housings. Also another interesting fact is the cooling system surrounding the engine and that if overheating occurs it warps the housing allowing coolant in the combustion area. Another note what you refer to as the "face" seals we called the oil control rings/seals and those have rubber seals installed both inner and outer rings. The fact of mid 1970's Rotary's came with the 4 bbl carb stock is worth a mention. Like the Pick up with pick up the REPU. (ROTARY ENGINE PICK UP) The 60 cubic inch 10A R100 was a neat little Mazda too. But the absolute best of them all is the MAZDA RX3 SP. The Dream Find of any/every rotary fan. God do I love the little Wankel Engine. ATTN: If anyone has or knows of any early Mazda's available? Please reply and leave me a comment.

[@braves292005]

Dude you rock this video man i never knew how a rotary engine works and you explain it very well

[@whit1981]

Cool video. I'm stupid in mechanical engineering and so I really appreciate these videos. Thx

[@Renigami]

I do not know if it is intentional, but your logo, is king in Japan! Great channel for those laypersons out there!

[@911gpd]

This is a marvelous piece of engineering

[@seanl9222]

Excellent Explanation. I've been building these engines for a long time in many types of performance trims. Thanks for making the video!

[@WaitingForStorm]

this guy explains better with actual rotary than people explaining with diagrams

[@Interceptor810]

I discovered this channel by accident and Ive got no regrets....

[@ealtamirano327]

The video I've been waiting for years has arrived. Thank you, Jason!

[@EngineeringExplained]

+ealtamirano327 You mean this didn't do it for you back in 2011? ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57beKupg5qph68

[@ealtamirano327]

+Engineering Explained I remember that one! But as much as I enjoy your drawings, there's no substitute for an actual engine.

[@EngineeringExplained]

+ealtamirano327 Haha hence the ;). I agree!

[@calebfox6038]

Finally a video I can tell people to watch when they don't understand my explanation from a gif. Thumbs up

[@bobdoornenbal9834]

This is a phenomenal explanation of the rotary engine. Thanks!

[@tgbaca0707]

This is my favorite kind of engine. It's extremely fascinating and I definitely would love to see this kind of engine come back with all of its cons fixed!

[@johnburns4017]

Bimmer McBimface, *you must stop making things up.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer Bimmer McBimface, *you must stop making things up.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer Bimmer McBimface, *I have seen lots of UAVs.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer Bimmer McBimface, *I have seen lots of UAVs.*

[@johnburns4017]

The real doktorbimmer Bimmer McBimface, *you must stop making things up.*