A ROTARY ENGINE TEST TO EVALUATE LUBRICANTS FOR CONTROL OF ROTOR DEPOSITS

During development of the General Motors rotary engine, the lubricant was recognized as important to its success because certain lubricants produced deposits which tended to stick both side and apex seals. Consequently, it was decided to develop a rotary engine-dynamometer test, using a Mazda engine, which could be used for lubricant evaluation. Three engine oils and five automatic transmission fluids were evaluated. Generally, the automatic transmission fluids controlled deposits better than the engine oils. No definite advantage was noted for apex seal wear.