Why Are Rotary Engines Banned? The Truth Behind the Myths

What is a Rotary Engine?

The rotary engine is also called the Wankel engine. But, it is not like a normal engine. Moreover,  it has a special triangle shaped part inside it. Furthermore, this triangle is called the rotor. So, the rotor rotates inside an oval-shaped box. Well, this box is called the epitrochoid chamber.

On the other hand, in the piston engine, the pistons move up and down. But, in a rotary engine, the rotor rotates in a circular motion. Also, it has fewer parts. Therefore, the design of the rotary engine is simple. That's why it is lighter in weight. Hence, this engine can work quickly.

Additionally, the rotary engine was installed in many machines. Also, it was used in Mazda RX cars. Furthermore, it was used in some racing cars. Besides that, it was tried in motorcycles and ships. However, it has smooth sound, high speed and small size. Thus, it was very popular. 

Today, a rotary engine model is often used for educational purposes. It clearly shows how the rotor moves inside the chamber and how the design differs from a piston engine. With such a model, students and enthusiasts can easily understand the working principle of this unique engine.

Why People Think They Were Banned

As you have learned, what is a rotatory engine. Now, you will learn why people think it was banned.  

Most of you think that rotary engines were banned. But this is not true at all. Moreover, it was not banned, it was only banned in some races. Later, it slowly disappeared from regular cars. So, why did you call it a ban? Not good. Moreover, some rules created problems for the rotary engine.

For example, the race changing rules. So, these rules for cars became stricter. Therefore, the companies could not meet these rules. Hence,  they stopped making these engines. But, as you know, it was easier to say “ban” than “more rules”. 

That is why the word “ban” became common. Therefore, you are confused. In fact, the rotary engine was not banned everywhere. In short, they were only eliminated because of the strict rules.

The Le Mans Ban – Rotary in Motorsports

As you have learned why people think it was banned. Now, you will learn the real story of rotary engines in motorsports.

Le Mans is the most famous story of the rotary engine. Firstly, Le Mans is a car race in France. In 1991, Mazda participated in this race. Moreover, the car was named Mazda 787B. Also, it had four rotor engines. Additionally, this car was light, fast and powerful. So it surprised everyone. 

Amazingly, Mazda rotary engine won the race in 1991. Wow! It was the first time a Japanese company had won Le Mans. But it was the first and only time a rotary engine had won. Also, many fans loved the sound and speed of the car.

After that, the race officials made new engine rules. So, they said that only piston engines up to 3.5 liters could participate in the race. Unluckily, the cars with rotary engines could no longer run. That's why people thought that rotary engines had been banned. Actually, the ban was only in this race.

Road Car Regulations and Emissions

As you have learned the real story of rotary engines in motorsports. Now, you will learn about road car regulation and the emission of rotary engines. 

• Stricter Car Laws: Firstly, car laws are made all over the world. Moreover, countries like the US, Europe and Japan made strict rules on emissions. Hence, these laws help in cleaning the environment. 

• Emission Problems: Next, rotary engines do not burn the fuel completely. Therefore, they release extra hydrocarbons. Moreover, these hydrocarbons emitted more smoke. Thus, they were not safe for the environment.

• Oil usage Issues: Then, they used more oil than piston engines. Therefore, they cause more smoke. As a result, the engines got into trouble due to the lack of laws.

• Mazda RX-8 Struggles: Additionally, Mazda put a rotary engine in the RX-8. So, many people loved the car. Unfortunately,  the engine did not meet Euro 5 rules. Thus, this engine can not be sold in the market.

• Not a Ban, Just Rules: Finally, there was no real ban on rotary engines. However, due to the difficult rules, companies stop manufacturing these engines. Hence, they gradually disappeared from the road.

Fuel Efficiency & Thermal Inefficiency 

As you have learned about road car regulation and the emission of smoke of rotary engines. Now you will learn about fuel efficiency and heat loss.

Rotary engines used more fuel. Therefore, the driver had to spend more money on fuel. Moreover, the engine also had a thermal weakness. Also, while working it loses a lot of heat.  Thus, it wasted energy instead of saving it. As a result, rotary engines were expensive to run. That is why people preferred ordinary piston engines.

Reliability and Durability Issues

As you have learned about the fuel efficiency and thermal efficiency of rotary engines. Now, you will learn about the Reliability and Durability Issues of rotary engines.

Rotary engines were not strong. Moreover, the inside part is known as an apex seal. So, these seals would wear out quickly. Therefore, the life of the rotary engine was short. Hence, the owner had to rebuild the engine.

Additionally, the owner has to spend more money on more repairs. That's why people were afraid to buy it. Thus, the short lifespan and high cost made this engine difficult to maintain.

Misconceptions About the Ban

As you have learned about the Reliability and Durability Issues of rotary engines. Now, you will learn about the misconception about the ban.

Most of you think that rotary engines were banned all over the world. But this is completely wrong. Moreover, people thought that these engines were banned because they were more powerful. But the real problem was the regulations and the cost. 

Additionally, in some countries, they are still used in small cars or kits. So, it is not correct to say that they are banned everywhere. In fact, the truth is that the regulations have become stricter. So, due to this reason, the companies stopped making engines.

Future of Rotary Engines

As you have learned about the misconception about the ban. Now, you will learn about the future of rotary engines. 

• Advantages of hybrids: Firstly, these engines work at the same speed. Hence, due to this speed, it makes less smoke. Thus, the air remains clean. 

• Mazda's return: Next, Mazda has brought back engines. Moreover, they put them in a new hybrid car. Hence, it brings hope to people back. 

• Hope for the future: Finally, they will not come in ordinary cars. But they will be used for special tasks. Hence, it makes a new future for the engine.

Conclusion

In short, rotary engines were not banned. Moreover, they used more fuel and made more smoke. Also, they needed more maintenance. Also, they were not meeting the regulations.

That's why companies stopped making them.

But, in the future, you will see them in hybrid vehicles. If you like engines, check out the models of  EngineDIY. Also, you can contact us for more details.