No word on the exact cause yet but did learn that Chuck was using seals from Mazdatrix.  They sell only stock Mazda seals as far as I know.

 

Tracy 

 

Is there something wrong with stock seals?  I thought they were just fine for NA engines where detonation almost isn't possible.  Your original engine ran stock seals for 800 or so hours didn't it?  Hopefully, there will be an obvious explanation when he opens it up. 

 

On the subject of failures in general, am I the only one who thinks there have just been way too many of these in the last couple years?  In virtually every case, the engine has been the victim, rather than the cause of the problem, but to the casual observer, it looks bad for the rotary.  I'd hate to calculate the number of flight hours per serious problem for currently flying rotaries.  I'd also hate for the insurance companies to do it.  Let's hope this trend doesn't continue.  

 

Cheers,

Rusty (one rotor, no prop)