Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #67959
From: Finn Lassen finn.lassen@verizon.net <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Best chemical for stuck apex seals
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2025 20:43:57 -0500
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Thanks for all the replies. Because I had MMO I tried that. All but one seal (rotor 2) are now moving. Letting that one soak overnight. Hopefully will be able to run the engine tomorrow. Will be mixing MMO instead of 2-stroke oil with the first tank of gas until carbon is cleaned out. Slowly working through a thorough condition inspection because the plane has been sitting for so long.

I've signed up for a LSRIA Course in January -- but will have to get a new AWC that allows owner-repairman to do the annual condition inspection. Kind of silly -- would rather get local A&P to sign it off and then sell the plane and concentrate on repairing my RV-4, but have had  no interest in the RV-3B when I mentioned it being for sale.

I guess a rotary-powered airplane is for a very select group of pilots.

Finn

On 12/13/2025 8:12 AM, M Silvius isserfiq@gmail.com wrote:
Finn: 
Try some Marvel-Mystery oil. Its should be safer on the rubber corner seals than carb cleaner.
Never used it in a rotary but it did the trick for us when when had sticky valves and ring in the Lycomings and Continentals.
The secret ingredient is Wintergreen Oil (Methyl Salicylate) that's both a solvent and a lubricant.
Additionally, Valvoline Restore and Protect has worked well to free up sticky oil wiper ring issues on late model Volvo engines that have a known problem with overly tight oil ring groves.
"a synthetic motor oil designed to actively clean engines, remove up to 100% of deposits with continuous use, and prevent future buildup"
Mike in Maine




On Fri, Dec 12, 2025 at 5:44 PM Finn Lassen finn.lassen@verizon.net <flyrotary@lancaironline.net> wrote:
I'm finally getting around to getting my RV-3B with its 13B flying
again. Hasn't flown for 4 years or more.

I can turn the engine by hand but several of the apex seals are stuck --
won't move (back out) when pushing with a wood rod through leading
sparkplug holes.

What's the best to spray in there to loosen them up/? WD-40?

I'm reluctant to use carb or brake cleaner -- might they degrade the
rubber corner seals or maybe o-rings?

Finn



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