Had a bunch. Sold everything including manuals and parts. Wrenching mostly was straight forward. But start wrenching/rebuilding engine, mechanic's hat came off and brain surgeon hat went on. Pretty intense tearing engine down and refurbishing. My passion for the Rotarys slipped away. I do miss them, love and hate thing. Thanks for watching JunkyardDigs .
I worked for OMC-Evinrude in 73-75 in the Milwaukee, WI Evinrude Plant 1 Rotary Engine Department. we built all the engines for both OMC-Evinrude and OMC-Johnson., Contact Outboard Marine Corporation; OMC went bankrupt and was sold to Bombardier Corp, Canada in '99-20. I believe their building Outboard Motors near Fond Du Lac, WI again.
@@Howard-ur2rj Also do a google search for OMC-Waukegan Plant. There are some posts there about business that have info or know some that can help you get it.
Very cool ! I had an 84 Mazda RX-7 with a Rotary engine. Pretty cool some old Evinrudes and Johnsons had a Rotary. I think there was one Arctic Cat model that had a Wankel Rotary too.
Bit more to the story .... i purchased from an older fellow, his entire Johnson ( OMC ) Rotary 35 45 Collection, 20 yrs of saving stuff. and info !!! Sleds hadn't run in over 10 yrs. We made the deal, he needed 4 days to pull out bins and boxes of the Johnson stuff. Went back with a truck and enclosed trailer. He was able to pull all my stuff out and rearrange his shop with his true passion, Artic Cat Wankels .... at 12 engines on the shelf !! Working on these strange engines is not for the faint hearted , so i asked " BigDave, how did you ever get into the rotary stuff ?" . He said, " Well, I once owned a RX-7 Mazda ................" lol . All true. Now you know the rest of the story !!
Howard You are correct. I went and googled and found out the Cat Panther had a Sachs Wankel 303 like you said but also found out Skiroule and Alouette had Wankel's in one of their sleds too.
Howard oops..just got this reply now. That is real cool. I remember one Evinrude i really loved. It wasn't a rotary but it was this mid 70's white, blue and red model ( mostly white and blue) that had a real nice dash. Forget what model. Also remember seeing a nice looking Johnson on the internet that was a pretty teal colour.
I had a 1976 45. Had an electrical problem. A guy called 'Miles' in Buffalo, Wyoming was my parts source. He had loads of parts from defunct dealers. That's all the info I have for you.
The OMC RC35 and 45 had a Champion sparkplug speacialy designed for these motors. The powerpack was also designed for these motors and to run with the Champion UP77V. They can be modified to use the NGK plug, but I wouldn't recommend it. It will eventually burn out the powerpack. I have seen this happen a couple times now. End up replacing motor back to original Champion plug, but now looking for a RC35 powerpack? I'm not sure on this but I think the RC45 was a bigger cc, and had a bigger carb. The secondary air valve was also more a problem with the 45 motors. Champion UP77V plugs are still the odd one on Ebay, but very pricy. If you get one with the right powerpack, premium gas and good quality oil they will run great for along time.
My dad had a evinrude 35q was in great shape but bad motor bc of that problem..wish we had known before how to prevent that problem bc u cant repair it after..and no parts to be had
If peripheral port butterfly entered engine while working, usually destroys it. Michigan University installed an OMC 45 rotary in their Urban Vehicle, also tested with an SU constant richness Classic Austin Mini 1000 carburetor
If a Surface discharge plug can't be found, D DeGhetto had some, adding a supplement in order that plug electrodes don''t protrude in working chamber allows using an ordinary plug, they say. Blessings +
Just picked up a 1974 Rotary 35 that came with an Autolite 2892 spark plug installed in it that has a center electrode that hangs out about .020 inch past the outer ring. Haven't tried turning the engine over with this plug in it for fear of damaging the apex seals. If the seals turn out to be damaged, do you know of anyone who might have replacements? Great video, very helpful.
Obviously someone tapped out the threads to 14mm instead of 12mm. The plug used for the 14mm conversion was NGK BUHW ( REPLACED BY BUHX ) which has the same reach as yr Autolite . .50 . Should work. Measure depths if worried about it. Replacement parts ?? Their ain't none. I have couple engines for parts.
You say you're in MN. I'm in Fargo. Going to be heading to hibbing next weekend to pick up two Johnson 45 sleds. Any chance we could meet up. Would be great to photograph the literature you have in these
Had a wankle in my Mazda Rx4, it's always the scraprers... I guess you call the wipers. ....the metal inside was weak think cylinder lingning.. if you need to keep it running ask the Rx7 guys...they had same problems. It was fixed by Mazda
I picked up a RC35Q and just started tearing into it, would like to chat and see what all you have for parts, pics mine is not as clean but would like to learn more about it as well. Thanks
@@Howard-ur2rj was last licenced in 15, haven't had it running yet, does spin over, need selinod for electric start. Not sure what I will need for parts, but all labeled are faded, did you find any spark plugs? I'm in Ramsey MN Thanks for the response.
@@trentanderson4974 Before u start into it, pull spark plug and squirt some 2 cycle in it as u pull it over SLOWLY . Lots of pieces on the rotor that needs lube. I found plugs, but plp think they are worth gold. The "service gap plug" they come with is easy to clean and last forever. These things are built rugged with automotive fuel line. Once you build up compression as u turn it over, and you'll know it when it starts spitting out of spark plug hole, pull off carb and clean really well. I've never had to get a carb kit for mine. Remove tank to get rid of fuel old fuel, check lines in tank and get a new fuel pump ( or clean ) . The fuel pump is used for 100's diff apps for OMC , mostly on boat motors and easy to find. Then establish u have spark . Lubricate all control cables including primer cable. The carb primer is that ugly apparatus on top of the fuel tank. So the primer cable has to operate that far away from carb. Once you have all yr ducks in a row with fresh gas, pull the primer line off top of carb and hit primer until you have fuel coming out. Re attach and give her 3-4 squirts and give her a whirl. You might have to stay on primer a few times until fuel pump catches up. OMC calls for 50:1 mixture on fuel. Personal preference , i run 40:1 with Klotz oil for all my vintage stuff. I linger around OMC Johnson/Evinrude group on Facebook if you want to contact me . Ramsy ?? I'm about 3 hrs north of you in Hibbing, MN . LUCK my friend.
I picked up a 35 yesterday. First rotary. Has a surface discharge sparkplug(I believe that's the correct term) like the one you've shown here. Can it be checked for spark? This thing is rough but it turns over. Only has 60psi compression but I'm moving forward anyway. Can spark be checked with a regular spark plug? Does this engine have points? If so, which side are they on? Clutch or fan? Thanks for any advice.!
No points. CDI box under seat which under seat , prone to corrosion if left out in the weather. Use any spark plug to check spark. But ONLY use the oe service gap plug to run. The oe plug is very durable for cleaning , but ultra rare. Checking compression is kinda mute due to the design. There is a procedure . Pump 2 stroke oil ( lots ) into plug hole and turn engine over by hand a lot. If engine was never damaged from secondary air valve falling apart and has spark, should fire on spray after oiling engine. Stay in touch
@@Howard-ur2rj thanks for the quick reply! Saw the power pack. Nothing in there looks great but nothing looks terrible either. Pulled flywheel and saw the stator. Had some melted wire on what I believe is the pick up coil leads. Fixed them and putting it back together now. Keep your fingers crossed!
@@Howard-ur2rj still no go. Getting 1.8k on the ignition coil secondary and .4 on primary(red wire going into ignition coil winding) primary resistance jumps around when I turn the engine over. I'll take that as a good sign. Without knowing the specs on the stator, it tests good with no shorts or ground. Hope it's not the power pack box. I think it will run if I get it sparking. I cleaned up all the pole pieces and the inside of the flywheel. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears!
@@rhess107 Handle bar switch ? I forget. Unplug that . And if CDI box connections good, maybe need CDI . Sold all my OMC stuff. Several great OMC groups on Facebook that may help. Wish you luck
Hi Howard! I just got one of these engines and was happy to watch your video. What I did not get is the CDI box. Would you be so kind as to furnish me with any information you may have as to the CDI wiring? I've heard I can use a Johnson outboard CDI box but no idea which wire goes where. Thank you for your time!
I am looking into possible buying a rotary 45 or 35. It would be helpful if I could get the information about eliminating the secondary air valve and re-drilling and taping the plug out to a 14mm and correctly spacing it out. thank you
The OMC Wankel peripheral port that opens at high rpm is needed for good performance and fuel economy at full load, OMC solved the throttle problems by installing an steel shaft for throttle instead of original, an spacer will allow using an ordinary plug, today, there are plugs of large and small diameter. If you can install a Mazda air pump blowing air into the opening of exhaust port, see J P Norbye book, emissions will be very improved, allowing tuning for better economy and power Perhaps Reed-Valving the Peripheral Port, no throttle, will eliminate the throttle problems, if Petals are of carbon fibre, and petal attachment to Reed cage is done with something that can't dettach and enter the combustion chamber, many choices exist. From specialists in 2-Stroke tuning, I lernt a wedge shaped reed cage, just two sides working, is the best approach. See Ford Canada patents on Reed Valve and Intake-Exhaust system for Wankel engine. Blessings +
This is awesome, I managed to get a brand new old stock motor but theres no coils or cdi. Do you know where i can find one or what modern equivalent i can use? I know it has dual ouputs which confuses me as if i need 2 cdi's or one with dual inputs etc.
Thank you for the video Howard, what is the chance you have a running or even a core engine available you would be willing to part with? Thanks in advance
The linkage on carb for air valve engages the air valve at about 1/8 throttle. I'm thinking more air, more power. Just guessing at OMC's thinking in the design. Machines i ran had the air valve removed and they ran fine. 1/18/2020 , i'm going to run a a low mileage 1973 Johnson Phantom 35 with air valve intact on a vintage run. Huge 22 miles round trip . Then i will see the difference. I've decided i'm not going to eliminate any air valves soon being i only campaign couple vintage rides all year, maybe 80 miles total. For the guys running a Rotary 100-300 a year, just a matter of time before air valve explodes resulting with un-repairable damage. Just my .04 cents worth of opinion.
Hello Mr Howard, I have just purchase a Curtiss Wright-OMC rotary engine RC45 thanks for your video on these engines. would you be able to send me your email on my youtube channel contact page? Cheers, Mark.
Holy cow you have a lot of these!
Had a bunch. Sold everything including manuals and parts. Wrenching mostly was straight forward. But start wrenching/rebuilding engine, mechanic's hat came off and brain surgeon hat went on. Pretty intense tearing engine down and refurbishing. My passion for the Rotarys slipped away. I do miss them, love and hate thing. Thanks for watching JunkyardDigs .
Cool stuff I learned something new.
I worked for OMC-Evinrude in 73-75 in the Milwaukee, WI Evinrude Plant 1 Rotary Engine Department. we built all the engines for both OMC-Evinrude and OMC-Johnson., Contact Outboard Marine Corporation; OMC went bankrupt and was sold to Bombardier Corp, Canada in '99-20. I believe their building Outboard Motors near Fond Du Lac, WI again.
Great info. thanks
@@Howard-ur2rj Also do a google search for OMC-Waukegan Plant. There are some posts there about business that have info or know some that can help you get it.
@@kypackerfan4-12-15 P Moeller freedom-motors, in California bought the machinery for OMC rotaries and improved the engines.
Very cool ! I had an 84 Mazda RX-7 with a Rotary engine. Pretty cool some old Evinrudes and Johnsons had a Rotary. I think there was one Arctic Cat model that had a Wankel Rotary too.
Artic Cat Wankel 303 i think.
Howard thx.
Bit more to the story .... i purchased from an older fellow, his entire Johnson ( OMC ) Rotary 35 45 Collection, 20 yrs of saving stuff. and info !!! Sleds hadn't run in over 10 yrs. We made the deal, he needed 4 days to pull out bins and boxes of the Johnson stuff. Went back with a truck and enclosed trailer. He was able to pull all my stuff out and rearrange his shop with his true passion, Artic Cat Wankels .... at 12 engines on the shelf !! Working on these strange engines is not for the faint hearted , so i asked " BigDave, how did you ever get into the rotary stuff ?" . He said, " Well, I once owned a RX-7 Mazda ................" lol . All true. Now you know the rest of the story !!
Howard You are correct. I went and googled and found out the Cat Panther had a Sachs Wankel 303 like you said but also found out Skiroule and Alouette had Wankel's in one of their sleds too.
Howard oops..just got this reply now. That is real cool. I remember one Evinrude i really loved. It wasn't a rotary but it was this mid 70's white, blue and red model ( mostly white and blue) that had a real nice dash. Forget what model. Also remember seeing a nice looking Johnson on the internet that was a pretty teal colour.
I had a 1976 45. Had an electrical problem. A guy called 'Miles' in Buffalo, Wyoming was my parts source. He had loads of parts from defunct dealers. That's all the info I have for you.
The OMC RC35 and 45 had a Champion sparkplug speacialy designed for these motors. The powerpack was also designed for these motors and to run with the Champion UP77V. They can be modified to use the NGK plug, but I wouldn't recommend it. It will eventually burn out the powerpack. I have seen this happen a couple times now. End up replacing motor back to original Champion plug, but now looking for a RC35 powerpack? I'm not sure on this but I think the RC45 was a bigger cc, and had a bigger carb. The secondary air valve was also more a problem with the 45 motors. Champion UP77V plugs are still the odd one on Ebay, but very pricy. If you get one with the right powerpack, premium gas and good quality oil they will run great for along time.
I have a 1973 Johnson Phantom 35 rotary . Ignition module wires too close to the hot exhaust port messed it up .
My dad had a evinrude 35q was in great shape but bad motor bc of that problem..wish we had known before how to prevent that problem bc u cant repair it after..and no parts to be had
If peripheral port butterfly entered engine while working, usually destroys it. Michigan University installed an OMC 45 rotary in their Urban Vehicle, also tested with an SU constant richness Classic Austin Mini 1000 carburetor
If a Surface discharge plug can't be found, D DeGhetto had some, adding a supplement in order that plug electrodes don''t protrude in working chamber allows using an ordinary plug, they say. Blessings +
God bless you
Just picked up a 1974 Rotary 35 that came with an Autolite 2892 spark plug installed in it that has a center electrode that hangs out about .020 inch past the outer ring. Haven't tried turning the engine over with this plug in it for fear of damaging the apex seals. If the seals turn out to be damaged, do you know of anyone who might have replacements? Great video, very helpful.
Obviously someone tapped out the threads to 14mm instead of 12mm. The plug used for the 14mm conversion was NGK BUHW ( REPLACED BY BUHX ) which has the same reach as yr Autolite . .50 . Should work. Measure depths if worried about it. Replacement parts ?? Their ain't none. I have couple engines for parts.
@@Howard-ur2rj Cool, thanks for the info.
Thanks for the video, i have a 1975 Evinrude rotary 45 , What are the chances you know where i could get a starter ?
You say you're in MN. I'm in Fargo. Going to be heading to hibbing next weekend to pick up two Johnson 45 sleds. Any chance we could meet up. Would be great to photograph the literature you have in these
Old video but do you still have parts and machines? I'd be interested in buying stuff if you do.
Had a wankle in my Mazda Rx4, it's always the scraprers... I guess you call the wipers. ....the metal inside was weak think cylinder lingning.. if you need to keep it running ask the Rx7 guys...they had same problems. It was fixed by Mazda
I picked up a RC35Q and just started tearing into it, would like to chat and see what all you have for parts, pics mine is not as clean but would like to learn more about it as well. Thanks
Hi Trent, does it run ? What are you looking for and where u located ?
@@Howard-ur2rj was last licenced in 15, haven't had it running yet, does spin over, need selinod for electric start. Not sure what I will need for parts, but all labeled are faded, did you find any spark plugs? I'm in Ramsey MN Thanks for the response.
@@trentanderson4974 Before u start into it, pull spark plug and squirt some 2 cycle in it as u pull it over SLOWLY . Lots of pieces on the rotor that needs lube. I found plugs, but plp think they are worth gold. The "service gap plug" they come with is easy to clean and last forever. These things are built rugged with automotive fuel line. Once you build up compression as u turn it over, and you'll know it when it starts spitting out of spark plug hole, pull off carb and clean really well. I've never had to get a carb kit for mine. Remove tank to get rid of fuel old fuel, check lines in tank and get a new fuel pump ( or clean ) . The fuel pump is used for 100's diff apps for OMC , mostly on boat motors and easy to find. Then establish u have spark . Lubricate all control cables including primer cable. The carb primer is that ugly apparatus on top of the fuel tank. So the primer cable has to operate that far away from carb. Once you have all yr ducks in a row with fresh gas, pull the primer line off top of carb and hit primer until you have fuel coming out. Re attach and give her 3-4 squirts and give her a whirl. You might have to stay on primer a few times until fuel pump catches up. OMC calls for 50:1 mixture on fuel. Personal preference , i run 40:1 with Klotz oil for all my vintage stuff. I linger around OMC Johnson/Evinrude group on Facebook if you want to contact me . Ramsy ?? I'm about 3 hrs north of you in Hibbing, MN . LUCK my friend.
I picked up a 35 yesterday. First rotary. Has a surface discharge sparkplug(I believe that's the correct term) like the one you've shown here. Can it be checked for spark? This thing is rough but it turns over. Only has 60psi compression but I'm moving forward anyway. Can spark be checked with a regular spark plug? Does this engine have points? If so, which side are they on? Clutch or fan? Thanks for any advice.!
No points. CDI box under seat which under seat , prone to corrosion if left out in the weather. Use any spark plug to check spark. But ONLY use the oe service gap plug to run. The oe plug is very durable for cleaning , but ultra rare. Checking compression is kinda mute due to the design. There is a procedure . Pump 2 stroke oil ( lots ) into plug hole and turn engine over by hand a lot. If engine was never damaged from secondary air valve falling apart and has spark, should fire on spray after oiling engine. Stay in touch
@@Howard-ur2rj thanks for the quick reply! Saw the power pack. Nothing in there looks great but nothing looks terrible either. Pulled flywheel and saw the stator. Had some melted wire on what I believe is the pick up coil leads. Fixed them and putting it back together now. Keep your fingers crossed!
@@Howard-ur2rj still no go. Getting 1.8k on the ignition coil secondary and .4 on primary(red wire going into ignition coil winding) primary resistance jumps around when I turn the engine over. I'll take that as a good sign. Without knowing the specs on the stator, it tests good with no shorts or ground. Hope it's not the power pack box. I think it will run if I get it sparking. I cleaned up all the pole pieces and the inside of the flywheel. If you have any ideas, I'm all ears!
@@rhess107 Handle bar switch ? I forget. Unplug that . And if CDI box connections good, maybe need CDI . Sold all my OMC stuff. Several great OMC groups on Facebook that may help. Wish you luck
Hi Howard! I just got one of these engines and was happy to watch your video. What I did not get is the CDI box. Would you be so kind as to furnish me with any information you may have as to the CDI wiring? I've heard I can use a Johnson outboard CDI box but no idea which wire goes where. Thank you for your time!
I am looking into possible buying a rotary 45 or 35. It would be helpful if I could get the information about eliminating the secondary air valve and re-drilling and taping the plug out to a 14mm and correctly spacing it out. thank you
The OMC Wankel peripheral port that opens at high rpm is needed for good performance and fuel economy at full load, OMC solved the throttle problems by installing an steel shaft for throttle instead of original, an spacer will allow using an ordinary plug, today, there are plugs of large and small diameter.
If you can install a Mazda air pump blowing air into the opening of exhaust port, see J P Norbye book, emissions will be very improved, allowing tuning for better economy and power
Perhaps Reed-Valving the Peripheral Port, no throttle, will eliminate the throttle problems, if Petals are of carbon fibre, and petal attachment to Reed cage is done with something that can't dettach and enter the combustion chamber, many choices exist.
From specialists in 2-Stroke tuning, I lernt a wedge shaped reed cage, just two sides working, is the best approach. See Ford Canada patents on Reed Valve and Intake-Exhaust system for Wankel engine. Blessings +
Jose G A
Are you in US or Canada ?
@@meca13b No, I'm in Europe, but I have US contacts in a shipping co: www.Csil.us at Elizabeth, NJ. Blessings +
Any chance you have a 45 or 35 you want to part with?
This is awesome, I managed to get a brand new old stock motor but theres no coils or cdi. Do you know where i can find one or what modern equivalent i can use? I know it has dual ouputs which confuses me as if i need 2 cdi's or one with dual inputs etc.
Would you be willing to part with it or have any other ones available?? Thanks
Thank you for the video Howard, what is the chance you have a running or even a core engine available you would be willing to part with? Thanks in advance
A lot
Good info, so why did it even need the secondary air valve? The motor will still run fine if you disconnect it?
The linkage on carb for air valve engages the air valve at about 1/8 throttle. I'm thinking more air, more power. Just guessing at OMC's thinking in the design. Machines i ran had the air valve removed and they ran fine. 1/18/2020 , i'm going to run a a low mileage 1973 Johnson Phantom 35 with air valve intact on a vintage run. Huge 22 miles round trip . Then i will see the difference. I've decided i'm not going to eliminate any air valves soon being i only campaign couple vintage rides all year, maybe 80 miles total. For the guys running a Rotary 100-300 a year, just a matter of time before air valve explodes resulting with un-repairable damage. Just my .04 cents worth of opinion.
@@Howard-ur2rj, ok thank you, my friend is picking up a 45 evinrude. And all these tips will definitely come in handy.
how many have such a motor HP and what weight?
freedom-motors.com/freedom_performance.html
The 45hp engine has the secondary air valve, the 35s do not.
Nice work, nice machine. Do you know what the engine weight is?
I have one of these. Tag says outboard marine company.
freedom-motors.com/freedom_rotapower.html
Rotaries are great motors but it took till the 2000s to make them bullet proof. Doubtful if any sled manufacturers would risk it
freedom-motors.com/freedom_production.html#
Do you have a Wankel Rotary engine OMC 45 with or without transmission for sale?
Have 35s for sale. 35 and 45 are almost identical
Howard
Contact me Howard
Mecatech13b@yahoo.com
Thanks
Howard
How can you be reached? Email
Why is everyone afraid to touch the throttle???
Yep the crap gets swept up
So much for buying a golden ghost 30.
Golden ghost 30
Hello Mr Howard, I have just purchase a Curtiss Wright-OMC rotary engine RC45 thanks for your video on these engines. would you be able to send me your email on my youtube channel contact page?
Cheers,
Mark.
this innconet looking engine is nothing to play with, i have a few but one of them is haunted. im on my 3rd OMC 528 cc.
I think I have one of these motors. Tag says Outboard Marine Corporation 38602. Shoot me your email address
Hi David, sorry for delayed reply. bonzi8869@gmail.com Where u located ?
page 2 for OMC about their rotary engine history , freedom-motors.com/brochures/latest/9914%20manufacturability%20v2.pdf
Snorting that tooterall again I see