Abstract
A review has been made of the factors which may influence the development of lubricants suitable for the Wankel-type engines.
The lubricant requirements of the Audi-NSU Ro80 engine are discussed in comparison with the performance level of lubricants currently in use with conventional reciprocating piston engines.
In Europe, high-speed pre-ignition has been one of the main causes for concern, but at the other end of the performance scale, cold wear of cast-iron apex seals under ‘stop and go’ driving conditions, created conflicting performance requirements for the lubricant under development.
A compromise lubricant formulation has given complete freedom from pre-ignition and a marked decrease in the ‘cold wear’ rates, whilst maintaining the other desirable properties necessary for satisfactory Wankel-engine performance.
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