Well, I'd been having the same problem alot of people have been having (low on power, missing around 5500rpm, strange exhaust note, etc.). Suspecting a partially clogged cat, I went to the dealer a couple of times. Of course, all they do is pull codes, and find nothing. On a hunch, I premixed (~30:1)the last tank of gas, and whadayaknow, problem mostly solved. It still didn't pull in the upper rpm's like it used to but no more clankity clank, and jerking at 5500rpm. I took it to the dealer today, requesting a compression check (predicting rotor #2 being low out of spec), and I was right.

Rotor #1: 7.3, 7.2, 7.1 (low, but still above minimum)
Rotor #2: 5.5, 5.4, 5.5 (just as I suspected)

I asked if they actually checked the cat, and they kept throwing their 20 year master tech in my face. I explained that a partially clogged cat won't necessarily throw a code, but will cause excessive temps at the exhaust ports, to no avail. I'm at 85000 miles, so no warranty on the engine. I was trying to get the cat diagnosed, since emissions are under warranty, and take that to MNAO to see if I could get the engine done on their dime, since their warrantied part killed my engine.

I contacted MNAO, and they're reviewing it, but I'm not confident that they will cover the engine. Them: "85000 is a lot of miles, blah blah", Me: "naturally aspirated rotaries that are taken care of typically last 150,000 miles +, and this exact problem has occurred numerous times" yadda, yadda, yadda. I've never had a single problem out of this car, then bam!

Hopefully they'll cover it. I don't want to shell out $5k+ for a stinking defective design. If not, I'll likely just trade the thing in while it still runs decent (with premix). At least the next owner will have a 12k mile warranty. A new car is the last thing I want at this point (with me getting out of the Navy in 10 months and trying to get a business off the ground)... Oh well, I'll just play the cards I'm dealt.

 

Oh boy. Here we go again...

Please try to get pictures during the work. I'd like to see the plugs, the cat etc.
I know that they won't open the engine so the plugs are the best look we're going to get...

 

man i cant wait for my motor to go... i have a nice fast puttering type sound around 6500-8k... kinda like if just started a weedeater is what it sounds like... oh noes..