13b Turning Engine by Hand

I just bought an '85 GSL-SE and I needed to replace the water pump.

While I was removing the main fan belt pulley from the eccentric shaft I noticed that it turned with only minimal effort compared to piston engines that I have worked in the past.

Is this normal or are all the Apex seals really bad or something? I know that the rotary engine "seals up" after it warms up but should the shaft be this easy to turn even when it isn't warm?

Thanks!


Jim B.

they are generally easier to turn.

ive never worked on rotery but i thought it was verry amazing that i could turn the engine over by hand