Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine is disclosed having a rotor which includes at least one fuel peripheral cavity. The rotor effects a valve action with respect to fuel inlet and exhaust ports. A rotor housing includes a circumferential array of piston - cylinder assemblies cooperating with the fuel cavity and with the rotor for compressing fuel mixture and exhausting products of combustion. The engine includes at least four separate seal arrangements for confining compressed fuel to the combustion chamber and a method of effecting the seals.