An oil seal protector for rotary engines is provided to prevent deleterious combustion gases from damaging the oil sealing assemblies provided on each side of the engine rotor. The sealing assemblies include an O-ring and the protective device comprises annular grooves which extend completely about the sealing assembly on each side of the rotor and which are located radially outwardly from such sealing assemblies. A seal ring is fitted within each of the annular grooves of the protective device and spring means are provided for urging the ring against the sides of the engine housing.