The cam sprocket is steel, so is the crank shaft sprocket. Manufacturers look for the most cost efficient way of mass- production (best bang for the buck). The rubber tensioner allows for tension on the chain with very little in the way of precision. A sprocket would need more stability than the arm that is used at present. I doubt there is much noise difference although the button at the bottom of the crank shaft bearing cap, shows that with time the roller was not doing it's job as the chain slapped against many of them. Now that is a sound I would like to get a recording of.
Just a thought.
Bill
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com [mailto:2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com] > On > Behalf Of > lyletrudell > Sent:
> Tuesday, June 29, 2010 8:12
> PM
> To:
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> Subject:
> [2cylinderhondas] Re: New chain tensioner rollers
> Kevin, I think a steel idler sprocket with a good bearing would be the > best....as Bill suggested. Most high load/rpm systems use a sprocket as an > idler.
> Think about this, the chain would match the idler sprocket perfect > and not just rub/slide against the rollers on the chain causing wear.
> Note
> that the chain sprockets look good after 38 years, the only thing worn out is > the plastic/rubber rollers.
> It would be no more noisy than the other
> stock steel sprockets.
> I have read that a well oiled chain system is
> the most efficient way to transfer power.
> Don't take my word for it, do
> some research, were still in the design stage.
> Always looking for a better
> way to do things.
> Lyle
> --- In
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> ,
> Kevin Lister wrote:
> > Wouldn't
> steel be really noisy and put more wear on the chain?
> > There
> must be a reason for making the part out of something that is durable but not > as hard as steel.
> > Any thoughts?
> > kev
> > --- On Tue, 6/29/10, lyletrudell
> wrote:
> > From: lyletrudell
> Subject: [2cylinderhondas] Re: New chain tensioner rollers > > To:
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 3:49 PM
> > �
> > Good Ideas!
> > I machine a lot of Delrin parts, but agree Delrin it's not a good > material for high heat and high load.
> > Was talking with Miles
> about PEEK or Nylon 6 with MDS.
> > Do a search about properties
> and see what you think.
> > Bill was talking
> about using a small steel sprocket with the same pitch as the > chain...clever.
> > Jerry, your idea is always
> a good way, modify an existing part!
> > Cheap and it's already
> used for that purpose on other motorcycles.
> > Can you get some
> specs on it?
> > Thanks
> > Lyle
> > --- In
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> ,
> Jerry wrote:
> I've only seen pictures but honda part#14670-035-030 looks about the same size > gear wheel but with threaded center. Candidate for possible modification to > drill out and install bearing into it. They are pretty common honda motorcycle > part so don't see them disappearing anytime soon.
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From:
> CHEYENNE FLETCHER
> > > Sent: Tuesday,
> June 29, 2010 8:57 AM
> > > To:
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: Re: [2cylinderhondas] Re: New chain tensioner > rollers
> Interesting. We have use it in high temp situations and it never fails. Look > like someone tries it and failed. What if you made a billet wheel with a > Delrin outer??
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: feltonminicycle
> > > To:
> 2cylinderhondas@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 11:03 PM
> Subject: [2cylinderhondas] Re: New chain tensioner rollers
> > > Delrin is not a good choice
> for engine rollers. Do not use it. I have proof - a delrin roller with the > center melted out of it the size of a nickel. The sides of the roller look > like it was in a fire. I took it out of an engine I was rebuilding.
> > > Delrin works for a lot of things, just
> not being inside an air cooled engine.
> > Watch my video on You Tube around 1:42 into the vid, you will see > it.
> > > Miles
> > > --- In
> [The entire original message is not included]