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Why can't they use actual bearings?

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Old 09-28-2005, 01:00 PM
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Default Why can't they use actual bearings?

Instead of the things they call bearings? I would think with all this technology that these moron engineers could come up with something? If I can come up with it in my head then these idiots should be able to do something? Or am I just some stupid punk who should shut his mouth? Cause my idea rocks!!!! I just wish I had the means to test it.
Old 09-28-2005, 01:06 PM
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what are you talking about?
Old 09-28-2005, 01:08 PM
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Cam BEARINGS, Rod BEARINGS, Main BEARINGS
Old 09-28-2005, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by snketr
Cam BEARINGS, Rod BEARINGS, Main BEARINGS
Ideally, you want no metal to metal contact my friend.
Old 09-28-2005, 01:14 PM
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Originally Posted by snketr
Instead of the things they call bearings? I would think with all this technology that these moron engineers could come up with something? If I can come up with it in my head then these idiots should be able to do something? Or am I just some stupid punk who should shut his mouth? Cause my idea rocks!!!! I just wish I had the means to test it.

you nailed it!
Old 09-28-2005, 01:20 PM
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There is a needle style cam bearing...

http://www.bopengineering.com/beltdr...c_topend.shtml

http://www.bopengineering.com/images..._bearing_s.jpg
Old 09-28-2005, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by snketr
Instead of the things they call bearings? I would think with all this technology that these moron engineers could come up with something? If I can come up with it in my head then these idiots should be able to do something? Or am I just some stupid punk who should shut his mouth? Cause my idea rocks!!!! I just wish I had the means to test it.

several reasons.
1. if you had a roller bearing, all of the pressure and force that the pistion is making, would be focused on the little line of contact that the roller has.
2. you dont want metal on metal contact.. that makes friction, and wear... instead, it floats on oil... that spreads the surface area out, and has less friction.


now on the cam bearings, where theres alot less force, yes, you can use roller bearings...and it has less friction

however, they create metal on metal contact, and eventually do wear out... keep in mind, if this big cam journal is spinning at 3500 RPM, then that tiny roller is spinning 35,000 RPM.... NASCAR, Indy, and other 'exotic' high dollar race motors use roller cam bearings..... they also use TINY main bearings... conventional style, but smaller dia.... this is because the smaller the circle is, the less distance around it... so its like its moving slower.. and slower = less friction.... but smaller also means higher wear potential.. once more, why it shouldnt be like that in your street motor...
Old 09-28-2005, 02:09 PM
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Like they all said. Main, rod, and cam bearings actually float the journal on a cushion of oil and because of the large surface area, it han handle enormous stresses. Needle, roller and ball bearings concentrate the pressure on a very small pection of roller that touches the race. Not to mention that roller, needle and ball bearings need a little more play in them, which you dont want in an engine. Id be willing to bet that the first engines were actually prototyped using roller type bearings, but they changed over to the current style cause they work better.
Old 09-28-2005, 02:19 PM
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Thanks guys! You answered my questions. Another reason why this place rocks except for the idiot who flamed me for asking.
Old 09-28-2005, 02:40 PM
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also the crank would have to be a press-together type. i disagree with the two reasons above, but only becuase motorcycle engines have used them for years (press together cranks). follow me? if the crank didn't come apart there would be no way of getting a roller bearing over the journal surface.
Old 09-28-2005, 02:41 PM
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I guess that's how my R6 spins to 16k? Along with a good valvetrain.
Old 09-28-2005, 02:42 PM
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Two stroke engines use them due to the oil being mixed in with the gasoline and having to lubricate the lower end before getting burned. They cannot rely on an oil film to distribute the load as four strokes can.

Plus think about all of the rotating mass that a needle bearing setup would add to the big end of the connecting rod.
Old 09-28-2005, 02:45 PM
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motorcycles use them because they can.

the torque of a motorcycle isnt quite the same as that of a bigger motor..the size of the bearing rollers dont grow in proportion with the power diff...
Old 09-28-2005, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by stevewix
also the crank would have to be a press-together type. i disagree with the two reasons above, but only becuase motorcycle engines have used them for years (press together cranks). follow me? if the crank didn't come apart there would be no way of getting a roller bearing over the journal surface.
It wouldnt be hard to create a 2 piece roller bearing carrier (cage) and a 2 piece race to fit around the crank. I believe there is good reason why they arent used considering the rest of the technology in many engines today.
Old 09-28-2005, 03:01 PM
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cocaine is a hell of a drug
Old 09-28-2005, 04:14 PM
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I know it's a totally different animal but the Honda engines used on pressure cleaners little one cylinder deals ride on two bearings the crank has tapered ends and the case splits. Yeah I know less power and lower RPM's but those damn things run forever and are very efficient.
Old 09-28-2005, 04:17 PM
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No late model motorcycle engines that I've torn apartor know of use roller bearings. All use journal or sleeve type bearings like a car. Some use them at the cams only. An older press together crank was generally welded up in performance uses since it made the crank stronger.

Bearing cost is a big reason sleeve bearings are used. Another is rpm and load. Most high speed industrial bearing applications are sleeve bearings.
Old 09-28-2005, 04:43 PM
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i'm studying to be an engineer, and yea u should keep your mouth shut,
Old 09-28-2005, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Dragonsi
i'm studying to be an engineer, and yea u should keep your mouth shut,
Mature and informative. How'd we get so lucky?!?
Old 09-28-2005, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Dragonsi
i'm studying to be an engineer, and yea u should keep your mouth shut,
2 posts,,,,,,, and this, ease up. He just asked a question.



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