Anodized Rockers: Good or Bad????
08-07-2009, 09:21 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Anodized Rockers: Good or Bad????
I've read that anodizing aluminum roller rockers actually increases the likelyhood of them breaking, yet I continue to see name brand rockers with anodize coating. I was just reading a thread for TFS heads and the picture shows a couple gold anodized rockers installed for the photo.
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
08-08-2009, 04:52 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: Near Jacksonville Fl.
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I've read that anodizing aluminum roller rockers actually increases the likelyhood of them breaking, yet I continue to see name brand rockers with anodize coating. I was just reading a thread for TFS heads and the picture shows a couple gold anodized rockers installed for the photo.
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
Hard Anodizing is a coating used to prevent wear.
08-08-2009, 06:29 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
The aluminum portion of the rocker doesn't contact anything so it really doesn't get any wear. The anodize also helps prevent corrosion, but the rockers are bathed in oil, so that isn't a concern.
A few years back one of the manufacturers had problems with rockers breaking at the roller tip. They were anodized. I don't know if it was just poor design or perhaps the anodize hardens the outer surface enough that it could cause a stress crack on the outer surface, that continues to travel. The failure was right at the roller tip where there is the least amount of metal.
In any case, I don't see any good reason to anodize them ,other than they make nice eye candy.
I can't remember wher I read it was better not to anodize, but it may have been an article or literature regarding Yella Terra rockers. If you look at the Jesel or TD rockers that are typically used in severe duty applications, there is no anodize.
A few years back one of the manufacturers had problems with rockers breaking at the roller tip. They were anodized. I don't know if it was just poor design or perhaps the anodize hardens the outer surface enough that it could cause a stress crack on the outer surface, that continues to travel. The failure was right at the roller tip where there is the least amount of metal.
In any case, I don't see any good reason to anodize them ,other than they make nice eye candy.
I can't remember wher I read it was better not to anodize, but it may have been an article or literature regarding Yella Terra rockers. If you look at the Jesel or TD rockers that are typically used in severe duty applications, there is no anodize.
08-08-2009, 10:42 PM
#4
Racer
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Bay Area California
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I've read that anodizing aluminum roller rockers actually increases the likelyhood of them breaking, yet I continue to see name brand rockers with anodize coating. I was just reading a thread for TFS heads and the picture shows a couple gold anodized rockers installed for the photo.
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
Any of the high end rockers I've seen are not anodized, which would tend to lend so credence to the argument that it is at the least it is not necessary, and possibly not desireable.
I'm thinking that anodize coating on rockers is like a fishing lure in the sporting goods store. It doesn't have to catch fish. It just needs to get a sucker to bite.
What's the straight scoop?
Have had it on many track-quality sport bike parts without any unusual failure whatsoever. Currently have used two different sets of Crane 1.7 and 1.8 roller rockers again without any undue problems. Exisiting set is still in the engine with aftermarket cam and higher rate valve springs going on 20K miles. The engine gets ran to redline regularly both on track and as a daily driver. Appears to be only applied to protect the surface. Otherwise, who sees them after initial install...
A1
08-11-2009, 08:57 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Ok . I finally found this in the FAQ's on YT's website. Any comments?
"Why are STREET TERRA and Yella Terra rockers not anodised to nice colours?
Anodising degrades the aluminium reducing its tensile strength and reducing the life cycle of the arm. An anodised arm is weaker! Anodising is an electrochemical process that produces a clear or coloured coating on the rocker arm. This coating is extremely hard and is "notch sensitive". Even slight "dings" from careless handling or slight scratches like those from feeler gauges can cause a "stress riser" precipitating cracking and subsequent arm failure."
"Why are STREET TERRA and Yella Terra rockers not anodised to nice colours?
Anodising degrades the aluminium reducing its tensile strength and reducing the life cycle of the arm. An anodised arm is weaker! Anodising is an electrochemical process that produces a clear or coloured coating on the rocker arm. This coating is extremely hard and is "notch sensitive". Even slight "dings" from careless handling or slight scratches like those from feeler gauges can cause a "stress riser" precipitating cracking and subsequent arm failure."
