damped because the inertia
ring, which seems to be solidly mounted to the inner hub, actually rotates
forward and back on the hub in response to crankshaft vibrations. As the inertia
ring works to and fro on the elastomer strip, it creates heat. (All dampers
function by converting vibration energy to heat.)
Being a member of the rubber family, which does not
take kindly to heat, elastomer deteriorates when repeatedly exposed to high
temperatures. In time, the elastomer loses its grip and allows the inertia
ring to slide forward or rearward, or rotate freely around the hub. Many times,
ignition timing will be off because the inertia ring has moved from its original
position.
High Performance Elastomer
Dampers
Many of the high performance dampers that meet race organization specifications
are actually nothing more than a stock-type damper with a steel rather than
cast iron inertia ring. While these dampers do
