Recommended Websites

How A Camshaft Works

A camshaft is a component in the engine that helps in the process of burning fuel to make a car run. A camshaft is used in most engines that rely on a valve system. It uses lobes called cams that push against the valves to open them as the camshaft rotates. Valves let the air and fuel mixture into the engine. A camshaft may be made of solid steel billet, low-grade steel or iron.

The weight and lobe lifts vary from cam to cam. It is located in the engine’s head along with other valve train components, such as the valves, valve springs, rocker arms, and occasionally, on older engines, rods. The shape of the lobes affects the engine’s performance, since they regulate both engine timing. The cam is responsible for the precise timing of the valves as they open and shut, and designed according to the RPM and horsepower range desired. The intake valve is pushed open the piston travels down pulling air and fuel charge into the cylinder. This charge is a mixture of air and fuel for combustion. The faster the engine is running, the faster the air and fuel mixture moves!

There are many types of camshaft arrangements that affect the timing and the performance of an engine. Among the common types are the Single overhead cam (SOHC), the Double overhead cam (DOHC), and the Pushrod.

In the Single overhead cam arrangement, the engine is equipped with only one cam per cylinder head. There is one cam in a 4-cylinder engine, or straight 6-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the Double Overhead Cam arrangement has two cams per head, a double overhead cam engine. This means that the inline engines are equipped with two cams, and V engines have four. It is usually common in engines which have more than two valves per cylinder. The last type is the Pushrod. Unlike the two other arrangements, the valves in a pushrod engine are located in the head, above the cylinder. A pushrod style of engine has a different valve opening configuration wherein the camshaft is housed in the engine block instead of the cylinder head. Overhead camshaft engines are more efficient and can produce more power.

Automotive Sites:
Jeep Tops
Lift Kits
Lights
Mazda Lift Kits
Mobile Electronics
Mud Tires
Mud-Tires
Mufflers
Nerf Bars
Nissan Lift Kits
Off Road Accesories
Offroad Products
Offroad Tires
Performance Chips
Power Steps
Roof Racks
Shock Absorbers
Shocks
Skyjacker Lifts
Snow Plows
Superswamper Tires
Suspension Lift Kits
Tires
Tonneau
Tonneau Covers
Toyota Lift Kits
Truck Accessory
Truckbed Covers
Truck Lifts
Truck Parts