What is the camshaft? What is the function of the camshaft? What are the signs of camshaft failure? How do you detect camshaft failure ?….?
What is a Camshaft?
Also known as the camshaft “camshaft” The engine’s basic function is dependent on it. Camshafts are responsible for opening the intake and exhaust valves on time. The camshaft rotates in conjunction with the crankshaft drive gear. The egg-shaped, lobed cams allow for the valves (valves), to be opened by rotating the camshaft.
Overhead Camshaft / OHC There are two types of engines: Single Overhead Camshaft / SOHC And Double Overhead Camshaft / DOHC . The camshaft of these engines is located at the top end of the cylinder head.
Four-cylinder SOHC engines only have one camshaft. V6 or V8 SOHC engine have two camshafts. The camshaft mounts between the valve stems. Through the rocker arms, the shaft transmits its movement to the valves.
Two camshafts are used for four-cylinder DOHC engines. One is for the intake and one is for the exhaust. There are four camshafts in V6 and V8 DOHC engines, with two per row. The shafts are typically mounted on the stems of the valves, and the rotational force is transmitted directly into the valves.
Overhead camshaft engines can have up to five valves per piston, but they have generally two intake and two exhaust.
Older overhead valve engines (Overhead Valve Motor / OHV, or Pushrod Engine). A camshaft is located inside the cylinder block, usually near the crankshaft. The rocker arms are moved by the camshaft through the pushrods. Once the valves have been opened, the movement of the camshaft will be transmitted to them via the pushrods. Two to three valves are typical for a pushrod engine. Usually, there is only one intake valve and one exhaust valve.
Camshafts are typically made of spheroidal graphite casting iron. Some camshafts can be made from high-grade carbon steel, while others are custom or performance. They can be cast or forged as one piece.
How does the Camshaft work?
Camshafts are usually connected to crankshafts using timing chains or timing belts in today’s engines. On some OHV engines, timing gears are also available. The crankshaft gear’s teeth are twice as long as the camshaft’s, which allows it to spin at half the speed. There are four strokes of the camshaft: intake, compression and ignition.
Camshafts are simple rods with a few lobes that are spaced along the shaft. The cam shaft rotates and the cam lobes contact the valve with an aligning lever known as the “rocker” Then press down on the valve until it opens. Once the lobe’s apex has passed the rocker arms (or valve), it returns to its original position, and the valve closes. The timing of the valves opening will vary depending on the speed at which the shaft rotates. Each valve must be opened and closed at the correct time. The pistons’ movement must be perfectly synchronized when the valves open and close. This will ensure the engine performs at its best.
In recent years, engine design has seen great innovations. Almost every automaker has its own system that can alter the engine timing. Some have the ability to adjust the valve opening height. (VVL) To improve engine performance and fuel economy. Other hydraulic actuators are used. (For example, Variable Valve Timing/VVT) ) to adjust or delay the timing of valves based on crankshaft angle.
What are the Signs of Camshaft Failure
Camshafts are made of solid steel and are not susceptible to wear or breaking. Most engines have other parts that wear first before the camshaft. However, common camshaft problems can still occur.
- Check your engine light is on
- – The engine makes clicking sounds
- – Engine oil containing metal residues
- Engine misfire
- Misfires can lead to an increase in emissions.
- Wearing the cam lobes can cause valves to not open fully, resulting in a decrease in engine performance.
- The engine may misfire if the cam lobes become worn.
- Lifters that are worn can cause valves to not open fully and lead to engine performance issues.
- Defective lifters can cause excessive noise from the valves.
- – The entire engine will be severely damaged if the camshaft breaks or jams due to manufacturing defects.
Incomplete or irregular maintenance of the engine can lead to all these problems. Regular oil changes, using the recommended oil viscosity by the engine manufacturer, will keep the engine cool and prevent it from overheating.
