What does a camshaft do in a car engine?

Introduction

The camshaft is a critical component of an internal combustion engine. It is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the engine’s valves, which in turn controls the flow of air and fuel into and out of the cylinders. Without a camshaft, the engine would not be able to function properly.

How does a camshaft work?

The camshaft is located in the cylinder head of the engine. It is a long, cylindrical shaft with a series of lobes on it. The lobes are positioned in such a way that they interact with the valves as the camshaft rotates. As the camshaft rotates, the lobes push on the valves, causing them to open and close.

The timing of the camshaft is critical to the operation of the engine. The camshaft must open and close the valves at the correct time in relation to the piston’s movement. If the camshaft is not timed correctly, the engine will not run properly.

Types of camshafts

There are two main types of camshafts: overhead camshafts (OHC) and overhead valve (OHV) camshafts. OHC camshafts are located in the cylinder head, while OHV camshafts are located in the engine block. OHC camshafts are more common in modern engines, as they offer a number of advantages over OHV camshafts.

OHC camshafts are more efficient than OHV camshafts, as they have less friction. They are also more precise, as they are not subject to the same amount of deflection as OHV camshafts. As a result, OHC camshafts can be used to achieve higher engine speeds and performance.

Camshaft problems

Camshafts can experience a number of problems, including:

Worn lobes: The lobes on the camshaft can become worn over time, which can lead to decreased engine performance.
Bent camshaft: A bent camshaft can occur if the engine is over-revved. A bent camshaft can cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time, which can lead to serious engine damage.
Broken camshaft: A broken camshaft can occur if the camshaft is subjected to excessive stress. A broken camshaft can cause the engine to stop running.

Replacing a camshaft

A camshaft that is worn, bent, or broken will need to be replaced. Replacing a camshaft is a complex and time-consuming process. It is important to have a qualified technician perform the replacement.