A camshaft is like a rod with a carefully shaped pieces that rotates at high speeds and opens and closes valves in engines.
It allows an intake valve to intake fuel and air, compression of the fuel/air mixture, providing power from the energy created by combustion of atomized petrol during this process, and finally the exhaust valve to let out burned gases. Doing this ensures that fresh air can be drawn into the engine to continue the intake and exhaust cycle. The cam lobe is driven by the camshaft on double overhead cam engines and single ones. Camshafts come in many styles and shapes and do different things depending on what they're doing inside an engine. Some high-performance engines have four camshafts, while others only control one cam or two depending on the engine's performance. The camshaft's rotation opens valves at timed intervals known as variable valve timing, allowing air into the engine during each intake stroke and expelling exhaust. Depending on the application, gears drive the camshafts off the crankshaft, typically via a belt drive called a timing belt or chain. Many cars today now have overhead cams, meaning that their camshafts reside in the cylinder head along with their respective valves. While this was once a luxury, it is becoming more common on economy cars to have camshafts on the cylinder head to reduce costs. Many factors go into choosing the correct camshaft for most engines, such as the size of the engine, the desired powerband, the weight of the car, and emissions regulations. Camshafts can also be custom-made to fit a specific application.
The camshaft is responsible for the primary function of opening and closing the valves in the engine at precise intervals using a rotational motion. Doing this allows air into the engine during each compression stroke and expels the waste out through exhaust. The cam lobes press on the valve lifters when it rotates, and the valve opens. The valve springs then return the open valves to a closed position after the cam lobe passes. For DOHC engines, one rotation makes a cam lobe push a valve down and open it. The camshaft is also responsible for creating the correct variable valve timing, which is essential to creating power that converts rotational motion to energy used to propel the car forward and reduce emissions. There are many different types of camshafts, each with its unique benefits and drawbacks. Some camshafts control four valves or more at once, like in a modern internal combustion engine, while others only have a single camshaft or two camshafts. There are also many different shapes and sizes of camshafts, affecting how the engine performs.
Common camshaft issues include timing chain failure and damage, broken timing belts, worn out crankshafts, excessive wear & tear, manufacturing defects, and debris inside the engine that could block oil flow. In these cases, the check engine light will light up.
Symptoms of these issues can include the car stalling out unexpectedly, poor acceleration, overheating the engine, smoke coming from the tailpipe or around the engine, and an overall lack of power. A check engine light may show on the dashboard, near the AEB warning system (if your car has such a warning light).Typically, replacing a camshaft is more expensive than other engine repairs because it's one of the most vital components in an engine. Depending on the type of car you have, the price can range anywhere from $1000 to a few thousand. This large disparity in cost is due to different manufacturers' recommended service intervals for changing the timing belt/chain which drives the camshaft(s). And while some replacement parts are inexpensive, others are much more expensive. Suppose your car has spent significant time idling or running high RPMs. In that case, there could be additional damages beyond just the broken timing belt/chain, and replacement costs will increase accordingly.
In some cases, the camshaft can be repaired. However, this is usually only possible if the damage is relatively minor. If the camshaft is severely damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced. Replacing a camshaft can be expensive, so it's essential to ensure that it's defective before you go through the hassle and expense of replacement. If you're not sure whether or not your camshaft is defective, take it to a mechanic for inspection. They will be able to tell you what's wrong with your camshaft and whether or not it can be repaired.
It is possible to replace only the camshaft and not the entire engine in some cases. The replacement depends on the make and model of your car and the type of camshaft that is installed. It's essential to consult a mechanic before buying a new camshaft, as additional parts may need to be replaced for the engine to run correctly.
If you're thinking about replacing your camshaft, it's best to talk to a mechanic first. They will tell you if it's possible to replace just the camshaft and what kind of work needs to be done for the engine to run correctly. You will need to replace all fluids, such as coolant.Replacing a camshaft can be an expensive and complicated process, so it's essential to make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, then it's worth taking your car in for a check-up.
Valves are another critical part of a car engine. An intake valve allows air and fuel in while the exhaust valve lets exhaust gases out. There are usually one or two valves per cylinder. The camshaft operates the valves. As the camshaft rotates, it opens and closes them at a variable valve timing. During the exhaust stroke, the exhaust valves open. If there is a problem with the intake and exhaust valves, it can cause serious performance issues for the car. Some common problems associated with intake valves and exhaust valves include damage from foreign objects, excessive wear and tear, manufacturing defects, and debris inside the engine that could block oil flow. Symptoms of these issues can include poor acceleration, overheating the engine, smoke coming from the tailpipe or around the engine, and an overall lack of power.
The camshaft is located in the engine block for most internal combustion engines. It is attached to the pistons by connecting rods, the large metal housing containing all of the engine's cylinders. It is usually positioned near the top of the block and can be difficult to see without removing some of the engine's components.
If you're not sure where your camshaft is located, then take it to a mechanic and they will be able to show you.
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, then it's worth taking your car in for a check-up. Mechanics can help you determine whether or not there is a problem with your valves or camshaft. The Queensland Government has a handy guide for automotive repair.