Camshafts and Timing—What’s the Point?
The camshaft is employed in internal combustion piston engines to operate intake and
Exhaust Valve. The valves open and close to let fuel in and exhaust out of the cylinders throughout the combustion cycle.
Camshafts are long cylinder-shaped rods with oblong lobes or “cams” cut into the profile, one for lobe each valve. As the camshaft rotates, the lobes press against the valves to force them open at the proper time.
This is where timing is important. The camshaft is driven by the rotating crankshafts through a
timing chain,
timing belt or timing gears. It is important that as pistons rise and fall, the valves open and close accordingly. It’s easy to see how the relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft is critical to a smooth running engine.
Camshaft and Timing Components Explained
Due to the complex nature of the camshaft and
timing systems, there are many parts and accessories involved, both major and minor. Some major players in the system include the Timing Belt Tensioner Spring,
Camshaft Position Sensor and, of course, the Timing Belt, Timing Chain and Timing Gears. More minor parts, but no less important, include the
Timing Cover, Timing Guide Rail, Shaft Sleeve and Camshaft Adjuster Magnet. These parts and many others come together to keep your motor timed and tuned for performance.
Why Replace Camshaft and Components
For Performance:The main reason, besides wear & tear, for replacing a camshaft is for performance. Hot rodders and speed junkies for years have been altering cam shapes and sizes, which in turn alters timing to affect power and torque. This cam science has become such a staid practice that there are now many companies that specialize in only high-performance camshafts and accessories.
To Compensate for Wear and Tear:The friction between the camshaft lobe surface and the cam follower, which actuates the valve, is quite intense and virtually nonstop. Both the cam and follower not only require surface hardening, but in order to decrease wear even further, most modern motor oils are enriched with additives formulated to reduce friction. This intense friction can cause the cam lobes to slowly wear until finally, timing is affected and the engine no longer runs smooth. That’s when replacement parts are in order. And, since camshafts and their components are designed to wear together at an even rate, when one component is replaced, you should also replace any parts that wear along with that component.
Common Camshaft and Timing Components
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