How the Camshaft Works Explained Nicely

A BRIEF INTRO

The camshaft is a shaft in the top of your engine with lobes that push valves open which is how your engine gets air in and lets exhaust out. The camshaft has a gear on the end that is turned by the timing chain/belt, attached to the crankshaft; the camshaft turns twice to one turn of the crankshaft.

DOHC, SOHC, OHV, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Some engines have more valves and therefore more camshafts. SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) engines have one camshaft per head, which is typically found in V6 or V8 engines, giving them two camshafts in total. DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) engines, on the other hand, have two camshafts per head, resulting in four camshafts in total for V8s and V6s. OHV (Over Head Valve) engines have one camshaft in the block that pushes pushrods, which push lifters that open the valves.

WHAT DOES CAMMED MEAN?

Cammed always means installing a larger camshaft. Installing a larger camshaft can increase the length of time the intake valve is open or open the valve further, increasing airflow and power.

There are many different camshafts for many different levels of "cammed"; some cams require significant engine upgrades to work properly.

OUR SICK DIAGRAM

This is a 4-cylinder DOHC engine.

Lobes - These are part of the camshaft and rotate with it to push valves open or lifters that push valves open.

Lobes Pushing Open Valves - This part of the camshaft is in the part of rotation where the valves are being pushed open.

Valves - These open and close to allow air or exhaust in.

Camshafts - The camshafts.