Know the function of the camshaft and how it works

 

For automotive fans, the engine component called the camshaft may be familiar. This car component is also usually called the camshaft or camshaft. You can find this car component in the engine cylinder head. This is what makes the camshaft so important.

In general, the reason for naming this camshaft comes from its shape which resembles a shaft with its parts.

Its very complex shape is the reason why it is manufactured using cast steel to make it stronger and tougher. Well, here is a complete explanation about it.

Camshaft Function

Before deciding to buy a four-wheeled vehicle, it's a good idea to first identify its complete components. This aims to maximize the use and maintenance of the car you own so that it can be better.

One component that car owners must pay attention to is of course the camshaft. Most people don't pay attention to this part on the pretext that it is difficult to reach, even though its function is very urgent . That's the reason why you have to understand the following camshaft functions.

• Valve Regulator

The first function of the camshaft is to adjust the valve to suit the existing firing system. In charge of this function is the part of the camshaft which plays the most role, namely the cam lobe. This part of the camshaft has a more oval design than the other parts.

The way this cam lobe works is by pushing the valve or engine valve so that it opens and closes in an oval shape systematically. The came lobe movement has also been adjusted to the firing order system so that each part has a different place according to its use.

• Distributor Shaft Rotary

The next function of the camshaft is to rotate the shaft distributor system in the engine as a whole. You need to know that this camshaft function applies specifically to car engines that still use a distributor in their firing order system.

In this section, automotive players usually add a special drive gear so that the process of rotating the distributor shaft is easier. The use of this component is actually commonly used, but what is more rare is its installation which is connected to the camshaft using a slot joint.

The relationship between these two parts makes it easier for the camshaft to rotate the distributor automatically when this component rotates.

• Moving the Fuel Pump

The next function of the camshaft is as a tool to drive the car engine's fuel pump . Currently, not all cars use a fuel pump and this function specifically applies to car engines with a mechanical type fuel pump.

In general, the use of a fuel pump is to supply fuel to the car's carburetor. As technology develops, this function is starting to shift to electric fuel pumps that move without camshaft push.

• Sensor Place That Detects Rotation

The final function of the camshaft is a sensor to detect each rotation itself. Through this function, the camshaft can easily determine every angle of rotation that will be carried out without causing defects or damage to other parts.

This camshaft function also does not always apply to every car engine because it is specific to EFI type engines. The EFI type car engine itself is an engine that has a design with a main gear to unite the sensor blade. This is what makes it easy for the camshaft to determine its own sensor.

The way this function works is that the gears of the engine will help the camshaft detect each angle precisely in each rotation made.

How the Camshaft Works

Apart from understanding the function of the camshaft, you also have to understand how it works so that it is easy to detect any movement and anticipate damage. The workings of the camshaft are generally divided into two. The following is a complete explanation.

• When the position is pressing

The first way the camshaft works is when it is in a pressing position. This pressing system is actually what the camshaft does to be able to control the valve to either open or close the engine. In this working method, the camshaft is also supported by several parts.

The main parts that often come into contact with the camshaft during the pressing process are the rocker arm, specifically for the OHC type and the filter valve specifically for the OHV type. These two parts will be pressed directly by the camshaft when it rotates at a systematic and more controlled tempo.

The way the pressure works starts from the camshaft which will be in contact with the rocker arm, and then this part hits the velve until it is pushed open. This cycle will continue to repeat as needed when the car engine is still in prime condition when started.

• When the position is not pressing

The next thing you need to know about how the camshaft works is when its position is not pressing on any parts. In this way of working, what is more dominant is the flat part of the camshaft, so the pressure is not too great, whether for the OHC or OHV type.

This working system can be said to be the resting phase of the camshaft after rotating. During this period, the camshaft will stop pressing on the side of the rocker arm as well as the valve so that the valve tends to close. This is nothing to worry about if the engine is normal, but needs to be followed up if the engine has problems or the car breaks down.

Components in the Camshaft

For those of you who are automotive experts, perhaps the ins and outs of camshafts are already familiar. However, for those who are still laymen, this information is still very important. The camshaft is designed with several main components to support performance according to its functions. Following are some of these components.

• Intake

The first camshaft component is the intake or what is often called the intake camshaft. This part is at the very end of the camshaft or the most oval. This shape supports the intake function to move the valve to open.

• Exhaust

The next component of the camshaft is called the camshaft exhaust. This component has the opposite function to the previous component. The function of this exhaust is more on the camshaft to close the valve or drain the valve.

The reason for calling this exhaust valve an exhaust is because this component pushes the valve after it opens, so that residual combustion gases from inside the engine can be pushed out.

• Bearing Journal

This next component is useful for maximizing shaft performance in terms of emphasis. This part is in the form of a camshaft bearing which will reduce friction with other parts, so that engine wear can be minimized.

• Timing Pulley

This next part is useful for adjusting the camshaft rotation rhythm according to the tempo so that the engine performance is not recklessly out of line with the firing order.

• Drive Gear

Next there is a drive gear which is useful for rotating the camshaft according to tempo. This part works when the camshaft presses and does not press.

• Centric Teeth

This next camshaft component aims to connect the ignition distributor section with the camshaft directly so that they can work together.

Fuel Pump Cam Drive

The last component of the camshaft is useful for increasing the movement of the fuel pump. This part works immediately when the fuel camshaft is turned.