Camshaft – the most important element of the valve timing mechanism in any internal combustion engine.

The key element of every camshaft is the cam lobes, which have a distinctive “drop-like” shape and are positioned on the shaft at specific angles. The cam lobes are responsible for the synchronous movement of the valves, necessary for the precise delivery of the fuel mixture into the cylinders and the release of exhaust gases. The camshaft is usually driven by the crankshaft using a timing belt, chain, or gears, and it always rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft.

Depending on the specific engine design, camshafts can have a lower position, in the cylinder block, or an upper position, in the cylinder head. The upper or lower position of the camshaft is a significant factor affecting the engine’s power and its ability to achieve high RPMs.

There are also engines with two camshafts – intake and exhaust – each of which controls its own “set” of valves: intake or exhaust. If an engine has two camshafts, the main differences between them are the profile and position of the cam lobes, as well as the presence or absence of an additional toothed sector for the phase sensor of the valve timing mechanism.

It is crucial to strictly follow the correct assembly order of the intake and exhaust components, as any mistake in setting the valve timing phases will inevitably lead to component damage and subsequent major engine repairs.

Wear and malfunction of camshaft components affect:

• Fuel consumption
• Engine power
• Stable engine operation