camshaft

📖 YOUCANIC Automotive Glossary

A camshaft is an internal combustion engine shaft with several cams, or lobes, on it. These cams control the engine’s valves opening and closing, allowing air and fuel into the combustion chamber and exhaust gases out. The camshaft is typically located in the cylinder head and is driven by the crankshaft via a timing belt or chain. The camshaft has two basic types: overhead camshaft (OHC) and pushrod. In an overhead camshaft engine, the camshaft is located in the cylinder head and directly actuates the valves. In a pushrod engine, the camshaft is located in the engine block and actuates the valves through pushrods and rocker arms. The timing of the camshaft is crucial for the engine’s performance; it must be in sync with the crankshaft to ensure that the valves open and close at the right time.