Valve System

A: A camshaft is a shaft that contains a row of pointed cams in order to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion. Camshafts are used in piston engines, mechanically controlled ignition systems and early electric motor speed controllers.

A: Your automobile engine is a very intricate mechanism with many moving components and one of the most critical tools is your camshaft. It regulates valves within your engine and the timing of them has a direct effect on how well your vehicle performs with power, fuel efficiency, and horsepower.

A: The camshaft orchestrates the valve opening and closing events, maximizing power output and fuel economy by utilizing uniquely shaped lobes or cams. Its design and timing directly influence critical aspects like horsepower, torque, and emissions, making the camshaft the main player in achieving peak engine performance.

A: With a camless engine, fuel injection and exhaust timing are directly controlled by an engine control unit and can be constantly changed and adjusted without stopping the engine. This allows for the engine to run at a lower RPM, a feature useful in ships as it allows better low speed maneuvering while docking.

A: Regular care can significantly extend its life, while neglect can cause it to wear out sooner. Keeping up with oil changes and using quality parts also play a big role. Camshafts don't generally have a specific replacement interval. With proper maintenance, many can last over 150,000 miles.