Engine components 4

Camshaft - What it Does

The purpose of the camshaft (1) is to control intake and exhaust valve operation.

The camshaft is driven by a gear on the crankshaft, which keeps it synchronized with piston
position. As the camshaft rotates, its cam lobes turn. Valve train components linked to the
camshaft move up and down, following the contour of each lobe.

When the nose of the lobe faces up, the valve is all the way open. The camshaft turns at half the
speed of the crankshaft so that the valves open and close at the correct time during the four-stroke
cycle.

Camshaft Components
All camshafts have (1) bearing journals and (2) lobes. Camshafts can also have additional lobes
that provide injection pressure to fuel injectors.

All in-line engines and some V-engines have one camshaft. Some V-engine models have two
camshafts, one for each bank of cylinders.

Camshaft - Cam Lift

The distance from the base circle diameter to the top of the nose is called Lift (1). Cam lift
determines how far valves are opened.

Looking at the camshaft from the side we can see the profile of the cam lobe. The position and
shape of the lobe affects valve opening, duration, and engine timing.

Bearings - Overview

Bearings are relatively inexpensive wear items designed to protect the expensive crankshaft,
connecting rod, and block. There are three ways bearings provide this protection:

1. Bearings provide a soft, smooth surface with a high load (both radial and thrust) carrying
capability. This protects the crankshaft journal surfaces during engine start-ups and heavy loads.

2. Bearings trap or embed small pieces of metal and debris in the soft bearing surface to prevent
damage to the journal surfaces.

3. The bearings direct oil flow and ensure the correct oil pressure is maintained to vital surfaces.

Crankshaft - Bearing Material

Bearings are typically made of several layers of material including:

steel back – which makes up approximately 90% of the bearing thickness and gives the bearing
strength

Other layers include:

aluminum or copper/lead alloy materialcopper bonding layer – which is used to bond the lead-tin
and aluminum layerslead-tin overlay with a tin flash plating – that protects the aluminum layer of
the bearing by embedding small particles and by providing a slippery surface during marginal
lubrication conditions, such as engine start-up

Cylinder Head Assembly

Watch the vedio

The cylinder head and its components are designed to make sure that the valves open and close,
and that fuel is injected at the proper time for peak engine performance.

Valve Train Assembly Components

The valve train assembly includes:

1. Cylinder Head

2. Valve Cover

3. Bridges

4. Valve Spring Assemblies

5. Valve Guides

6. Valve Seat Inserts

7. Valves

8. Rocker Arms

Valve Train Assembly - Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is a separate casting that seals the top of the engine block and holds the valves,
injector or precombustion chamber in place.

The cylinder head also houses the valve train, some fuel system components and water passages
for cooling the parts.

A cylinder head may be used for only one cylinder or for multiple cylinders.

Valve Train Assembly - Valve Covers

Valve covers fit on top of, and seal, the cylinder head. Many engines have more than one valve
cover.

Valve covers protect the valve train components underneath them.