The various configurations of the cam shaft will be discussed here. The 3 different camshafts are – single overhead cam, double overhead cam and the pushrod.

Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) – One cam per head indicates single overhead cam. Any inline 4 or 6 cylinder engines will have one cam. V-6 or V-8 engines will have 2 cams but one for each of the heads. The rocker arms of the cam presses down on the valves in order to open them. The valves come back to their positions with the help of extremely strong springs.

Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) – Two cams per head indicate double overhead cam. An inline engine will have 2 cams and V engines will have 4 cams but 2 on each head. Engines with 4 or more than 4 valves per cylinder have double overhead cams. A double cam shaft is capable of fitting enough lobes to work all the valves.

The crankshafts drive the cams in the double and single overhead cam engines with the help of a belt or a chain. These are known as the timing chain or the timing belt. If the chain or the belt breaks, the cam will not be able to spin anymore. The piston will hit the valves that are open. So these need to be changed or adjusted at regular intervals.     

For more information about the configurations of the cam shaft in your engine, do visit the New Jersey State Auto Auction today.

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