The Difference Between Camshaft and Crankshaft in Cars, Must Know!
When talking about the cylinder head of an engine, it is certainly related to other components such as the camshaft and crankshaft. These two components often confuse car drivers regarding their roles and how they work. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the camshaft and crankshaft to avoid misunderstandings. For the differences, let’s look at the discussion below.
Differences Between Camshaft and Crankshaft in Cars
Camshaft and crankshaft in cars have quite significant differences. Here are the differences.
1. Function
The camshaft functions to control the mechanism of opening and closing the valves. Whether it is the intake valve or the exhaust valve according to the firing order. Meanwhile, the function of the crankshaft is to ensure the conversion of the piston’s linear motion (back and forth) into rotational motion.
2. Mechanism of Operation
The camshaft mechanism operates only when this component is under pressure. This component will push the rocker arm or valve lifter to open the valve. While when the camshaft is not under pressure, the valve will close to its initial position.
As for the crankshaft mechanism, it works to move the piston by pushing the connecting rod up or down. Not only that, the gears attached to the crankshaft will also drive all engine components.
Read Also: The Function of CKP and CMP in Cars and How They Work, Let’s Check It Out!
3. Location
The camshaft is located at the top of the cylinder head or engine block. Meanwhile, the crankshaft is located at the bottom of the engine cylinder block.
4. Material
The camshaft is usually made of cast steel or cast iron. Meanwhile, the crankshaft is made of a mixture of steel or alloy steel. The difference in material between these two components certainly affects the weight of each component. The camshaft usually has a lighter weight compared to the crankshaft.
5. Dimensions
As previously explained, the crankshaft is heavier than the camshaft. This condition, besides being influenced by the material, is also affected by the dimensions. Generally, the camshaft has much thinner dimensions and a smaller diameter compared to the crankshaft.
6. Rotation
Another striking difference between the camshaft and crankshaft can be seen from the rotation produced. Although both components rotate, the number of rotations produced is different. The camshaft rotates less compared to the crankshaft, which rotates once in each cycle. Meanwhile, for one cycle of the car engine's performance, the crankshaft rotates up to two times.
7. Method of Rotation
The next difference can be seen from how these components rotate. The camshaft rotates in a normal manner like the rotation of a cylinder. Meanwhile, the crankshaft rotates like a crank mechanism in transmitting the power generated by the piston.
Thus, these are seven differences between the camshaft and crankshaft that you need to know. Considering that both components play an important role in the performance of the car engine, as a car owner, you must check the condition of both components. If either of these components is damaged, the CKP and CMP sensors will also have problems.
This condition can certainly cause issues with ignition control and fuel injection, leading to new problems. Starting from decreased engine efficiency and performance, fuel efficiency, the car emitting thick smoke from the exhaust, engine stalling, the car moving in fits and starts, to the engine being difficult to start. To avoid this, make sure you regularly service at the nearest official Daihatsu workshop.
