What is the camshaft in an engine? What is the crankshaft in an engine? Also, What is the difference between a camshaft and a crankshaft What is the difference between camshaft and crank degrees? Find the Crankshaft and camshaft relation, function, elements or materials, impacts on the engine, number, location, and more.
What is Crankshaft & Camshaft in Engine?
Simply, the Crankshaft is a part of the motorcycle engine that works to convert the energy created by the movement of the Pistons to drive the Flywheel. In other words, it transforms the pistons’ reciprocating motion into rotational or rotary motion. Well, here the term reciprocating motion means the the up and down motion or movement of the pistons. We can also describe its function as the conversion of the vertical movement from the piston to a rotational output.
Actually, every 4-stroke internal combustion engine features a camshaft. It opens as well as closes the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. One can compare with the process of a human being’s inhale and exhale. You can find it in 2 locations overhead and in-board. These shafts contain a row of pointed cams. Those help it to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion.
What is the Difference between Crankshaft and Camshaft?
| Crankshaft | Camshaft |
| The crankshaft moves the pistons with the help of the connecting rods. | The camshaft opens and closes the valves. |
| The main purpose is to convert the up-and-down piston motion into rotary motion. | Meanwhile, its major function is to open and close the intake and exhaust valves at the proper times. |
| Its rotation happens because of the downward movement of the pistons. The piston’s movement occurs during the combustion process | The timing belt or chain attached to the crankshaft is responsible for the camshaft’s rotational process. |
| Normally made from forged alloy steel. | Consists of cast steel or iron. |
| You will find it below the cylinder. | Overhead camshafts are found above the cylinder. While Cam-in-block shafts are mounted above the crankshaft. |
| There is generally 1 crankshaft in an engine. | However, the number of camshafts might be 1 or more than 1. It depends on the design of the engine. |
| Has control over the engine’s smoothness, balance, and ability to generate torque. | Impacts the engine’s power, torque, and efficiency. |
However, both are necessary for proper combustion. Hence, both Crank and Camshafts are essential for an engine. Both types have many differences but actually, you will be wondered to know that the latter-mentioned shaft (cam) works in conjunction with the aforementioned one (crank).
