What does SOHC mean? Or, What is a single overhead cam? What is SOHC engine called? Is SOHC better than OHV? Is SOHC better than DOHC? What is the advantage of SOHC? Can SOHC have 4 valves? Is SOHC more fuel-efficient? This content brings in all the answers about the above questions as well as necessary details about the SOHC.
What Does SOHC Stand For?
“SOHC” is the acronym for “Single Overhead Camshaft”. What does SOHC mean? It means there is only one camshaft used in the engine. Generally, inline engines have only one camshaft or SOHC. On the contrary, the flat and a V-shaped engine both feature two camshafts “DOHC” per cylinder. Just to inform you, DOHC means, a “Dual Over Head Camshaft” engine.
What is a Single Overhead Cam?
It is the oldest configuration of overhead camshaft engines. This type of shaft indicates that the vehicle has two (or occasionally three) valves per cylinder. By the way, nowadays there are SOHC shafts where there can 4 valves. To ensure more accurate actuation, in the “SOHC,” the location of the camshaft is in the cylinder head above the valves. Generally, between the 2 valves, one serves to regulate the incoming fuel. While the other regulates the discharge process of the exhaust gas.
How Does SOHC Work?
A drive chain moves the camshaft and the cam rotates and presses on the rocker arm. The shaft drives the intake and exhaust valves in the combustion chamber. There are some other components that help make the task simple and more stable.
What is the Advantage of a Single Overhead Cam?
What are the benefits of SOHC? The key benefits provided by the SOHC are:
- The engine feels lighter while driving.
- Better torque towards the low end.
- Simple spare parts and easy to obtain.
- Better fuel consumption and hence an economic option.
- Machine maintenance is comparatively easier.
- The maintenance costs are lower as well.
Overall, the SOHC comparatively saves cost and complexity.
What are the Disadvantages of SOHC?
In the Single Overhead Camshafts, it is impossible to implement variable valve timing differently for intake & exhaust valves.
Is SOHC or DOHC Better?
If you ask for all-out race applications, then SOHC is the better option. Moreover, it is better in terms of lighter weight, lower rotating mass, less friction losses, low-end torque, maintenance system & cost. On the contrary, DOHC will have the upper hand in the case of variable timing applications as well as lower-level tuning.
