There are so many components to a vehicle’s engine. Automobile enthusiasts know that an engine can’t run properly unless every single part does its job. This article will explain the differences between a camshaft and a crankshaft, two vital pieces of a ride’s engine. While these parts may sound similar, they each perform an essential function that guarantees drivers stay safe on the road.
What Is a Camshaft?
A camshaft is a straight, pole-like structure with small oval-shaped valves that open and close. These valves open and close in a particular sequence based on the engine’s model. The camshaft creates power by allowing fuel and air to flow through these valves at specific times. This fuel and air mixture is then sent to the crankshaft. From there, the crankshaft uses this mixture of fuel and air to fire up the transmission.
What Is a Crankshaft?
A crankshaft operates, as its name conveys, like a crank. The crankshaft takes the power of the mixture created in the camshaft and uses it to get the transmission working. The crankshaft also operates on a time system. The mixture from the camshaft pushes down the pistons of the crankshaft, allowing it to provide power to the transmission. It’s important to note that the camshaft and the crankshaft work in conjunction with each other. One can’t exist without the other, as they’re both vital to help an engine run properly.
Repairs and Maintenance for Both
Both the camshaft and crankshaft of a vehicle must be functioning properly for a car’s engine to start. If a camshaft is broken, the crankshaft won’t receive the power it needs to start a vehicle’s transmission. It’s much easier to repair a camshaft than it is a crankshaft. For starters, automobile owners should have their camshafts rotated regularly. Regular rotation will ensure that the valves can still open and close when needed. A crankshaft, on the other hand, is much more difficult to repair. You can’t just perform a rotation to fix the problem. More likely than not, the entire crankshaft will have to be replaced if it’s not working. If you need a new crankshaft, look no further than ATL Diesel. We have numerous diesel engine parts for sale that’ll get you back on the road in no time.