Camshaft:
* Function: The camshaft is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It is driven by the crankshaft, but its rotation speed is typically half that of the crankshaft.
* Location: The camshaft is located in the cylinder head of the engine.
* Construction: The camshaft consists of a cylindrical shaft with lobes along its length. These lobes make contact with the valve lifters, which in turn open the valves.
* Operation: As the camshaft rotates, the lobes push on the valve lifters, causing the valves to open. When the lobes move away from the valve lifters, the valves close. The timing of the camshaft's rotation is synchronized with the piston's movement to ensure that the valves open and close at the appropriate moments.
Crankshaft:
* Function: The crankshaft is the main rotating shaft of an engine. It converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which is then transferred to the wheels of the vehicle.
* Location: The crankshaft is located at the bottom of the engine block.
* Construction: The crankshaft is made of a single piece of metal and has a series of throws or journals along its length. The connecting rods from the pistons are attached to the crank throws.
* Operation: As the pistons move up and down inside the cylinders, they push and pull on the connecting rods, which in turn cause the crankshaft to rotate. The crankshaft's rotation provides the power that drives the engine's accessories and propels the vehicle forward.
In summary, the camshaft controls the timing of the engine's valves, while the crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
