What are the symptoms of camshaft wear?
4 Answers
Symptoms of camshaft wear mainly include: 1. Increased engine noise due to camshaft damage. 2. Disruption of the valve opening pattern. 3. Reduced valve lift and shortened valve opening and closing overlap time, affecting the accuracy of valve timing. 4. Inadequate air intake and incomplete exhaust emission, making it difficult to adjust the clearance between the valve stem end and the tappet, resulting in weak vehicle performance and increased fuel consumption. Here is some additional information: 1. Introduction: The camshaft is the main driving component in the valve train, used to control the timing of the exhaust valve's opening and closing, and to drive other accessories such as the fuel pump, oil pump, and distributor. 2. Position classification: The camshaft can be positioned in three ways: lower-mounted, mid-mounted, and upper-mounted. In lower-mounted valve trains, the camshaft is located in the crankcase; in mid-mounted valve trains, it is located in the upper part of the engine block; and in upper-mounted valve trains, it is located on the cylinder head.
Symptoms of camshaft wear mainly include increased engine noise, such as rattling or knocking sounds, especially noticeable during acceleration; a significant drop in power, making the car feel sluggish and slow to accelerate; severe shaking at idle, feeling like the whole car is vibrating; and increased fuel consumption due to abnormal valve opening and closing affecting combustion efficiency. Additionally, difficulties in starting or abnormal exhaust may occur, and in severe cases, the engine warning light may come on. It must be said that the camshaft is crucial for controlling the valves, and wear can cause uncoordinated intake and exhaust, leading to greater internal engine damage over time. If you notice these symptoms, don’t delay—get it checked and repaired at a professional shop as soon as possible. Regular oil changes can help prevent wear.
Common symptoms of camshaft wear include persistent noise while driving, resembling metal friction or knocking, especially noticeable at high speeds; reduced vehicle power, sluggish response when accelerating, and difficulty climbing hills; unstable idling causing noticeable shaking of the steering wheel or seats; and an unnoticed increase in fuel consumption, typically 10-20% higher than normal. I've experienced this myself—initially thinking it was just a common aging issue, but after repairs, the power returned. Wear can also lead to valve damage, making regular use of high-quality engine oil crucial. Simply put, this issue affects driving safety and requires prompt attention.
Worn camshafts can cause a host of annoying issues: the engine becomes noisy, sounding like drumming during acceleration; lack of power makes overtaking difficult; the car vibrates noticeably at idle; fuel consumption increases significantly. Worse yet, if left unchecked, it may lead to valve problems or even engine damage. I recommend getting it inspected as soon as these symptoms appear—don't take the risk.
