What does DOHC mean?
2 Answers
DOHC stands for Double Overhead Camshaft, which has two overhead camshafts placed on the cylinder head and is finally completely sealed by the valve cover. The first camshaft is used to drive the intake valves, while the second camshaft is used to drive the exhaust valves. The basic components of an automobile engine include the crankshaft-connecting rod mechanism, valve train, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, electrical system, and engine block, with nearly a thousand parts in total. The camshaft that controls the intake and exhaust is a crucial component. The camshaft belongs to the valve train of the engine, which ensures that the engine timely fills the cylinder with fresh combustible mixture during operation and promptly exhausts the burned gases from the cylinder. It consists of intake valves, exhaust valves, valve pushrods, tappets, rocker arms, camshafts, and other components.
I've been working in auto repair shops for over 20 years. DOHC stands for Dual Overhead Camshaft, meaning the engine has two camshafts mounted at the top instead of one. This design allows more precise valve control, with one camshaft managing intake valves and the other handling exhaust valves. At high RPMs, it lets the engine 'breathe' better, drawing in more air and delivering stronger power output. Compared to Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) engines, DOHC is more common in performance vehicles like sports cars and modified cars, offering quicker acceleration and more responsive handling. However, its structure is more complex, requiring regular inspection of the camshaft chain during maintenance to prevent wear and noise issues. For daily driving, it also improves fuel efficiency, especially noticeable during highway cruising. Overall, DOHC represents mainstream modern engine technology and proves highly practical for power-seeking car owners.