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How many camshafts are there?

The number of camshafts in an engine can vary depending on the engine design, but most commonly, engines have either one or two camshafts.


Single Camshaft Engines


The most basic engine design features a single camshaft. In a single camshaft engine, the camshaft is responsible for opening and closing all the valves in the engine. This design is commonly found in smaller, more basic engines, such as those used in motorcycles, lawnmowers, and some smaller automobiles. The single camshaft design is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, but it can be less efficient than a dual camshaft design.


Dual Camshaft Engines


Many modern engines, particularly those found in larger automobiles, feature a dual camshaft design. In this configuration, there are two separate camshafts - one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves. This allows for more precise control over the timing and duration of valve openings, which can improve engine performance, efficiency, and emissions.



  • The intake camshaft controls the opening and closing of the intake valves, which allow air and fuel to enter the engine cylinders.

  • The exhaust camshaft controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valves, which allow the spent gases to exit the engine.


The dual camshaft design is more complex and expensive to manufacture, but it offers significant advantages in terms of engine performance and efficiency.


Other Camshaft Configurations


While single and dual camshaft designs are the most common, there are some other, less common camshaft configurations:



  • Triple Camshaft Engines: Some high-performance engines, such as those found in certain sports cars, may have three camshafts - one for the intake valves, one for the exhaust valves, and one for variable valve timing.

  • Overhead Camshaft Engines: In this design, the camshaft is located above the engine's cylinders, rather than in the engine block. This can improve engine efficiency and performance.


Regardless of the specific camshaft configuration, the camshaft(s) play a crucial role in the proper operation and performance of an engine.

Does every car have 2 camshafts?


A SOHC engine has one camshaft per bank of cylinders, therefore a straight engine has a total of one camshaft and a V engine or flat engine has a total of two camshafts (one for each cylinder bank).



How many camshafts does a 5.0 have?


The Coyote 5.0 is now on its 3rd generation of design in only ten years, with a 4th planned for 2024. The current V-configuration features a dual overhead cam (DOHC) and relies on Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) for improved fuel economy and lower emission power delivery.



How much does it cost to replace a camshaft?


$2,000 to $3,000
On average, the cost of replacing a camshaft is $2,000 to $3,000, including parts and labor. Cost will vary depending on what type of vehicle you have, labor costs, and whether or not other parts need replacing, too. For example, the camshaft position sensor may need to be replaced, as well.



How many camshafts are in an engine?


Most current OHC engines have dual camshafts; one operates the intake valves and the other the exhaust valves. On a V-type engine, such as a V-6 or V-8, or a horizontally opposed engine, such as those used by Subaru, each cylinder bank has two camshafts, so there are four in total.



What are the 4 types of cam?


Cams can be produced in any shape, but the most common shapes are:

  • Circular. Circular cams use an off-centre pivot to cause the follower to move up and down.
  • Pear. Pear cams are called this as they have the shape of a pear.
  • Snail or drop.
  • Heart-shaped or constant velocity.
  • Flat.
  • Point or knife.
  • Roller.



What are 3 examples of cam?


Computer aided manufacture CAM. Involves using computers to control machines to undertake the production of goods. Some examples of different CAM machines are 3D printers, laser cutters, as well as different milling machines.



What engine has 4 camshafts?


A four cam engine typically refers to a V6, V8, or V12 type of engine that has two camshafts mounted at top of each cylinder head. As the engine is in a V configuration, it will have two cylinder heads, each having two camshafts.



What happens when a camshaft goes bad?


A faulty camshaft can cause misfires by disrupting the timing of the valves. If the camshaft lobes are worn or damaged, they may not open the valves correctly, leading to incomplete combustion in the cylinders. This improper combustion results in misfires and can cause further damage to your engine.



Does a V-8 have 2 camshafts?


Therefore, a V8 engine, which has two banks of four cylinders, would have two camshafts in total; one for each bank of cylinders. This design allows for efficient operation and valve timing, contributing to the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.



How many types of camshafts are there?


There are 4 basic types of camshafts, based on the type of lifter they use. You could have a hydraulic flat tappet, a hydraulic roller, a solid flat tappet, or a solid roller.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.