The camshaft on many engines includes both intake and exhaust valve lobes. In other words, the intake and exhaust camshafts are all part of the same component.
But on dual overhead cam engines, the exhaust camshaft will be a separate shaft, and it basically does the same thing the intake camshaft does; it just opens different valves.
Exhaust cams are responsible for how long the exhaust valves remain open and how much they open. “Lift” describes the amount of opening and “duration” describes the amount of time they’re open. Both depend on the shape of the lobe operating the valve. The shaft has to be perfectly in time with the crankshaft and the other camshaft.
If you hear popping noises in the intake manifold, they may indicate induction backfire. This occurs when there are issues with the ignition system, including but not limited to faulty spark plugs, cross-firing between distributor posts, and timing errors. Eliminate all these other things before suspecting the exhaust camshaft.
While misfires are a common concern, they’re almost never caused by either of the camshafts, although they can be the cause of a misfire or lost power if a lobe is worn enough to affect valve operation.
If a bad exhaust cam is responsible for a misfiring engine, it’s important to have it replaced right away once you have verified that’s the problem.
Bear in mind that tampering with the engine without intimate knowledge of the various components and what they do is a recipe for disaster. It’s better to hire a mechanic to diagnose and replace your exhaust cam if needed.
Here’s an overview of what the process of removing an exhaust cam might involve:
Here are some commonly asked questions about exhaust cams.
Exhaust cam sensors provide cam sensor position to the ECM/PCM for injector and valve timing.
The exhaust cam actuator is the device that advances or retards exhaust valve timing for emission control and efficiency, but not all vehicles have this. Some just have fixed valve timing.
The intake cam, or the intake camshaft is responsible for controlling the intake valves in the engine. It opens the intake valves at the perfect time, allowing the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber. This affects a vehicle’s power output, torque, and fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the exhaust cam is responsible for controlling the exhaust valves in the engine. It opens the exhaust valves so that exhaust gases can exit the combustion chamber. The exhaust cam determines the timing and duration of the exhaust opening, affecting the engine’s performance and emission levels.
Replace the faulty exhaust cam once you confirm there’s a problem. Since the cam plays a major role in the engine and exhaust system, you must choose a reliable replacement that will last. Luckily, at CarParts.com, finding that exhaust cam is a breeze.
CarParts.com is your one-stop shop for exhaust cams and other replacement parts for a wide selection of vehicle makes and models. We believe you deserve long-lasting parts that deliver world-class performance, so we exclusively source our products from companies trusted by drivers across the US. Finding a compatible exhaust cam in our extensive parts catalog is fast and easy. Just plug the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle into our website’s built-in vehicle selector. Ordering takes only a few taps on your mobile phone’s screen. Your new exhaust cam will arrive in as fast as two business days if you live in the continental US and order before 12 p.m.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit CarParts.com and browse our selection of exhaust cams that fit your specific application today!
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