The camshaft is an integral rotary device for regulating diesel-powered internal combustion engine operations. A precisely functioning marine engine camshaft maintains the accurate timing for opening and closing the valves of the main engine in a watercraft. These shafts are available in varying designs to coordinate with specific engine types – two-stroke and four-stroke modules. Crankshafts are the choicest equipment to control coordinated valve operations, primarily in 4-stroke diesel engines and large 2-stroke models.
Explore this in-depth marine camshaft guide to learn more about its features, functions, construction, and significance in regulating marine engine operations.
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What is a Camshaft in the Engine Room
The marine engine camshaft is a rotating shaft (a long bar) configured with two or more fixed oval-shaped cams (cam lobes). It sits within the roller guide housing to control the opening and closure of valves on the engine’s cylinder head. Depending on the engine’s framework and size, a camshaft may have multiple cams. These shafts perform diverse operations, from driving to the fuel pump to regulating the opening and closure of the fuel injection systems and exhaust valves.
Functions of a Marine Camshaft
Camshaft plays diverse crucial roles in controlling the operation of the valves in marine engines. Here is an overview of the functions of a crankshaft in the engine’s overall performance:
- Produce linear motion from rotational motion for actuating the valves
- Governs coordinated valve movement
- Opens and closes the valves to maintain accurate fuel-intake timing
- Regulates the inlet and outlet valve operations for expelling waste gases
Camshaft Design and Components
The camshaft used for regulating marine engine valves comprises an intricate assembly of several components in a linear arrangement on a rotating shaft. Following are the crucial camshaft parts that support accurate operation of the equipment:
Driveshaft
A driveshaft sits on the farthest end of the rotational shaft to disseminate motion to all the components. It also connects the assembly to the crankshaft via a belt or may operate separately.
Rotating Shaft
The shaft is the fundamental supporting structure for all attachments. It is composed of high-quality material to sustain load stress and vibration when the engine is running.
Cam Follower Bearings
These bearings featuring lubricant inlet holes are eminent elements in the camshaft arrangement. Besides minimizing friction, the bearings maintain the accurate alignment of the shaft and its components.
Cams
A cam is a uniquely shaped structure lying along the central position of the shaft lining. Cams constantly regulate the valve movement during the shaft rotation.
Lobes
These parts maintain accurate valve closure and opening to inject the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder and release the exhaust gases. The lobes maintain coordination with the engine speed, permitting the air-fuel mixture to pass into the combustion chamber at the right time.
Thrust Plate
A camshaft has a thrust plate on the right side, between the timing gear and the cam. It is vital to have a thrust plate on the front cover to regulate adequate end play.
Timing Chain Sprocket
The camshaft comprises a chain sprocket at the end on one side of the camshaft. Synchronizing the chain sprocket with the timing belt and the crankshaft is essential to maintain coordinated crankshaft-camshaft operation.
How Does the Camshaft Work for Marine Engines
The functioning of the camshaft in 4-stroke diesel engines involves a series of coherent steps:
The process commences when the piston plunges towards the bottom dead center (BDC) from the top dead center (TDC). This action imparts motion to the crankshaft (attached to the camshaft with a belt or gear). The crankshaft transforms the received energy into rotational motion to start the rotation. Upon receiving the rotary motion via the connection, the camshaft converts the received energy into a reciprocating motion to regulate the valve opening and closing operations.
The open valve allows the fuel mixture to pass into the cylinder for the combustion cycle. It is followed by the compression phase when the piston ascends from BDC to TDC.
The next phase of energy transfer to the crankshaft occurs when the piston moves downwards due to the expansion of the air-fuel mixture after the ignition. It transmits power to the cam driving the exhaust valve to create a passage for releasing exhaust gas before commencing the next cycle.
Things to Remember When Choosing Camshaft for Marine Engines
Select Items by Part Number
Camshafts vary from one model to another in size, design, material, and other aspects. A specific module’s construction depends on the engine type (preferably from the same brand). Alfa Marine Spare Parts offers a collection of camshaft spare parts for various marine engines. Always consult a marine engineer when buying camshaft products. Note the part number of the faulty item to avail OEM replacement parts at our store.
Invest in Genuine Replaceable Camshaft Parts
There are umpteen aftermarket replacement parts at various online stores worldwide. Running your expensive equipment on aftermarket parts can be risky. Besides damaging the engine and electrical machinery below the deck, the mismatch of components can cause life-threatening incidents in the vessel.
Check Manufacturer Warranty Offerings
OEM parts come with a comprehensive warranty from the manufacturer. It offers assurance to the shipowners about the authenticity of the purchased product, besides coverage for repair costs during the warranty period. Read the terms and conditions in the document to learn about the things covered and how to avail yourself of support when required.
Where to Buy Genuine Marine Engine Camshaft Parts
Addressing the minute technical glitches in marine camshafts before massive failure saves shipowners time and money on expensive replacement or extended overhauls. You are only a few clicks away from purchasing marine camshaft components at our online store. Alfa Marine Spare Parts offers a massive stock of marine camshaft parts from global brands.
Here is a list of popular camshaft spare parts you may purchase from us at competitive market rates:
YM-129795-02412 – Yanmar CAMSHAFT BUSHING – 4TNV88-BDHQ / 4TNV88-BDHQ(T) / 4TNV88-BDSA
CH11520 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 2806TAG1 (A) / 2806TAG2 (A) / 2806TAG3
CH10964 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 2306 / 2806
4112K077 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1104D (WITH WOODRUFF KEY)
4112K074 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1104D (WITH KEY)
4112K066 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1106 (WITH KEY)
4112K072 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1104D (WITH KEY)
4112K065 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1106 (WITH KEY)
4112K064 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1106 (WITH KEY)
4112K053 – Perkins CAMSHAFT – 1103D (WITH KEY)
2314J606 – Perkins Camshaft Gear Screw
4112K004 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
4112K003 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
4111A514 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
4111A513 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
4111A512 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
4111A511 – Perkins Camshaft Assembly – 700
151866 – Cummins Gasket, Camshaft Cover
138988 – Cummins Bearings, Camshaft Thrust
150002 – Cummins Support, Camshaft Thrust
0101-0359-10 – Cummins BRG-CAMSHAFT 010 US SLEEVE
550164 – Cummins Gasket, Camshaft Cover
0105-0739 – Cummins Camshaft Fuel Stopper
If you did not find the required part number here, please message us to receive a quote.
