These simple checks will assist in identifying the type of camshaft installed:
All of this is frustrating, time-consuming and potentially very costly – both in terms of money and reputation. This is likely to result in non-starting, poor idling, increased emissions and in extreme cases, further engine damage can reoccur. It is therefore very easy to complete the obvious work after a timing belt/chain failure, but not remedy the damage to the camshaft. Since the camshaft and cam lobes are not of one solid cast iron construction, any unforeseen exertion on the cam lobes can force them to turn, or under severe conditions, twist the hollow steel shaft. However, a weakness with the assembled camshaft becomes evident after a timing belt/chain failure where valve-to-piston contact has occurred. The assembled camshaft is put together using forged or sintered cam lobes and a hollow steel shaft which is expanded in the region of the cam lobes, thereby securing them in place. To improve fuel economy, as well as contributing to lower emissions, OEMs have started to favour the assembled camshaft rather than the traditional heavier forged solid cast iron camshaft. This is due to an increasing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) using the assembled camshaft, also known as a hollow camshaft. Through this in-depth working process, Autodata is able to identify common or unique faults that could leave many technicians lost for solutions.Īutodata finds an increasing number of technicians having to undergo costly and time-consuming repeat repair work after a timing belt/chain failure incident. For over 45 years, Autodata has worked closely with manufacturers and workshops to ensure the information provided to technicians is the most accurate possible to aid in the service, maintenance and diagnostics of vehicles.