Camshaft Duration Lift & Overlap
Before taking camshaft lobe measurements the camshaft must be carefully inspected for straightness, scoring, and galling. The condition of the camshaft lobes are vital to valve timing and operation. These are a few important factors that contribute to valve timing and ultimately engine performance.
Duration: This refers to how long the valve stays open in relation to crankshaft rotation. It is measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation. If this measurement is out of specifications the valve will be opened or closed at the wrong time in relation to piston stroke. This will definitely result in a loss of engine performance.
Lift: This measurement refers to how far the camshafts lobe opens the valve into the cylinder. If the valve doesn't open far enough into the cylinder there will be a restriction in the air/fuel charge. This too will result in poor engine performance. This measurement can be measured with a micrometer. Measure from the nose to the heel of the cam lobe and then deduct the base circle. This results in an accurate measurement of the cam lobe lift.
Overlap: As the engine cycles there is a time when the intake and exhaust valves will be opened at the same time. This is a good thing and known as valve overlap. It's an important function in valve timing because the exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust valve and manifold help draw a fresh charge through the intake valve into the combustion chamber.
