Common Symptoms of a faulty Camshaft(s)

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The Camshaft(s) is a vital component in an internal combustion engine. As its name implies, it is a shaft with cams mounted on it which play a crucial role in transforming the rotary motion of the crankshaft into the linear motion of the intake and exhaust valves. Its primary function is to control the opening and closing action of the intake valve and exhaust valve at the appropriate time. This function allows the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chambers and exhaust gasses to exit at the optimum times. Therefore, a faulty camshaft can cause significant damage to various engine components such as intake and exhaust valves, significantly affecting the engine's power output and fuel efficiency. This article highlights the common symptoms of a faulty Camshaft to help you identify potential problems and their underlying causes.

What Causes Camshaft Failures?

Physical Damage: Impacts, vibrations, exposure to extreme conditions, improper installation, or corrosion cause fractures and deteriorate the camshaft material, affecting the performance and lifespan of the camshaft.

Lubrication: If the oil pump or the oil line is clogged, the camshaft will not receive sufficient lubrication, causing metal-to-metal contact and accelerated wear. Additionally, using low-quality oil or the incorrect oil type reduces the protective film between camshaft surfaces, leading to increased friction and wear.

Age and Wear: As an engine accumulates mileage or lacks regular maintenance, the camshaft and its components experience natural wear and tear, interrupting the proper function of the camshaft.

Incorrect installation: If the camshaft timing is set incorrectly, it can result in improper valve timing, leading to engine performance issues and potential damage to the camshaft and valves.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Camshaft

Engine Misfires

The camshaft controls the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's valves. If the camshaft is damaged, the valves controlled by the camshaft lobes may not open and close properly, which can lead to the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber not burning correctly. This condition can result in incomplete combustion and cause the engine to misfire, leading to a loss of power and rough running.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) or Check Engine Light (CEL) Illuminates

A malfunctioning camshaft causes incomplete combustion. This can result in excessive emission from the exhaust. This triggers the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system to illuminate the MIL and store a corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in its memory. An Innova Scan Tool can quickly identify the DTC that has commanded the MIL on.

Increased Fuel Consumption

A malfunctioning camshaft leads to improper combustion, causing loss of power. Therefore, the engine may compensate for this loss and maintain performance by consuming more fuel, further decreasing fuel efficiency.

Unusual Noises

A damaged camshaft can produce noticeable noises such as tapping, clicking, or knocking. These sounds indicate that the camshaft is not moving smoothly and that metal components are colliding or grinding together.

Identify A Faulty Camshaft with the Innova Scan Tool

The Innova Scan Tool is a highly useful diagnostic device designed to quickly identify problems within a vehicle's systems. It aids in diagnosing and resolving problems related to the Camshaft by detecting and retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) associated with these issues. In simpler terms, this tool efficiently diagnoses Camshaft-related problems in vehicles, helping you easily pinpoint and address these issues.

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