
Using two camshafts to actuate the rotation of the valves allows engine builders to control the intake and exhaust valves separately, instead of other arrangements with only one camshaft that lack that precision.īy taking control of the exhaust and intake valves independently, this arrangement offers engineers greater control over the fuel consumption of the engine and the exhaust flow created by combustion.

The energy created by combustion in the cylinders yields the power that turns the wheels and drives the car, as well as hot exhaust gasses that must escape the cylinders and flow out of the car.Īccordingly, engines have a series of valves that control the flow of the intake and exhaust. Motors have an engine block, housing the cylinders where internal combustion happens.Ī mix of fuel and air feeds that process, and combustion occurs when a spark ignites the mixtures. We have to talk about some engine basics to understand what that means. You first have to know that DOHC stands for Dual Overhead Camshaft. But what does it mean when you notice the DOHC emblem or insignia on a vehicle or when listed on the spec sheet for a particular engine?

The parts of an overhead-camshaft engine Camshaft The camshaft has pear-shaped lobes which actuate the valves - usually one inlet and one exhaust valve for each cylinder.
