How to Minimize Camshaft Overlap

Camshaft overlap can be either beneficial or detrimental to your engine, depending on the amount of overlap and how your engine is running overall. Camshaft overlap refers to the time period when all the valves are open. There are four different components working at the same time: the exhaust, intake, power and compression.

Instructions

1

Understand the function of the camshaft and how the overlap occurs. The crankshaft rotates all the way around. At different points of this rotation, it is engaged with different components--first the power, then exhaust, intake and compression. Start back at the first position to start the whole cycle over. For a short amount of time, the exhaust and intake valve are open at the same time, thus the overlap.

2

Know the impact this overlap has. Duration, lift and LSA make the overlap triangle. The more duration and lift, the more overlap. More overlap decreases vacuum and RPM response. This gives more acceleration in the mid-range. Less overlap increases efficiency giving more power and better fuel efficiency.

3

Take your car to a professional mechanic to check the timing of your vehicle to ensure it is not off from what it should be. The camshaft should be rotating at a specific speed and the valves should be responding to that, depending on your particular vehicle. If the timing is off, have it adjusted to the correct timing.

4

Consider a different timing apparatus. Find out if your vehicle has a malfunction detection apparatus for the timing device in the camshaft. If it doesn't, ask your vehicle manufacturer to find out if there is one available. Toyota has one that allows the timing device to detect a malfunction, allowing it to be fixed immediately.