Mazda Crankshafts, CamShaft Systems & Sensors

The crankshaft and the camshaft are two very important parts of your Mazda. They are key engine components. They play an essential role in rotating and driving forward the pistons and giving the vehicles forward motion. If these two essential parts are not working properly, your automobile will not drive smoothly. To monitor and ensure the functioning of the crankshaft and the camshaft, position sensors are employed. Still, even with this helpful piece of automotive technology, it is important to periodically take your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda to have your crankshaft and camshaft checked and serviced.

How The Crankshaft And Camshaft Work

In the internal combustion engine, fuel is ignited inside of a cylinder. The combustion pushes a piston down to create the energy that moves the other engine components. The crankshaft and the camshaft play a vital role in this process. These two components are what help convert the movement of the pistons into the power it takes to turn the wheels of your vehicle. The crank and the cam are shafts located inside your vehicle's engine.

What The Crankshaft Does

Manufactured out of forged alloy steel, the crankshaft helps create the engine's four-stroke cycle. This includes compression, power, intake, and exhaust. The crankshaft converts the reciprocating or linear energy created by the pistons' back and forth motion into rotational energy. This energy is then transferred to the wheels. The pistons are attached to the crankshaft at the bottom of the cylinders of the engine via a rod and flywheel. When combustion in the engine moves the piston forward that motion rotates the crank. This causes the wheels of the vehicle to move. The crankshaft always has a heavy load and must be able to withstand metal fatigue.

What The Camshaft Does

Located over the cylinder, the camshaft, which is round, hexagonal, heart, or oval shaped, is made of steel or cast iron. It enables the right amount of both air and fuel to go into the cylinder at exactly the right time. The camshaft also opens the exhaust valve and lets the burnt charge escape. With the camshaft, timing is vital. It makes sure the inlet valve is open just when the piston is positioned at the top center at the time when the exhaust valve has to vent while the burnt charge fills up the piston. The cam has to simultaneously rotate with the crank to push against the valves and make them open up as the pistons move. The timing belt is attached to the crank and rotates it.

Working In Tandem

The crank and the cam work together with the help of the position sensors to start and stop the engine’s cycle. They control the harmonious functioning of both the inlet stroke as well as the exhaust stroke. Part of the cambelt's function is to keep both components working at proper timing. When the cam and the crank move together, they ensure the system is ready for each step that the other one takes. When the crankshaft pushes the piston down, simultaneously, the intake valve is opened by the cam. As the piston gets to the bottom, then the valve is closed and the exhaust is opened by the camshaft. As part of their maintenance services, the team at Seacoast Mazda makes sure the cam and the crank are maintaining the proper rhythm.

Keeping The Cycle Going

Working together, the cam and crankshaft help prevent disruptions in the engine cycle. Should the fuel/air mix be off-kilter, the burnt and unused mixture will cause the combustion to falter. No power will head to the flywheel and your car will not be able to move. You do not want that type of situation for your vehicle. Position sensors for the crankshaft and camshaft help to prevent this. The service technicians at Seacoast Mazda will thoroughly check the position sensors to make sure they function properly and will replace this very important engine component should it be necessary.

The Position Sensors Are Very Important

The Seacoast Mazda service team will explain the importance of the position sensors and why they should be checked regularly. The position sensors help to transmit essential information from the engine or ignition control module so the system can make you aware of how well both the engine and ignition control module is performing. The position sensors provide information on the engine pistons' exact position as they go through the up or down phase of the compression cycle. The team at Seacoast Mazda can help to ensure the position sensors are in place and they are operating at optimal capacity. That is essential for your vehicle's engine to keep running at its best.

The Crankshaft Sensor's Role

The crankshaft position sensor is one of your vehicle's most important sensors. It helps to collect key data for maintaining your engine's health. It is usually located on the flywheel, crank's main pulley, or the crank so the crankshaft's reluctor ring teeth pass near the sensor's tip. The ring has a missing tooth so it can provide the engine’s computer with a crankshaft position reference point. The crankshaft position sensor also measures the rotation speed as well as the pistons and crankshaft's precise position. It does this as the air and gas combust in the ignition chambers and the force of the piston makes the crank turn. The sensor closely monitors the rotation rate. Should the timing be off, if the engine is running it will cut off or the engine will not start.

Visit Seacoast Mazda

If you want to keep your crankshaft and your camshaft functioning properly and make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition, you should periodically take your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda. Their team of experienced, expert service technicians has all the equipment, tools, and training needed to keep your vehicle delivering optimal performance at a very affordable price. You can call and make an appointment or simply stop in at your earliest convenience. They will happily help you.