what is SOHC Single Over-Head Cam?

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
This is simple. A SOHC (single overhead cam) is a head design where one camshaft operates both the intake and exhaust valves on the head and it's orientation is on the top of the head....not in the block like older style engines. Now, a DOHC (dual overhead cam) has two cams in the top of the head...one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust valves.
 

deadlyapp

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2004
6,671
744
126
are you sh!tting me alfa?

Single Overhead Cams
This arrangement denotes an engine with one cam per head. So if it is an inline 4-cylinder or inline 6-cylinder engine, it will have one cam; if it is a V-6 or V-8, it will have two cams (one for each head).

The cam actuates rocker arms that press down on the valves, opening them. Springs return the valves to their closed position. These springs have to be very strong because at high engine speeds, the valves are pushed down very quickly, and it is the springs that keep the valves in contact with the rocker arms. If the springs were not strong enough, the valves might come away from the rocker arms and snap back. This is an undesirable situation that would result in extra wear on the cams and rocker arms.
 

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
15,965
1
0
SOHC - Single over head cam.
One cam over the heads.

DOHC - Dual over head cams
Two cams over the heads

Pretty simple huh?