HHP Buying Guide: Camshafts
Do you want good engine power? Great fuel economy? I think it's fair to assume we all do. Well, the camshaft plays a big role in whether or not you're getting the power and fuel economy you want. The camshaft controls the amount of air and fuel that enters the cylinder and impacts the overall efficiency of your engine.
Diesel Camshafts Explained
A camshaft is made of a series of lobes that open and close the valves. A new camshaft can help restore horsepower and torque, and improve overall fuel economy. A worn cam can have a large effect on the way your engine runsjust .001 of an inch of wear can have as much as a 3 degree effect on your valve timing. This is a huge effect, and severely hinders your overall engine functionality.
Because of this, its important to evaluate whether or not your camshaft is working properly. If you feel as though you're no longer getting the same power from your engine, it might be time to start shopping for a new camshaft. HHP offers a large selection of quality aftermarket camshafts, both new and refurbished, and we're ready to help find the camshaft that best fits your engine! Click here to take a look at our camshafts.
The below video also goes into detail about purchasing camshafts:
Signs a Camshaft May Need to be Replaced
A worn or damaged camshaft might be causing serious problems in your engine. To maintain your engine and get the best performance, check and see if your camshaft needs to be replaced. Some things to look for:
- Make sure that your camshaft is straight. A bent cam will not operate correctly and can cause damage to other components of your engine
- Take a look at your lifters/followers. Issues on the lifters can diagnose a larger problem with the camshaft. For example, chips in the lifters can indicate that there is excessive camshaft movement in the block
- Look at the lobes. Excessive wear or pitting will result in a loss of power and fuel economy. Extreme damage can indicate a larger issue
What to Look for When Purchasing a Camshaft
When purchasing a camshaft, whether new or remanufactured, you want to make sure it's the right one for your engine. Here are a few things to think about as you shop:
- Keep in mind what purpose your engine serves on a daily basisthe different amounts of lift different cams provide allow for different operating conditions. You want to purchase one that works best for what you need your engine to do
- The camshaft you purchase will need to match the engine type, as well as the other components in terms of applications. It's helpful to have your engine model and serial number handy as you shop
- Both new and remanufactured camshafts should come to you straight and with no visible signs of wear
Questions for Your Mechanic
If you think your camshaft may be causing issues in your engine, it might be the time to talk to your mechanic. You might consider discussing some of the following with them:
- I've noticed some general wear on my camshaft. How is this affecting my overall engine performance?
- Would replacing my current camshaft help optimize my engine performance?
- Would my cam be an acceptable core? To learn more about what makes an acceptable core, read our past blog, How Do I Know if My Camshaft is a Good Core?
- What type of camshaft is best suited for my specific engine? Try to give your mechanic as much information as possible about the type of operating conditions your engine is put through so they can be as thorough as they can. Our certified techs would also be happy to work with you on this at 844-304-7688.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Camshafts
The OEM versus aftermarket debate. Do you pay extra for a name you know or take a risk on aftermarket? Many people struggle with this question as they shop for their diesel engine parts, but we're here to help clear up some things for you!
Price
With OEMs, you're more than likely paying a much higher price point, because they have the luxury of name recognition, even though they often have another company produce their parts. The price of an aftermarket camshaft is as much as 50% off the OEM price, and at times, the part comes from the same supplier as the OEM.Warranty
OEMs often have warranties associated with their parts, but they aren't usually as good as the warranties on aftermarket parts. Many of HHP's parts come with at least a 1-year warranty, if not more, showing that our suppliers are so confident in their products, they're willing to guarantee them for longer than the OEMs will.Quality
There's no question that quality is one of the biggest concerns when purchasing a new engine part, especially something as important as a camshaftyou want to know it will go the distance. OEMs offer quality parts, there's no doubt about that. But that doesn't mean they're the only ones with quality. As previously mentioned, there are times when the OEM parts and the aftermarket parts come from exactly the same supplier, and even if they don't, the parts we sell are made to OEM specifications, ensuring you get the same quality, if not better. Some manufacturers even make improvements to the original design, so you'll get a part that functions even better than what the OEM produces.
Click here to download a copy of this buying guide. Below are just some of the most popular camshafts we sell. To view our full selection, visit our product page.
Caterpillar C15/3406E Camshaft, New
P200426
About This Camshaft
This new camshaft, made to fit the Caterpillar C15/3406E has been synthetic performance and durability tested to ensure you're getting the best possible parts. The chilled cast iron and alloy steel manufacturing mean it's tough enough for the jobs ahead.
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 1390538
- 0R8814
- 10R3292
- 0R8813
- 3327301
Cummins ISX/QSX Valve Camshaft
P200048R
About This Camshaft
Don't pay more than you have to! This quality remanufactured camshaft was brought back to OEM specifications in a state-of-the-art facility in the USA, using the best grinding and measuring equipment. The case hardening depth of each camshaft was carefully considered before rebuilding, so you can rest assured that the finished product will work like new! With this remanufactured camshaft, you get all the benefits of a new OEM model, but at a fraction of the cost.
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 3680779
- 4059170
- 4059331
- 4298626
Cummins ISX/QSX Valve Camshaft, New
P200048
About This Camshaft
Whether it's protecting the environment or getting better mpg, the benefits to a new camshaft are undeniable. This new camshaft is made to OEM specifications, so you know it will fit and perform just like you want it to. The billet steel ensures high performance durability and strength, keeping you on the road longer. And with a 1-year warranty, you have the peace of mind to go with it.
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 3680779
- 4059170
- 4059331
- 4298626
Cummins ISX Camshaft, New
P201335
About This Camshaft
With this new camshaft, you can get back that power and performance lost because of worn lobes. Each camshaft has been thoroughly inspected to ensure you're getting the best quality for your money. And that quality is backed up by a 1-year warranty and access to our knowledgeable team of certified technical staff. We don't just want to sell you a partwe want to sell you the right part.
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 3685964
- 4298629
Cummins ISX Camshaft, Remanufactured
P200293R
About This Camshaft
Does your engine not perform like it used to? A worn camshaft might be greatly reducing your horsepowerby as much as 20%! Restore that lost horsepower with this remanufactured camshaft. Brought back to OEM specifications in the United Statesyou know that means qualityyou won't be paying nearly as much as an OEM would charge you. Get the same or better efficiency with this like new camshaft from HHP.
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 3682142
- 4101432
- 191938
Caterpillar C18 Marine Camshaft, New
P255682
About This Camshaft
Restore lost power and performance to your engine with this new camshaft. Made to OEM specifications, you get the same quality at a much lower price. Inspected thoroughly to ensure proper fit and you get a 1-year warranty. There's no denying the value of this camshaft!
Contents:
- (1) Camshaft
OEM Applications
- 10R-7155
- 1309710
- 10R7155
- 3327303
- 1006386
- 1309710
Have questions on these or any of our other camshafts? Call us at 844-304-7688 to speak with one of our skilled techs. Or, you can request a quote online.