Re: Can an engine run with camshaft 180 degrees off?
The answer is Yes, the engine will run fine, but....
The cam turns at 1/2 the speed of the crank, i.e. the cam turns 1/2 revolution for every 1 revolution of the crank - this is why the cam gears are different sizes. This is necessary for the 4 cycles - intake, compression ignition/work, and exhaust.
So, every other revolution of the engine, the cam is 180 degrees off, from the gear marks. Perfectly normal.
This is why you may need to rotate an engine up to 2 full revolutions, to find top dead center, on the compression stroke.
If your cam is off 180 degrees, exactly, then rotate the engine 1 full revolution, and the marks will line up.
Hal
|