OHC stands for Overhead Camshaft, which is a term used in automotive engineering and refers to a type of internal combustion engine design. In OHC engines, the camshaft, responsible for opening and closing the engine's valves, is positioned in the cylinder head, above the combustion chamber.
The OHC design is a departure from the older pushrod engine technology, where the camshaft is located inside the engine block and operated by pushrods and rocker arms. In OHC engines, there is direct action between the camshaft and the valves, resulting in more precise valve actuation.
The advantages of OHC engines lie in their ability to provide higher engine speeds, improved fuel efficiency, and increased power output compared to pushrod engines. By locating the camshaft in the cylinder head, the weight of moving parts is reduced, enabling faster and more efficient valve operation. This allows for better control over the timing and duration of valve openings, optimizing the engine's performance.
OHC engines are predominantly used in modern vehicles, especially those with multiple valves per cylinder or in high-performance applications. The design allows for more flexibility in valve arrangement, such as the use of multiple intake or exhaust valves, and can incorporate variable valve timing technology for further tuning of engine performance.
In summary, OHC refers to a type of engine design where the camshaft is located in the cylinder head, allowing for improved performance, fuel efficiency, and higher engine speeds compared to traditional pushrod engines.
