Calculating Cam Gear Bolt Force: Formulas and Tips for Optimal Performance

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the force on the bolts of a cam gear, specifically in the context of automotive engineering. Participants explore various factors that influence the load on these bolts, including the mechanics of the cam gear assembly and the forces exerted by the engine components.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a strain gauge on the bolt and tightening it to the specified torque to gather data.
  • Another participant questions whether the focus is on shear or tension forces affecting the bolts.
  • A participant emphasizes that the load on the cam bolts is influenced by how the gear mates to the cam.
  • One participant clarifies that they are interested in shear strength and seeks to understand the load from the crank via chain and valve spring back pressure.
  • Another participant notes the importance of knowing the car make to determine flywheel weight, which affects crankshaft acceleration, as well as the mass of the camshaft, gear, and chain.
  • One participant reiterates the need for specific geometric details about the sliding rails and tensioner location to calculate the forces accurately.
  • A later reply recommends consulting professional engine builders to determine the torque required to turn a camshaft installed with the heads and valve train, suggesting that this could provide a close estimate of the actual values needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints on the factors affecting the force on the cam gear bolts, with no consensus reached on a specific formula or method to calculate the required forces.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights dependencies on specific vehicle characteristics and geometrical configurations, which may limit the applicability of general formulas. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the integration of various forces and components in the calculations.

Camron201
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Hi, I'm trying to find some formulas to figure out the force on the bolts of a cam gear.
 
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Strain gauge the bolt, then tighten it up to the specified torque.

Do you have any more information which might help you get a more useful answer?
 
Are you talking shear or tension?
 
This completely depends on how the gear mates to the cam.
 
The gear is on a centered dowel, then bolted to the cam. I am talking about sheer strength, not bolt torque. I want to figure out how much load is on the cam bolts from the crank via chain and valve spring back pressure. As I want to try some different bolts and bolts/patterns. I need the load or force the engine puts on the cam so I can calculate what kind of bolts I need.
 
You would need to know the make of the car to determine flywheel weight which affects acceleration of the crankshaft as well as the mass of the camshaft, gear, and chain.

Also need the geometry of the sliding rails and the tensioner location.
 
HowlerMonkey said:
You would need to know the make of the car to determine flywheel weight which affects acceleration of the crankshaft as well as the mass of the camshaft, gear, and chain.

Also need the geometry of the sliding rails and the tensioner location.

I can probably obtain all that info, but how do I use it to get what I need?
 
i recommend you contact some professional engine builders and them how much torque it takes to turn a cam shaft that is installed to include the heads and valve train. make sure the crankshaft has no pistons installed...will be real close to actual value if the mains are align bored properly..
 

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