A tappet is used to apply force between two parts of a machine, such as in a car engine. The most common example is found in the internal combustion engine, where the camshaft lifts the valves through contact with the tappet. A hydraulic tappet is also used for quieter operation, but can sometimes malfunction.
A tappet is used to apply a linear force from one part of a machine, such as a part in a car engine, to another part within that machine. This is usually because if the two parties were to come into direct contact with each other it could cause damage to one or both parties. The tappet provides contact between them so that only the amount and direction of force necessary to move part of the car is applied.
The most common example of a tappet is found inside an internal combustion engine, the type of engine found in most modern cars. For the engine to run, the valves have to be opened and closed so that air can enter the engine and cause combustion that drives the car forward. The valves must close during the combustion itself, and reopen after the explosion to let the air out and let in fresh air for the next explosion.
These valves are usually lifted by a part known as the camshaft. The camshaft turns, and as it does, little egg-shaped pieces on it called cams push up on a rod which in turn pushes on other parts that open the valves. When the cam turns on the flat side of its egg shape, the rod moves down and the valve closes. The cam continues to turn and this process opens and closes the valves.
Located at the bottom of this rod is the tappet. It is a cylindrical piece of metal that the cams come into contact with. The cam pushes on the tappet, which is a part of the pushrod and thus the pushrod is pushed up. The tappet is there to prevent the force of the rotating cams from bending the rod. It ensures that the force is pushing the rod up and not sideways.
Another type of tappet is the hydraulic tappet. It performs the same basic function, but is designed so that the engine sounds quieter during use and it is not necessary to make periodic adjustments for valve clearance. The downside to using a hydraulic tappet is that it can sometimes rattle when the car is first started, and in some engines it may malfunction and prevent the valves from opening. These problems usually depend on the type of car the hydraulic lifters are used in.
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