Based on the provided information, an overhead valve engine is sometimes called a pushrod engine, indicating they are closely related terms for engines where the valves are located in the cylinder head.
Understanding Overhead Valve (OHV) and Pushrod Engines
According to the reference, an overhead valve engine, often abbreviated as OHV, is defined by the location of its valves. These valves are situated in the engine's cylinder head, directly above the combustion chamber.
Interestingly, the reference explicitly states that an engine configured this way (an OHV engine) is sometimes called a pushrod engine. This suggests that in common usage, these terms can refer to the same basic engine design.
Contrast with Older Designs
The reference highlights that this OHV/pushrod configuration stands in contrast to older designs, such as:
- Flathead engines: Also known as "sidevalve" engines, where the valves are located in the engine block, below the combustion chamber.
Therefore, the key characteristic uniting the terms "overhead valve" and "pushrod engine," as presented in the reference, is the placement of the valves within the cylinder head.
Key Characteristics Based on the Reference
Based on the definition provided, the defining characteristics associated with both the term "overhead valve engine" and the term "pushrod engine" (when used as a synonym for OHV) include:
- Valves are located in the cylinder head.
- Valve position is above the combustion chamber.
- This design is distinct from flathead engines where valves are in the block.
While the term "pushrod" in a pushrod engine specifically refers to the components used to actuate the valves from a camshaft located in the engine block, the provided reference uses "pushrod engine" as an alternative name for the OHV design where valves are in the head.
Summarizing the Relationship
Rather than describing a difference between pushrod and overhead valve, the reference indicates that "pushrod engine" is a term sometimes used to describe an "overhead valve engine." This means that when discussing the valve location (in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber), both terms can apply, with "pushrod engine" being a common way to refer to this type of OHV engine.
| Feature | Overhead Valve (OHV) Engine (Sometimes called Pushrod) | Flathead (Sidevalve) Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Valve Location | In the cylinder head | In the engine block |
| Position | Above the combustion chamber | Below the combustion chamber |
Essentially, within the context of the provided information, the terms describe the same fundamental engine layout where valves are located in the head, contrasting with the older flathead design.
