What action do lifters perform as the camshaft rotates?

The action performed by lifters as the camshaft rotates is to follow the camshaft lobes and operate the rocker arm. In an internal combustion engine, lifters, also known as tappets, are crucial components that translate the rotational motion of the camshaft into linear motion.

As the camshaft rotates, the lobes of the cam engage with the lifters, causing them to move up and down. This vertical movement of the lifters directly influences the rocker arm, which is responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves in sync with the engine's cycle. Proper operation of the lifters ensures that the valves open at the correct times to allow fuel-air mixture to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust gases to exit, thereby facilitating effective engine operation.

This function is integral to an engine's performance, as any malfunction in this system can lead to improper valve timing, affecting the engine's efficiency and power output.