Which engine part does the camshaft move to open cylinder valves?

The camshaft is a critical component in an internal combustion engine that is responsible for opening and closing the cylinder valves. It achieves this by using an intermediate component called the lifter. As the camshaft rotates, its lobes push against the lifters, which in turn transfer this motion to the valves, allowing them to open at the appropriate times during the engine cycle.

This timing is essential for proper engine performance, as the opening and closing of the valves control the intake of air and fuel as well as the expulsion of exhaust gases. The lifter's role is vital because it serves as the interface between the camshaft and the valve mechanism, ensuring that the motion from the camshaft is effectively translated into the movement of the valves.

The other choices do not serve this specific purpose: the crankshaft is related to the engine's power output and connects to the pistons but does not interact directly with the valves. The piston is involved in the combustion cycle but is not responsible for valve operation. The pushrod, while relevant in certain engine designs (like pushrod V8s), serves to transmit motion from the lifter to the rocker arm rather than directly from the camshaft to the valve. Hence, it's the lifter that directly