In a two-cycle engine, how do the camshaft and crankshaft relate in terms of speed?

In a two-cycle engine, the camshaft and crankshaft turn at the same speed because of the design of the engine's operation. In these types of engines, there are typically no valves; instead, ports are used for the intake and exhaust processes. Since a two-cycle engine completes a power cycle in two strokes of the piston, the timing of the crankshaft rotation is directly linked to the operation of the engine.

This means that for every full rotation of the crankshaft, the necessary operations (intake, compression, power, and exhaust) occur effectively in that single revolution, requiring the camshaft and crankshaft to synchronize. Thus, both the camshaft and crankshaft operate at the same speed. Understanding the relationship between these two components is crucial in grasping the operational mechanics of two-cycle engines.