Klepstang

Klepstang is a Dutch term for a valve pushrod, a mechanical rod that transmits motion from a cam or lifter to a valve in a valve-train system. The word combines klep, meaning valve, and stang, meaning rod. In this sense, a klepstang is a rigid link that forms part of the engine’s valve mechanism.

In piston engines with OHV (overhead valve) or pushrod architectures, the klepstang connects a cam lobe, via a lifter, to a rocker arm, which then actuates the valve. This arrangement allows the camshaft to be located lower in the engine block while still opening and closing the cylinder’s intake and exhaust valves. In overhead cam (OHC) engines, pushrods are not used, so the term klepstang is less common in literature directed at those designs.

Construction and materials are typically steel, with solid or sometimes hollow cross-sections to reduce weight. The ends are shaped to fit into the lifter and the rocker arm (or directly into the valve mechanism in some designs). A klepstang must withstand bending, torsional loads, and wear at contact points. Common failure modes include bending fatigue, end wear, or misalignment that affects valve timing or seal.

Maintenance and inspection focus on straightness, surface wear, and lubrication of the contact points. Replacement is often part of engine rebuilds or during valve-train tuning to restore proper geometry and timing. The term is primarily used in Dutch-language technical literature and general automotive contexts within Dutch-speaking regions.