The most common alternative name is the valve cover. In many engines this lid sits atop the cylinder head and seals the valve train; in British English, the same part is often called the rocker cover.
Common terminology
These terms frequently appear in manuals, parts catalogs, and repair guides when referring to the same engine component. They describe the cover that seals the top of the engine and protects the camshaft and valve train.
Here are the most common alternative terms you might encounter in manuals, catalogs, and repair guides:
- Valve cover
- Cylinder head cover
- Rocker cover
These terms all designate the same component, though usage varies by region and manufacturer.
Regional variations
In American English, "valve cover" is the standard term. In British English, "rocker cover" is commonly used, and "cylinder head cover" is also understood in many contexts. Some informal references may call it a "cam cover," but this is less standard and can be confusing in certain manuals.
Summary
The camshaft cover is most commonly referred to as the valve cover. Other accepted names include rocker cover and cylinder head cover, with regional preferences shaping which term you’ll see in manuals and parts listings. All refer to the same cover that seals the top of the engine and protects the camshaft and valve train.