Trace short round handle for engine component (8)
I believe the answer is:
camshaft
'trace short round' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'handle for engine component' is the wordplay.
'handle' becomes 'haft' (haft is a kind of handle).
'for' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (I've seen this in other clues).
'engine component' becomes 'cams' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'haft' after 'cams' is 'CAMSHAFT'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for camshaft that I've seen before include "It operates the valves of an internal-combustion engine" , "Fat chasm (anag) - internal-combustion engine part" , "Rod to operate valves in an engine" , "Car part" , "Internal combustion engine valve controller" .)