Abstract: A retaining ring assembly and method of assembly is disclosed. A gearcase includes a propeller shaft housing that is retained in the gearcase. The propeller shaft housing is secured against rotational, radial, and axial movement by a retainer. The retainer has a general circular shape and includes a first ring and a second ring. Both rings include a plurality of collinear threaded holes. Threaded fasteners secure the first ring to the second ring via the threaded holes in each respective ring. The first ring has a tapered surface that engages with a tapered surface of the propeller shaft housing. The second ring has an outer diameter that engages with an annular groove on an inner surface of the gearcase. As the threaded fasteners of the retainer are tightened, the tapered face of the first ring is forced against the tapered face of the propeller shaft housing while the second ring is retained in position by the annular groove of the gearcase.

Abstract: A cowling for an outboard marine engine includes an upper motor cover, a lower motor cover and a gear case that covers an engine that propels a watercraft. The upper motor cover mates with the lower motor cover and is configured to assist with alignment during assembly. The lower motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of upper motor covers depending on engine size, and each upper motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of top caps depending on whether the engine uses an electric starter or a pull starter. An illuminator, in the form of a lamp, a removable light or a reflector, is provided on the cowling.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, includes a diaphragm assembly for being connected between an engine exhaust path and an engine electronic control unit to transmit changes in exhaust gas pressure from the exhaust path to the control unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm housing and a diaphragm positioned in the housing and separating a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be in flow communication with the exhaust path and the second chamber is configured to be in flow communication with the engine control unit. The diaphragm housing, in the exemplary embodiment, includes a first housing member and a second housing member. An inner surface of the first housing member also is a side wall of the first chamber, and the inner surface has a conical shape to facilitate drainage of water from the first chamber. Also, the first chamber has a first volume and said second chamber has a second volume.

Abstract: A watercraft is described with a powered hull and deck. The deck includes a forward passenger area and a rearward passenger area connected by a passageway. A windshield extends upwardly from the deck at a position forward of the rearward passenger area. An engine is positioned within the hull behind the rearward passenger area. An engine cover covers the engine and at least one compartment adjacent to the engine. The compartment is separated from the engine by a removable wall. The compartment houses at least a portion of a canopy system that may be erected over at least a portion of the rearward passenger area of the boat. The watercraft includes a rear bench that conceals a storage bucket thereunder. A console sits in front of a passenger seat with a console cover, which is hingedly mounted to the console to conceal a sound system.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, is a pressure responsive valve for a marine engine that facilitates balanced operation of the engine. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve includes a first chamber and a second chamber. Coolant is in flow communication with the valve first chamber, and the engine cylinder head water jackets are in flow communication with the valve second chamber. A flow channel is between the valve first and second chambers, and a plunger is biased to close the flow channel to normally prevent flow from the first chamber to the second chamber. A diaphragm is coupled to the plunger and is responsive to pressure in the first chamber. During operation of the engine at low revolutions per minute (rpm), the pressure of the coolant in the valve first chamber is not sufficient to cause the diaphragm to move the plunger to the open position. As the engine speed increases, the pressure of the coolant also increases.

Abstract: A technique is provided for regulating gas entrainment into a fuel spray in a fuel-injected engine. The fuel spray issues from a nozzle positioned in a gas entrainment shrouding recess, such as in the cylinder head. The depth and elevational profile of the recess are selected to provide a desired degree of gas entrainment. By reducing gas entrainment, a desired spray shape may be established or maintained, such as a hollow cone. More gas entrainment may be provided by altering the recess geometry, and that of the combustion chamber surrounding the recess, to modify the spray or the spray distribution, such as to partially or fully fill a spray cone.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a chassis having a generally reduced length and a snow flap pivotally attached to the rear portion of the chassis, above the track system. The track system extends rearwardly beyond the chassis, and the snow flap shields the track system above and behind from spraying snow. The snow flap is linked to the track system so that as the track system moves through a range of travel relative to the chassis, the snow flap pivots relative to the chassis with the track system. This configuration prevents damaging contact between the tread and the undersurface of the snow flap and/or the chassis. The reduced length of the chassis decreases the weight of the snowmobile and the polar moment of inertia, thereby improving turning performance. A bumper extends from the snow flap and can be used to lift the rear of the snowmobile more easily.

Abstract: A cowling for an outboard marine engine includes an upper motor cover, a lower motor cover and a gear case that covers an engine that propels a watercraft. The upper motor cover mates with the lower motor cover and is configured to assist with alignment during assembly. The lower motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of upper motor covers depending on engine size, and each upper motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of top caps depending on whether the engine uses an electric starter or a pull starter. An illuminator, in the form of a lamp, a removable light or a reflector, is provided on the cowling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to adjust the quantity of oil delivered to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine of an outboard motor. The system includes an oiling system to distribute oil throughout the internal combustion engine. The oiling system has a pressure sensor connected between an oil injector and the internal combustion engine to sense oil pressure and produce an oil pressure indicative signal to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to monitor the oil pressure indicative signal and modify a modulated oil injection signal delivered to the oil injector.

Abstract: A submersible outboard motor that can be stored at or deployed at a subsurface location. The outboard motor includes an internal combustion engine, such as a two-stroke engine, that is fuel-injected. The use of the fuel injection and the design of the engine permits the outboard motor to be started at a surface location once retrieved from its subsurface location.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) is disclosed. The CVT includes a drive pulley adapted to connect to a crankshaft of an engine. The drive pulley has inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces to engage the sides of the belt. The drive pulley of the CVT also includes a slide sleeve disposed on the shaft adapted to engage an inner side of a belt. The inner and outer halves of the drive pulley are biased apart from one another by a spring. The slide sleeve engages the belt when the belt is stationary or traveling at low speeds. The driven pulley includes inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces. The two halves are biased into contact with one another. A connector connects the inner half to the outer half. In addition, a pneumatically-actuated driven pulley is described together with a CVT incorporating same.