Abstract: An accessory drive for an overhead cam internal combustion engine wherein the accessory may comprise a high pressure positive pump for a fuel injection system. The engine includes at least one camshaft that is rotatably journaled within a cam chamber formed by a main cylinder head member and a cam cover that is affixed to it. One end of this camshaft is journaled by a bearing cap that has a portion which extends forwardly beyond the cam chamber and which cooperates with the main cylinder head member to define a recess in which a portion of the housing of the accessory is contained and affixed. An accessory drive shaft extends through this mounting portion and is drivingly coupled to the camshaft end. If desired, this front bearing cap may also mount a timing sensor that will project through the cam cover.

Abstract: In a device for mounting an engine bearing of an internal combustion engine, a bracket is provided for attachment to an end face of a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The bracket includes a contact area to rest against the end face of the cylinder head, and further includes an angular component with a first arm as the mounting for the engine bearing and a second arm, formed integrally therewith, as an auxiliary unit carrier, thereby forming an engine bearing console with an integrated auxiliary unit carrier. In a further embodiment an eyelet-shaped engine lifting device is formed integrally therewith, preferably in the vicinity of the auxiliary unit carrier. Similarly, a mounting point for securing a guide pulley for the auxiliary unit may be integrated in a thickened front region of the component.

Abstract: An engine power section for piston engines, particularly V-engines, having a power unit block made of an iron material arranged in a casing of light metal. In order to achieve a stiff weight-reducing power unit block, a flange plate used for limiting the crank space as well as for the connection with the casing is arranged offset relative to a cylinder from its lower end toward its upper end with its front side surface center of gravity at a distance on this side of the bearing center plane of a crankshaft bearing, which corresponds at least to a largest possible distance of the surface center of gravity of a reinforcing profile of a bearing frame on the other side of the bearing center plane. The crankshaft bearings are connected with the flange plate by way of struts.

Abstract: A lightweight high-strength cylinder block that is configured so as to provide an enlargement at one end thereof that defines a bell housing. The enlargement is provided with cavities, however, so as to lighten the weight of the cylinder block without substantially reducing its strength. At least one of these cavities can provide for communication of oil return and/or crankcase ventilating gases and also may function as a thermostat housing. An embodiment wherein the cylinder block extends below the crank shaft axis to form the upper portion of the crankcase is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion engine provided with an engine block having a plurality of cylinders received therein and auxiliary equipment connected to the engine, wherein the engine block has identical connecting parts at a number of different locations and the auxiliary devices are each arranged on such a connecting part. The positions of the auxiliary devices can thus be interchanged in simple manner subject to the desired configuration of the engine. The invention further relates to an engine block, a cover embodied as casting, a supercharging unit, a lubricant unit and an exhaust gases conduit system, each intended for use in such a combustion engine. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a combustion engine, by manufacturing an engine block having identical connecting parts arranged thereon at a number of different positions, determining the use of the engine and, subject thereto, connecting the required auxiliary equipment to the connecting parts.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an assembly including an internal combustion engine and a transmission includes an elongated member having a first portion interconnected with the engine housing of the engine adjacent the cylinders and above the crankcase of the engine. The elongated member also includes a second portion mounted on a bell housing or crankcase cover portion of the engine housing. The elongated member may include an overhang portion extending over an engine fan. The elongated member may be disposed between a first and a second cylinder of the engine. The elongated portion may also include lifting portions defining apertures for facilitating raising and lowering the engine.

Abstract: An auxiliary part mounting bracket for an in-line multi-cylinder engine. An oil pump, an auto-tensioner, an alternator, a water pump and a compressor are preassembled on the auxiliary part mounting bracket to form an assembly. This assembly is fixed to a side of the engine cylinder block by six bolts. One bolt is threadedly inserted into the cylinder block through a space defined between the upper oil pump and auto-tensioner and the lower alternator and water pump; two bolts are threadedly inserted into the cylinder block through a space defined between the upper positioned alternator and water pump and the lower positioned compressor. Thus, it is possible to enhance the assembling operation, when the plurality of auxiliary parts are fixed to an engine body through the auxiliary part mounting bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable accessory mounting bracket for mounting an accessory to an engine including a main body and accessory mounting portion that is movably attached thereto. The accessory mounting portion is configured to removably support an engine accessory, such as an air conditioning compressor or an alternator. The accessory mounting portion is slidably attached to the main body in such a manner that the position of the accessory mounting portion relative to the main body is adjustable in a predetermined direction. The accessory mounting bracket also includes at least one mounting aperture that may be aligned with an existing aperture on an engine for mounting the bracket to the engine.

Abstract: A cover is provided which partially covers a governor control rod of a small engine. The cover mounts to a portion of an engine housing. The cover prevents a user from tampering with the governor control rod on a small engine.

Abstract: To enable preventing interference between a honing machine and a journal wall, avoiding large-sizing of a cylinder block and tilting a front cylinder part so that the upper end is as low as possible in a vehicular V-type internal combustion engine wherein the front cylinder part arranged on the front side in a vehicular travel direction and a rear cylinder part arranged on the rear side in the vehicular travel direction are arranged so that they form an approximate V-shape. A front cylinder part is tilted so that the upper end is lower than that of a rear cylinder part and a bent part bent on the side distant from a central position is formed in a part corresponding to a front cylinder hole of a journal wall arranged on the side displaced from the central position between both journal walls of the front cylinder hole.

Abstract: A backpack type power working machine includes a movable stopper for restricting the turning angle of an internal combustion engine unit which is supported on a backpack frame so that it turns about a longitudinal axis. As a result, the turning angle restriction of the internal combustion engine unit can be released by just moving the movable stopper, whereby a job efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: In a mounting arrangement for an exhaust gas recirculation pipe in an internal combustion engine wherein the exhaust gas recirculation pipe extends from an exhaust gas pipe adjacent the engine to an intake duct and is supported on the engine in an intermediate area by a bracket, at least a part of the exhaust gas recirculation pipe and the bracket are formed as an integral building component so as to form a rigid support structure for the intake duct.

Abstract: In an outboard marine engine having a vertically oriented crankshaft, a bracket for supporting an AC generator is provided with a pair of cantilever arms for supporting a pivoted portion and a fixed portion of the AC generator, and a belt cover for the engine is partly supported by extensions of these cantilever arms. The bracket is typically mounted to a portion of the crankcase defining a corner between a vertical end surface and a horizontal top surface. By thus securing the belt cover to the bracket for securing the AC generator, it is possible to firmly support the belt cover and prevent undesirable rattling or vibration of the belt cover because the bracket is given with a sufficient rigidity from the need to firmly support the electric generator. Therefore, the firm support of the belt cover can be accomplished without any substantial cost increase.

Abstract: A throttle sensor senses the position of an associated throttle shaft in order to determine the position of a corresponding throttle valve. The position of the throttle sensor is positioned in the engine to reduce the girth of engine. In one embodiment, the throttle sensor lies to the side of a throttle linkage which interconnects a plurality of throttle valves. The throttle sensor and throttle linkage are arranged on a side of an intake manifold opposite a side on which fuel injectors of the engine are located. In another embodiment, the throttle sensor lies at an upper end of the intake manifold and is coupled to a common, vertically orientated throttle shaft that operates a plurality of throttle valves.

Abstract: An accessory such as an alternator is mounted to an automobile with a mounting that includes an upper mounting bracket and a lower mounting bracket, these brackets each being connected to the accessory and to the engine. One end of the upper mounting bracket is fixed to a side of the alternator. A length of the upper bracket is provided with an elongated slot and a fastener passing through the slot is fixed to an upper part of the engine such as at a water pump casing, the upper bracket thus being slidable on the fastener to adjust a positioning of the alternator relative to the engine and correspondingly altering a tension in an engine driven accessory drive belt. Because the upper bracket is thus at the accessory inner side, overall engine width is reduced and belt tensioning achieved in more efficient way.

Abstract: A combination carburetor backing plate and crankcase breather for a motorcycle engine having at least a pair of cylinders, a cylinder head mounted on each cylinder, and a valve for connecting each cylinder head to the crankcase for venting the same through an exit port in the cylinder head. The combination includes a plate having a first side adapted for mounting to a carburetor and to the cylinder heads, and an opposite, second side adapted for mounting an air cleaner. The plate has a centrally disposed first aperture that coaxially aligns with the carburetor throat, and second and third apertures that align with the exit ports on the cylinder heads. Hollow bolts are provided for insertion through the second and third apertures for threaded attachment to the exit ports, whereby the second and third apertures communicate with the exit ports.

Abstract: In a compact gas engine using a liquefied gas for a fuel, a gas canister holder for holding a fuel gas canister is provided. The gas canister holder includes a case having a gas canister outlet and inlet port and a cap axially engaged with the gas canister outlet and inlet port of the case. A pusher brought into contact with an end surface of the gas canister outlet and inlet port of the case and brought into contact with an end surface of the gas canister attached to an inner portion of the case is disposed between the case and the cap. A spring for urging the pusher and the cap in a direction taking these apart from each other is provided between the pusher and the cap. Accordingly, even when the gas canister is not attached within the case, the urging force is applied to the cap by the pusher and the spring, so as to prevent the cap from being disengaged with the case.

Abstract: An intake mounting system for an engine of either natural intake mode or supercharged intake mode. A first bracket is located on an end of a cylinder head of the engine. An air cleaner is mounted to the first bracket. A second bracket is connected to a head cover of the engine. A resonator used with a natural intake mode engine or an intercooler used with a supercharged intake mode engine can be mounted to the same second bracket. The air cleaner is also mounted to the second bracket. A third bracket is connected to the head cover of the engine. The resonator is also mounted to the third bracket.

Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a hydrodynamic retarder. The retarder includes both a rotor and a stator wherein the rotor is mounted on the engine crankshaft or crankshaft journal and the stator is disposed between the crankcase and rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to interconnection apparatus in particular for hydraulic and pneumatic purposes, for interconnecting the various members of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine. A rigid cradle of the invention includes means for fixing to the engine unit and means for fixing to elongate interconnection bodies, in particular rigid tubular ducts, hoses, electric cables, optical fibers, and/or bundles of cables. The present invention is mainly applicable to the automotive industry.

Abstract: A harness holder is disposed to extend along the inside of a cover member which covers a driving pulley and a timing belt, and a harness extending from a crank angle sensor is supported in the harness holder and prevented from contacting the belt and/or pulley. A locking claw projectingly provided at an end of the harness holder is fitted into a grommet mounted on the cover member to guide the harness 21 to the outside of the cover member. Thus, a fixing device such as a bolt for fixing the harness holder can be eliminated and moreover, a tip end of the locking claw can be visually observed from the outside of the cover member to confirm the mounted state of the harness holder.

Abstract: The present invention involves a drive unit, specifically a drive unit for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cooling system with fan, a transmission and a hydrodynamic retarder with a stator, rotor and housing. The retarder rotor is mounted on either the engine shaft or a crankshaft journal which is coaxial with the engine shaft. The retarder is located within a space bounded on one side by the front of the crankcase, on a second side by the fan shaft which runs parallel to the engine shaft, and on a third side by the rear edge of the fan wheel. Viewed from the front, the retarder is substantially located within the fly circle of the fan wheel whereby the air flow generated by the fan wheel removes heat, generated by braking actions, from the housing of the retarder.

Abstract: An engine having an accessory drive and mounting arrangement is disclosed. The engine has a camshaft drive comprising a drive pulley connected to an end of a crankshaft, and drive pulleys connected to the ends of each a intake and exhaust valve actuating camshaft. The crankshaft drives the camshafts via a timing belt engaging the drive pulleys. A mounting bracket is provided for connecting the engine to a frame member and for connecting one or more engine accessories to the engine. The mounting bracket is connected to the engine and includes a cover portion cooperating with a separate camshaft cover to enclose the camshaft drive pulleys and timing belt pathway.

Abstract: An intermediate drive mechanism allows an alternator to be mounted beneath an engine flywheel on the side of the engine. This location reduces both the girth and height of the engine, thereby reducing the size of the power head of an outboard motor. The intermediate drive mechanism includes a first intermediate pulley, which lies generally at the same level as a drive pulley attached to the engine output shaft. A second intermediate pulley lies beneath the first intermediate pulley and generally at the same level as a driven pulley of the generator. Belts couple the pulleys of the intermediate drive mechanism to the respective drive and driven pulleys. The intermediate pulleys also can move relative to the corresponding pulleys so as to function as a belt tensioner.

Abstract: In an engine starter, a plurality of mounting seats 12 for mounting an auxiliary switch 8 are provided on a housing 11. Accordingly, the auxiliary switch 8 can be mounted to the same housing 11 without interfering with neighboring equipment or the like with different engine or car body combinations. Standardization of the housing 11 can therefore easily achieved.

Abstract: In a front cover which is mounted on the front end of an internal combustion engine to cover an engine camshaft drive mechanism and which includes means for supporting auxiliary engine components such as a power steering pump, the front cover further includes a slide-in mounting structure supporting a container which, when inserted into the slide-in mounting structure, is firmly supported by the front cover and communicatively connected to an auxiliary engine component.

Abstract: A throttle sensor senses the position of an associated throttle shaft in order to determine the position of a corresponding throttle valve. The position of the throttle sensor is positioned in the engine to reduce the girth of engine. In one embodiment, the throttle sensor lies to the side of a throttle linkage which interconnects a plurality of throttle valves. The throttle sensor and throttle linkage are arranged on a side of an intake manifold opposite a side on which fuel injectors of the engine are located. In another embodiment, the throttle sensor lies at an upper end of the intake manifold and is coupled to a common, vertically oriented throttle shaft that operates a plurality of throttle valves.

Abstract: In a component support arrangement for mounting auxiliary components such as an alternator, a power steering pump and an air conditioning compressor to an engine, the component support arrangement consists of a crank shaft drive cover mounted on the front of the engine and including a reinforcement structure disposed on the inside of the camshaft drive cover between reception structures for the auxiliary engine components and comprising ribs and webs which extend transversely between the reception structures and are connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention involves a drive unit, specifically a drive unit for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cooling system with fan, a crankshaft and a hydrodynamic retarder with a stator, rotor and housing. The retarder is located within a space bounded on one side by the front of the crankcase, on a second side by the fan shaft which runs parallel to the engine shaft, and on a third side by the rear edge of the fan wheel. Viewed from the front, the retarder is substantially located within the fly circle of the fan wheel. Mounted to the crankcase and located between the crankcase, fan and retarder is an intermediate body which supports the retarder housing and stator, the fan, a regulator and switch for a generator, an idler pulley for a drive belt for auxiliary units and an air conditioning compressor.

Abstract: An engine housing for a vertical crankshaft engine may be directly mounted to a standard generator, pump, or other device without modifying the device housing. The engine housing has a plurality of raised mounting bosses that are used to attach the device housing to the engine housing. If the engine housing has an oil slinger well, the raised mounting bosses extend from the engine housing surface a sufficient distance to provide clearance for the oil slinger well. The engine housing also has a pilot that either receives an adapter ring or a portion of a device pilot to maintain the concentricity between the engine crankshaft and the device shaft, as well as the proper alignment between the engine housing and the device housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle containing a two-cycle, crankcase compression, internal combustion engine having direct lubricating systems for supplying lubricant to the sliding surfaces of the piston and cylinder bore for each cylinder of the engine, separate pumps for delivering lubricant to the crankshaft bearings associated with each cylinder of the engine and a system for delivering lubricant to the engine for the remaining components through the induction system. The accessories for the engine including its induction and exhaust system are laid out so as to facilitate transverse front wheel drive mounting of the engine in the vehicle.

Abstract: A lawn edger utilizes an engine with a vertical drive shaft. The edger includes a frame mounted on wheels. A handle extends upward from the frame for pushing the frame on the wheels. The engine mounts to the frame with its drive shaft extending vertically downward. A drive pulley mounts to the output shaft. The blade carrier locates at the forward end of the edger and carries a blade on a blade axle. The driven pulley mounts to the blade axle. A drive belt extends between the drive pulley and the driven pulley, twisting as it extends around the pulleys.

Abstract: A pilot ring assembly is provided for locating various power driven apparatus with respect to a power source housing such as an engine or motor. The ring assembly obviates having to machine locator steps of various diameters in flanges on the engine block or motor housing. This is effected by machining locator steps in flanges at a predetermined position and then placing pilot rings of varying outside diameters to accommodate the locator rings of the power driven apparatus.

Abstract: Device for feeding oil from the lubricating oil system of an internal combustion engine to units mountable on a unit support plate which is secured to the engine block. On one surface of the unit support plate facing out from the engine block there are one or more oil distribution ducts incorporated in the support plate, each of which connects to the lubricating oil system of the engine at the block to at least one associated mounted unit. Each duct is defined by a groove in the support plate surface outward from the engine block. Each groove is covered on the surface of the support plate by a cover plate secured in the unit support plate. Each duct groove has its associated cover plate preferably secured in the unit support plate by shape and/or friction.

Abstract: Two embodiments of flexible transmitter tensioning devices that afford a screw threaded operation for moving an idler pulley to vary the adjustments. The construction lends itself to incorporation in an outboard motor.

Abstract: A power takeoff adapter for extending a power shaft such as the crankshaft of an engine. The power takeoff adapter includes a male pin adapted to be received in a complementary female receptacle in the crankshaft, wherein torque applied during operation initially tightens the coupling between the adapter and the crankshaft.

Abstract: An improved bracket and idler assembly for an internal combustion engine in which the bracket forms a portion of an air compressor for use with the engine.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger system for an internal combustion is directly driven by the associated engine and includes a belt driven drive pulley and bracket for locating an idler pulley for tensioning the belt. A plurality of bosses on the housing plus arcuate slots on the bracket provide for flexibility in locating the idler pulley. The drive pulley drives a gear which engages a driven gear on a separate shaft carrying the compressor wheel which is driven at a multiple of engine speed within a volute. The compressor wheel is recessed into an internal wall of the housing to provide smooth flow of air from the compressor wheel into the volute. Another group of bosses on said housing cooperate with an engine mounted bracket to provide flexibility in mounting the supercharger on various engines.

Abstract: An L-shaped mounting bracket is provided having first and second flange portions with the first flange portion designed for removable seated mounting from the left rear oil filter mounting pad location of a corporate GM motor block and the second flange portion being designed for rigid removable mounting of a high torque engine starter motor therefrom. The relocation of the starter motor the right rear portion of the motor block to the left rear portion of the motor block enabling the oil pan of the engine in the right rear corner thereof to be considerably laterally outwardly expanded.

Abstract: An auxiliary mechanism mounting structure for mounting an auxiliary mechanism on an engine has an auxiliary mechanism mounting portion whose bearing rigidity is high in the longitudinal direction of the engine and is low in the vertical direction of the engine so that the auxiliary mechanism is easy to vibrate in the vertical direction of the engine.

Abstract: A V-type engine is constructed so that one bank of cylinders is located rearward, in a longitudinal direction of the engine, relative to the other bank of cylinders so that a space is formed in front of a front surface of a cylinder block of the engine. In the space, a casing or casings for a fluid passage are provided. Supplemental apparatuses, such as a water pump, an alternator, a compressor, and an oil pump, are formed so as to be driven by belts transmitting drive power from a crankshaft of the V-type engine. One of the belts has tension applied to it by a tensioner, which is formed on a bracket. The bracket is fixed to the casing or casings by bolts, which are used for both fixing the casing or casings to the cylinder block and for fixing the bracket to the casing or casings. As a result, both of the bracket and the casing or casings are firmly fixed to the cylinder block within a compact space, even when the tensioner is located far from the front surface of the cylinder block.

Abstract: A drive shaft for driving supplemental apparatuses is disposed in or penetrates an oil pan disposed under an engine in order to provide a compact supplemental apparatus layout or arrangement. In the oil pan, a supplemental apparatus drive unit, including the drive shaft, an idle gear meshing with an output gear fixed on an engine crankshaft, and a chain for transmitting drive power from the idle gear to the drive shaft, is supported, and is simultaneously assembled so as to be linked with the idle gear and the output gear when the oil pan is assembled to the engine. The output gear is preferably fixed on the inner side of an endmost journal of the crankshaft to reduce vibrations from the crankshaft. Moreover, providing a damper associated with the output gear fixed to the crankshaft reduces the vibrations from the crankshaft.

Abstract: A universal starter motor assembly, which may be affixed to many different makes and models of internal combustion engines. A starter motor and solenoid assembly of the gear reduction type has a face plate which covers the armature gear, supports the idler gear and the outer bearing of the clutch assembly extends through the face plate. Many different styles of mounting adapters can be easily attached to the face plate and are shaped and configured to permit the starter motor assembly to be affixed to a particular style of internal combustion engine. The pinion gear of the starter motor is removable and replaceable from the exterior of the universal starter motor.

Abstract: An air-cooled internal combustion engine and a structure of its air cleaner, a major object of which is to control noises emitted from various parts of engine and to minimize the overall size and dimensions of the engine. A cam shaft and a balancing shaft are arranged on an air cleaner side relative to a crank-shaft, a starting motor is arranged on an exhaust muffler side relative to the crank-shaft, shaft portions of the balancing shaft and the starting motor are located at a position lower than the crank shaft, and the exhaust muffler is arranged vertically above the starting motor, so that a center of gravity of the entire engine is lowered and engine noise can be controlled. Further, noises emitted from various parts of engine are controlled by positioning and shaping of an exhaust pipe, a shape of a cylinder head cover, and an arrangement and position of a fuel tank.

Abstract: A flexible header mounting for an engine mounted fuel filter includes structure for dependingly engaging a fuel filter and its associated plumbing and a planar base member by means of which the header is mounted to the engine supporting structure. Flexible engagement of the base member to the engine is accomplished by means of bolts, each of which has a compression spring mounted thereon over the shaft thereof, between the base member and the bolt head. The free threaded end of the bolt extends through a bore drilled into the base member and engages within a threaded bore in the engine housing. The distance between a center point of the bolt and a forward edge of the base plate is as large as possible while the distance between the center point of the bolt and the rear edge is as small as possible, creating a joint wherein the header may pivot rearwardly upon impact but will be unable to pivot forwardly under severe deceleration.

Abstract: An accessory mounting apparatus for use on a heavy duty truck engine comprises a unitary bracket having parallel lateral walls defining an interior cavity which securingly receives a side portion of a front engine cover. The lateral walls extend to an outermost ear portion, to which an alternator is mounted in depending relationship, and upwardly to a horizontal plate portion having a mounting pad forward of the ear portion to which a coolant corrosion filter is dependingly mounted, and a mounting platform rearwardly inwardly of the mounting pad to and above which an air conditioning compressor is mounted, and forwardly extending boss attached to a forward wall of the bracket to which a constant tension pulley assembly is mounted to tension a belt which drives the compressor.

Abstract: A motorcycle engine stabilizer that is adapted to be positioned between the engine cylinder head and the motorcycle frame. The stabilizer includes an internally threaded sleeve that is adapted to receive an externally threaded adjustment rod that includes a cylindrical end adapted to bear against a frame tube surface adapter. The adjustment rod includes opposed flat surfaces adapted to permit a tool to engage the adjustment rod for threadedly extending it into or out of the sleeve. The frame tube surface adapter is positioned between the adjustment rod end and the frame. Rotation of the adjustment rod causes the surface adapter to engage a portion of the frame and causes the threaded sleeve base plate to engage the engine cylinder head, thereby providing additional support for the engine and reducing engine vibrations. A space plate having cooling channels can be positioned between the base plate and the engine cylinder head to prevent localized hot spots in the engine cylinder head.

Abstract: A powertrain including an engine and attached power transmission means has a stiffening bracket extending between the side walls of the engine block and the transmission means housing. The bracket extends under and separate from the engine oil pan and has integral ribs depending from a floor and extending longitudinally and diagonally from the power transmission connections to each of the side wall connections to add both bending and torsional stiffness to the powertrain, thus reducing vibration, noise and stress.

Abstract: Mounting brackets for mounting engine accessories, such as custom air conditioning compressors, alternators, and the like, on certain types of automobile engines and other engines, particularly engines such as small block Chevrolet engines having factory formed front end surfaces, top surfaces, and tapped holes which can be utilized to mount the brackets on the engines without the necessity of drilling and tapping holes in the engine.

Abstract: A universal starter motor assembly, which may be affixed to many different makes and models of internal combustion engines. A starter motor and solenoid assembly of the gear reduction type has a face plate which covers the armature gear, supports the idler gear and the outer bearing of the clutch assembly extends through the face plate. Many different styles of mounting adapters can be easily attached to the face plate and are shaped and configured to permit the starter motor assembly to be affixed to a particular style of internal combustion engine. The pinion gear of the starter motor is removable and replaceable from the exterior of the universal starter motor.