Abstract: An ignition-powered interlock switch is provided for disabling a low oil pressure switch in power-driven apparatus such as lawn mowers, pumps, generators, tractors and the like. The interlock switch disables the low oil pressure switch when the engine is not running to permit the engine to be easily started. The interlock switch preferably comprises a diode, a relay, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the relay solenoid. The capacitor discharges through the relay solenoid after the engine stops running to operate the relay. The interlock switch may also include either a manual or an electronic switch.

Abstract: A starter-powered interlock switch means is provided for disabling a low oil pressure switch in power-driven apparatus such as lawn mowers, pumps, generators, tractors and the like. The interlock switch means disables the low oil pressure switch when the engine is not running to permit the engine to be easily started. Several embodiments of the interlock switch means are disclosed. The embodiments include a capacitor that is charged by the starter motor during cranking of the engine, and a relay switch that interrupts the circuit between the ignition primary and the low oil pressure switch to disable the low oil pressure switch. When the engine has started, the capacitor discharges to control one or more other switches that in turn close the circuit between the ignition primary and the low oil pressure switch. The closing of the latter circuit enables the low oil pressure switch to be activated when a low oil pressure condition is sensed.

Abstract: An improved control device for a small watercraft that contains start and stop buttons as well as a main ignition switch and is adapted to be mounted on the handlebar of the watercraft. The start and stop buttons are positioned on opposite sides of the control box so as to avoid the likelihood of inadvertent operation of the wrong control as also so as to make a more compact assembly.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine stop device comprises a power generation winding 1 for generating electric power corresponding to the rotation of an engine to charge a capacitor 2 for an ignition coil 4; a self-reset type stop switch 11 having normally opened contacts; a self-holding circuit 24 for bringing the output of the power generation winding to a short-circuit state and holding the short-circuit state; and voltage restraint or malfunction prevention elements 32, 36-38 arranged between the stop switch and the power generation winding to restrain a voltage applied to the stop switch.

Abstract: An improved engine shut-off system is provided in which the likelihood of a safe failure is maximized and the likehood of an unsafe failure is minimized. Both terminals of the engine's first safety stop switch are connected in the ignition circuit so that if either wire leading to a stop switch terminal is grounded or breaks, a fail-safe condition exists. A first terminal of the first stop switch is connected in circuit to the main coil's primary winding, and the second terminal is connected in circuit to either the control switch means or the trigger coil. An optional second stop switch may be used in conjection with the first stop switch. The optional second stop switch may be a seat switch.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of engine spark control systems wherein the engine speed is reduced in response to the sensing of an abnormal or an external condition and wherein the spark timing is altered when the spark is interrupted to preclude the likelihood of backfiring in the exhaust system or firing back in the induction system. In some embodiments, the sensed condition is an abnormal running condition and in other embodiments the sensed condition is shifting of the transmission. The backfiring and firing back is precluded primarily by advancing the spark from the idle spark advance.

Abstract: In a multicylinder internal combustion engine, an overspeed control circuit progressively cuts out ignition to the cylinders depending upon the amount the threshold is exceeded. A monostable multivibrator is set by the ignition pulse of a given cylinder to initiate a given timing interval of fixed duration. A charging capacitor circuit has a first capacitor charged by the output of the monostable multivibrator during the timing interval, and discharged during a second timing interval until the next ignition pulse of the given cylinder. A latching comparator is set by the ignition pulse of the given cylinder and disables a cut-out switch which in turn permits ignition pulses to the cylinders. A second capacitor is also charged during the first timing interval until it reaches a given threshold voltage, corresponding to a given engine threshold speed, and which resets the latching comparator, which in turn actuates the cut-out switch to cut out ignition pulses to the remaining cylinders.

Abstract: A shift cable assembly for a marine drive having a clutch and gear assembly (18), includes a remote control (11) for selectively positioning the clutch and gear assembly into forward, neutral and reverse, a control cable (10) connecting the remote control to a shift lever (3) pivotally mounted on a shift plate (2), a drive cable (17) connecting the shift lever on the shift plate to the clutch and gear assembly, and a spring guide assembly (100) with compression springs (101, 102, 103) biased to a loaded condition by movement of the remote control from neutral to forward and also biased to a loaded condition by movement of the remote control from neutral to reverse. The bias minimizes chatter of the clutch and gear assembly upon shifting into gear, and aids shifting out of gear and minimizes slow shifting out of gear and returns the remote control to neutral, all with minimum backlash of the cables.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine stop device comprises a power generation winding for generating electric power corresponding to the rotation of an engine and charging a capacitor for an ignition winding; and a stop circuit for bringing the output of the power generation winding to a short-circuit state based on the actuation of the stop switch, wherein the stop switch is of a self-reset type, and wherein the stop circuit is constituted by a self-holding circuit for keeping the short-circuit state based on the actuation of the stop switch, and a delay circuit for actuating the self-holding circuit when a switched state of the stop switch is kept for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine of the type employed to power a watercraft wherein the engine speed is reduced upon the sensing of an abnormal engine condition. When the engine speed is reduced, the spark timing is also retarded to avoid backfiring in the exhaust system unless the engine conditions indicate that the exhaust gas temperatures might become too high under this retarded condition.

Abstract: Two embodiments of starting systems for internal combustion engines that prevent backfiring by precluding starting when the kill switch is energized. In one embodiment, the kill switch includes two pair of contacts, one for the kill circuit and one for the starting circuit, with the starting circuit contacts being normally closed and the kill circuit contacts being normally open. In the other embodiment, energization of the kill circuit also energizes a relay that opens the starting circuit.

Abstract: An engine ignition control system comprising an ignition circuit of capacitor charge-discharge type is disclosed in which the ignition timing is determined by controlling the charge-discharge cycle of a capacitor by an output signal from an engine speed detection circuit. An overspeed control circuit stops the ignition when a detection output signal of the engine speed detection circuit exceeds a reference voltage level corresponding to a set engine speed. A slowing down control circuit is actuated in response to an engine slowing down operation start switch for realizing a hypothetical condition substantially equivalent to the one in which the engine speed detection circuit detects an engine speed higher than the actual engine speed thereby to accomplish engine slowing down operation by (a) increasing the reference voltage level gradually, or (b) increasing the output signal level of the engine speed detection circuit stepwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition switch arrangement for an internal combustion engine having electrical ignition. Engines for handheld portable tools are for the most part equipped with magneto ignition and are switched by short circuiting the ignition coil for bringing the engine to standstill. The ignition switch arrangement of the invention includes an ignition switching unit which is switchable between an ignition-enabling position wherein the ignition is operative and an ignition-disabling position wherein the ignition is inoperative. According to the invention, a latching actuator having a latch latches the ignition switch unit in the ignition-disabling position when the latching actuator is in its latching position when the ignition switch unit is switched into the ignition-disabling position while the engine is running. The latch releases automatically when the engine coasts to standstill so that the ignition is automatically enabled for the next starting operation.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the invention wherein a single control switch is operative to selectively operate either a starting device for starting the engine or a kill device for stopping the running of the engine. The embodiments all include an arrangement for sensing when the engine is running so as to prevent operation of the starting device when the control device is closed and the engine is running.

Abstract: Embodiments of engine starting systems for watercraft wherein a warning is issued in the event the starting system is enabled when a kill switch is closed. In some embodiments the starting system is also disabled if the kill switch is closed.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine which includes a microcomputer which operates to control the ignition timing in response to engine speed and engine temperature signals individually and in preselected combination with an engine air flow signal and/or a lubricant level signal during predetermined engine running conditions. These predetermined running conditions include low speed, warm up, overhead, cruising, and overspeed engine running conditions, as well as a low lubricant level condition. The ignition control system is also capable of detecting and responding to abnormal combustion running conditions and setting and optimum spark advance during the starting of the engine.

Abstract: A foot controlling engine start, stop and brake system, characterized by a control circuit arranged among an ignition switch, a starter motor, a brake, an accelerator and a generator for controlling automatic stop of the starter motor by feeding back the output voltage of the generator or a frequency (engine speed) enable one to control the engines start, stop and brake by one's foot.

Abstract: An idle detector and safety apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine includes a magnet which is mounted to the carburetor piston valve and a magnetically actuatable switch positioned outside of the carburetor body. A sensor is also provided to indicate throttle position. When the throttle sensor indicates the throttle is in an idle position, a circuit checks the status of the magnetically actuatable switch. If the switch indicates that the piston valve is in the idle position as is proper, engine ignition is allowed to continue. If the switch indicates that the piston valve is improperly in a high speed position, engine ignition is caused to be interrupted. As a result, the engine is prevented from going into an uncontrolled, runaway condition should the piston valve become misplaced.

Abstract: Apparatus for immediately shutting down the engine of a motor vehicle in the event that the throttle sticks in an open position. A connecting member is secured at one end of the throttle linkage of a carburetor and at the other end to a piston slidably contained within a housing. A cut-off spring acts between the housing and the piston with sufficient force to drive the piston against the push button actuator of a cut-off switch wired into the engine ignition system. The opposite end of the connecting member is attached to the throttle return spring which acts through the connecting member with a greater opposing force than the cut-off spring to prevent the piston from cycling the shut-off switch. In the event the throttle return spring breaks or the throttle linkage becomes jammed in an open position, the cut-off spring is released and the engine immediately shut down.

Abstract: A control panel for a watercraft powered by a plurality of engines wherein the controls for each of the engines is mounted on the same panel. The controls comprise at least a first pair of control elements for controlling separate functions of the engine independently but positioned in juxtaposition to each other and a common control element for controlling the same functions of both engines.

Abstract: A method detects the magnitude of knock in an internal combustion engine. Each knock is quantified into a discrete level which gives an indication of the operating condition of the engine. The discrete level signals provide information helpful during engine calibration and engine monitoring. After a predetermined number of level signals indicative of preselected magnitudes of knock are received, an engine shutdown signal is delivered which ceases engine operation.

Abstract: Confirmation of the existance of the proper operating conditions of a power tool is obtained by providing confirmation sensing means for sensing and confirming inspection and verification of the appropriate condition of each one of a plurality of preset operating conditions by the user, a confirmed state judging means for receiving the output of the completed confirmation sensing means and judging what operating conditions have been completely inspected and verified; a confirmation instructing means for informing the user of those operating conditions yet to be inspected and verified in response to the output of the confirmed state judging means; and, switching means for receiving the output of the confirmed state judging means and thereby allowing energization of the igniting circuit of the engine only after confirmation of all the preset operating conditions are completed and met.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine includes an operator controlled fuel injection enabling switch effective to disconnect electric fuel injection apparatus from an electric power source and thus initiate the cessation of engine operation when deactivated. However, the spark ignition system is still powered through an oil pressure switch so as to continue engine operation for a few extra crankshaft rotations to reduce the unburned fuel in the intake passage as the engine stops and thus reduce throttle bore coking. In a vehicle having a fuel pump relay activated by the fuel injection enabling switch with contacts connected across the oil pressure switch, the invention may be obtained by changing the power connection of the spark ignition system from the fuel injection enabling (ignition) switch to the fuel pump relay.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably coupling an engine to a driven device such as a power tool includes a lug-bearing ring mounted on the engine, the ring encircling a centrifugally operated clutch, splined shaft or other shaft coupling member at the end of a drive shaft and having a plurality of lugs with enlarged heads mounted thereon. The engine is releasably coupled to a driven device by passing the enlarged heads of the lugs through large portions of mating apertures within a lug-receiving ring mounted on the driven device and then rotating the engine relative to the driven device to move the lugs into necked-down portions of the apertures and lock one of the lug heads against a manually actuable resilient retainer strip mounted on the opposite side of the lug-receiving ring. A cable at the end of a manually operated engine speed control on the driven device is releasably coupled to the engine throttle control.

Abstract: A float switch and a control apparatus of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. This float switch comprises a float attached to a main body so as to be vertically swung around one end thereof, a magnetic material fixed to the float, and a contact adapted to be closed or opened in response to the approach or removal of the magnetic material. The float switch is provided in the pathway of a coolant passage and a lubricating oil passage of the engine. The control apparatus has a warning apparatus which is operative in response to an absence signal from the float switch which is indicative of the absence of the fluid that is being sensed, and has a rotating speed control apparatus to reduce the engine speed. The absence of the fluid is informed to the operator by the warning and the speed reduction. A warning apparatus for an outboard engine to control the engine speed when an abnormality occurs is also provided.

Abstract: A low oil sensor especially for application with an internal combustion engine is provided with an over-center spring and diaphragm structure to maintain the sensor in the inactivated mode whenever there is an adequate oil level in an engine sump. Crankcase pulse pressures provide an adequate pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the switch to activate an indicator circuit and to stop the engine. Inadvertent switch operation is prevented by utilization of a check valve and bleed port arrangement. The switch can be reset by an externally operable reset plunger.

Abstract: A shift cable assembly for a marine drive includes a shift plate, a shift lever pivotally mounted on the plate, and a switch actuating arm pivotally mounted on the plate between a first neutral position and a second switch actuating position. A control cable and drive cable interconnect the shift lever and switching actuating arm with a remote control and clutch and gear assembly for the marine drive so that shifting of the remote control by a boat operator moves the cables to pivot the shift lever and switch actuating arm which in turn actuates a shift interrupter switch mounted on the plate to momentarily interrupt ignition of the drive unit to permit easier shifting into forward, neutral and reverse gears. A spring biases the arm into its neutral position and the arm includes an improved mounting for retaining the spring in its proper location on the arm.

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having fuel injection, in particular a turbo-engine, having air intake and exhaust gas conduits, a turbocharger and a regulating valve for furnishing combustion air to the exhaust gas conduit when the throttle valve in the air intake conduit is closed partially or entirely, in order to maintain the charge pressure of the turbocharger during overrunning or at partial load with good efficiency of the system. When the regulating valve opens, a portion of the cylinders is not ignited and the remaining portion of the cylinders is ignited at an extremely late instant of ignition, with suitable metering of the fuel injection quantity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cutoff apparatus for use in an engine-driven vehicle. The apparatus comprises a fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the engine, a hydraulically actuated means that is actuated in response to the pressure of the engine oil, and a fuel cutoff control means which, when the pressure of the engine oil decreases below a certain level, is actuated in response to the actuation of the hydraulically actuated means to control the fuel supply means in such a way that the supply of fuel to the engine is cut off.

Abstract: In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, on-off signals each responsive to one of a plurality of ignition signals from an engine control unit to switch on and off the primary current in an ignition coil are detected. A first trigger signal is produced from the logical sum of the detection signals and a second trigger signal is produced from the logical sum of the plurality of ignition signals from the engine control unit. A single nonretriggerable monostable multivibrator receives the first and second trigger signals to generate an engine ignition monitor signal.

Abstract: An engine interlock control system is disclosed which is particularly suited for use with a material handling implement comprising a combination loader backhoe. In the preferred form, the present control system includes an electrically-operated fuel solenoid for selectively controlling delivery of fuel to the internal combustion engine of the implement. This system further includes means for sensing operation of the engine, preferably comprising an oil pressure sensor, and means for sensing disposition of the implement's transmission in a neutral condition. The fuel solenoid, engine sensor, and transmission sensor are all operatively connected with a microprocessor control unit, whereby delivery of fuel to the engine is prevented in the event that the engine is not running, and the transmission is in a non-neutral condition.

Abstract: A rotating speed control apparatus for controlling the rotating speed of an internal combustion engine includes: an ignition circuit of a capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) system; an overspeed preventing circuit having a rotating speed detecting circuit for reducing the rotating speed of the engine to a restricted value in response to an overspeed condition; and a cut-off circuit which temporarily inhibits the control of the engine speed by way of an overspeed prevention inhibiting operation and which is automatically returned to a condition in which it can control the engine speed during restarting of the engine after a stop of the engine. The overspeed preventing circuit is cut off by turning on the cut-off circuit when the engine is driven, so that the overspeed preventing function is inhibited. This cut-off circuit is automatically returned to its off-state when restarting the engine after a stop of the engine, thereby allowing an overspeed of the engine to be prevented.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an ignition system for engines which includes the usual form of ignition circuit which generates an ignition control signal on the basis of timing pulses. There is further included an inhibition circuit connected with the ignition control circuit to inhibit the generation of the spark discharge of a spark plug under certain circumstances, such as in stopping the engine and when the engine RPM is below a predetermined value lower than idle. Furthermore, an embodiment disclosed herein allows improvement of the accuracy of ignition during engine starting.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for selectively limiting the speed of an internal combustion engine by momentarily removing the ignition voltage to the spark plug of said engine at one or two preselected speeds below the maximum speed capability of the engine. Said speed limits are activated in response to electrical input signals generated by switches controlled by the operating condition of a vehicle driven by said engine. Such electrical signals could be determined by whether the vehicle transmission is in reverse and/or switches selectively operated by the operator. This emitter therefore controls the engine and thus vehicle speeds to increase the safety of the vehicle under selective operating conditions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an RF means for terminating the normal operation of a selected motor vehicle. A plurality of motor vehicles each have an RF receiver tuned to a frequency and EIA tones specific to their license plate indica. Selected other motor vehicles have an RF transmitter and EIA tone generator which can be selectively tuned to transmit a signal which is receivable by a selected one of the motor vehicle receivers and when received stops the operation of that selected vehicle by terminating the fuel supply or removing ignition voltage to the motor vehicles internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake in a motor saw requires electric energy for the operation of the brake. This energy can, according to the invention, be surplus energy in the ignition system of the saw. Surplus energy exists usually only when the r.p.m. exceeds a certain value. A capacitor is charged by current from the system and is prepared to discharge through a coil to actuate the brake on a signal from a kickback sensor.

Abstract: A control system for protecting an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises input receiving means for receiving a plurality of warning signals, each representing a fault condition, and signal processing means for producing an engine shutdown command signal. The signal processing means includes means for classifying any received warning signal as one requiring a fast shutdown response or a delayed shutdown response.

Abstract: An engine protection apparatus that monitors several engine functions and that disables the engine in response to the detection of undesireable operating conditions. When ambient temperatures are low, an extended engine warm up period is provided; since the vehicle may be left unattended during an extended warm up period in a cold climate, the engine is monitored during the warm up period so that it may be disabled by the apparatus if an undesireable operating condition arises. Similarly, when ambient temperatures are high, an extended engine cool down period is provided; since the engine may be left unattended during the cool down period, the engine is monitored by the apparatus and disabled if an undesireable operating condition is detected. The apparatus also monitors the engine during its normal operating times, in addition to the warm up and cool down periods of time.

Abstract: A circuit protecting against overspeed and overheating in a two-cycle engine having a capacitive discharge ignition system which includes a charging coil in which voltage is induced when a magnet in the flywheel of the engine passes the coil. A rectifier bridge is connected to the coil and a capacitor connected to the bridge. An ignition coil and spark plug are associated with each cylinder of the engine. An electronic switch is associated with each ignition coil and has a trigger which responds to an applied trigger voltage to conduct and discharge the capacitor through the ignition coil. A trigger coil applies a trigger voltage to the triggers. The protective circuit includes a control responsive to engine speed. The control triggers one of the electronic switches to conduct and discharge the capacitor in response to a predetermined response speed. A circuit responsive to operation of an engine temperature responsive switch reduces the predetermined response speed of the control to a lower response speed.

Abstract: The device comprises sensors for providing electrical signals indicative of the speed of the vehicle, the speed of rotation of the engine, the position of the accelerator pedal and the position of the brake pedal. An electronic monitoring and control unit connected to these sensors, activates actuator devices arranged to turn off the engine when, for a period of time of predetermined duration, the speed of rotation of the engine is less than a first predetermined value, the speed of the vehicle is less than a threshold value, and the accelerator pedal is released. This monitoring and control unit deactivates the actuator means and activates the electric starter motor when the signals provided by the sensors indicate that the speed of rotation of the engine is lower than a second predetermined value, less than the first, and the accelelator pedal (or the brake pedal) is depressed.

Abstract: An r.p.m. limiter for an internal combustion engine operates by gradually reducing the output voltage of the ignition coil until it reaches a point where ignition fails until the r.p.m. is reduced to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A low level lubricating oil detector for an internal combustion engine. The detector includes a tube that is located in crankcase of the engine and the tube has an opening in its lower end located at the predetermined minimum oil level. The upper end of the tube communicates with a chamber and one side of the chamber is enclosed by a piezo electric element. When the oil level in the crankcase recedes beneath the minimum level, pressure pulsations in the crankcase are transmitted through the tube to the piezo electric element which generates a signal that operates through an electric circuit to stop operation of the engine.

Abstract: A speed-limiting device of the electronic ignition type for the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is equipped with an AC generator driven to rotation by the engine, such a generator comprising a feeding coil for the electronic ignition circuitry and a pickup winding for controlling the sparking of the engine spark plugs is characterized in that the signal of said control of the sparking for the igniting spark is cut off by short-circuiting to ground the pickup winding via a diode which is governed by the voltage generated by said feeding coil of the ignition circuitry, a voltage which is appropriately processed by a specially provided electric circuitry so as to become proportional to the generator speed as the voltage in question overtakes a threshold magnitude as preset by a specially provided sensing member.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine which includes a microcomputer which operates to control the ignition timing in response to engine speed and engine temperature signals individually and in preselected combinations with an engine throttle or air flow signal during predetermined engine running conditions. These predetermined running conditions include low speed, warm up, overheat, cruising, and overspeed engine running conditions. The ignition control system is also capable of detecting and responding to abnormal combustion running conditions and setting an optimum spark advance during the starting of the engine.

Abstract: An electronic revolution rate limiting apparatus is described which generally comprises a transducer for generating a tachometer signal which is indicative of the revolution rate of the internal combustion engine, a circuit for generating a rate signal which is derived from an oscillator and is responsive to the operation state of the engine to determine the maximum revolution rate for each of a plurality of operation states, a circuit for producing a control signal which is responsive to the tachometer signal and the rate signal, and a switch for interacting with the ignition system of the engine to prevent a sparking voltage from being induced in the ignition system in response to the value of the control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a piston driven internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger, provides for the exhaust gases of the cylinders to be conducted to an afterburner chamber and subsequently to the exhaust gas turbine of the turbocharger when the motor vehicle is coasting, i.e., when the motor vehicle and engine are being driven by the vehicle's inertia, with the ignition for the cylinders being turned off and the charging air being introduced into the afterburner chamber. The noncombusted fuel/air mixture from the cylinders is combusted in the afterburner chamber with the additional charging air to thereby bring the turbocharger to its full output for reacceleration of the engine.

Abstract: A pneumatic switch (25) responsive to the vacuum in a closed crankcase (20) of a reciprocating piston engine (15) for indicating when there is less than a predetermined quantity of oil (21) in the crankcase. The switch includes a housing (30) defining a cylinder (35), a closed end (48) and an open end (74). A piston (36) reciprocates and rotates in the cylinder through a path determined by a cam (51) and a follower (52). Crankcase vacuum is applied to a chamber (47) between the piston and the closed housing end to move the piston against a calibrated spring (50). An electric switch (70, 71 and 76) indicates when the piston is in the portion of its path of motion when the engine is operating and there is less than the predetermined quantity of oil in the crankcase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three wheeled motor vehicle with an electronic speed control system for controlling the speed of the vehicle while in reverse operation. The electronic speed control system includes a speed detection circuit and reverse gear detection circuit to alter the ignition of the vehicle. By altering the ignition, further acceleration may be prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus in magneto ignition systems for providing time separated sequences for charging and triggering in cophased charging and triggering voltage sequences, including inhibition of the ignition sequence in such apparatus. The ignition system includes a triac as a control member, a rectifier being included in the control circuit of the triac, the rectifier having its polarity disposed such that time-separated charging and triggering intervals are obtained. Across the rectifier there is connected a short-circulating circuit or providing triggering control voltages to the triac, even during the charging interval, thus preventing charging, which results in inhibition of the ignition sequence.

Abstract: Several embodiments of separate lubricating systems for two-cycle internal combustion engines and particularly those of outboard motors. In each embodiment, the lubricating system includes a relatively large lubricant storage tank that is adapted to be carried in the hull of the associated watercraft and a relatively small lubricant delivery tank carried by the engine of the outboard motor. A pump is provided for transferring lubricant from the storage tank to the delivery tank and warning devices are incorporated to indicate when the level in each of the tanks falls below a predetermined value. Furthermore, the transfer pump is disabled upon the falling of the level of the liquid in the storage tank below a predetermined value. The pump is positioned in proximity to this storage tank and is juxtaposed and plumbed in such a way that it will not pick up foreign particles from the bottom of the tank, but will always have its inlet and outlet subject to liquid so that the pump will not run dry.