Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensing apparatus senses rotation of an engine component (e.g., a crank shaft) relative to an engine body. The sensing apparatus includes a sensor, and a bracket configured to position the sensor in a fixed location relative to the engine body. The starter ring has (i) a support portion configured to rotate in tandem with the engine component, (ii) a starter interface mounted to the support portion, the starter interface being configured to receive drive from a starter motor during operation of the starter motor, and (iii) a trigger portion mounted to the support portion. The trigger portion is configured to provide a series of indicators during rotation of the engine component. The series of indicators (e.g., a series of magnetic field perturbations during rotation of the engine component) is readable by the sensor thus enabling identification of component positioning and speed.

Abstract: A tappet for an internal combustion engine is formed from a high-carbon, bearing grade steel. The high-carbon, bearing grade steel has a relatively high surface fatigue strength that provides the tappet with the ability to absorb a relatively large contact stresses during operation, thereby minimizing the formation of cracks within the tappet. Additionally, the high-carbon steel tappet can be heat treated to provide a substantially uniform hardness, between about 58 Rockwell Hardness C (HRC) and 62 HRC, and a substantially consistent microstructure throughout the tappet, thereby minimizing wear of the tappet during use.

Abstract: Cylinder head assemblies including a cylinder head and a piston are disclosed. The cylinder head includes: a recessed valve region including a first and second bulbous portion connected by a waist, the first bulbous portion accommodating an intake valve and the second bulbous portion accommodating an exhaust valve; an intake port passageway having a gradually contoured flowpath between an intake port and the intake valve in the valve region; and an exhaust port passageway having a gradually contoured flowpath between an exhaust port and the exhaust valve in the valve region. The piston includes a recessed region that substantially conforms to the recessed valve region of the cylinder head. Related overhaul kits and methods of making improved cylinder head assemblies are further disclosed.

Abstract: Cylinder head assemblies including a cylinder head and a piston are disclosed. The cylinder head includes: a recessed valve region including a first and second bulbous portion connected by a waist, the first bulbous portion accommodating an intake valve and the second bulbous portion accommodating an exhaust valve; an intake port passageway having a gradually contoured flowpath between an intake port and the intake valve in the valve region; and an exhaust port passageway having a gradually contoured flowpath between an exhaust port and the exhaust valve in the valve region. The piston includes a recessed region that substantially conforms to the recessed valve region of the cylinder head. Related overhaul kits and methods of making improved cylinder head assemblies are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel control apparatus with a modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism (i.e., a fuel metering section) and modular fuel regulator mechanism (i.e.. r fuel regulator section) that can each be calibrated independently of each other, and independent from the modular air passage mechanism (i.e., an airflow section). The air passage mechanism has an air intake end and an air outlet end and is constructed and arranged to accommodate airflow therethrough. the air passage mechanism having a first surface portion formed on an outer surface thereon. The modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism is constructed and arranged to receive fuel from a supply and deliver a portion of the hid at a pressure that is different from the pressure of the fuel supply, the modular fuel pressure modifying mechanism being removably mountable to the first surface portion of the air passage mechanism.