Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine block includes removing material from the top deck of the engine block surrounding a first opening to create a first recessed area, placing a first seal within the first recessed area, positioning a first insert within the first recessed area and against the first seal. The method may also include removing material from the top deck of the engine block surrounding a second opening to create a second recessed area that at least partially overlaps the first recessed area, placing a second seal in the second recessed area and positioning a second insert within the second recessed area and against the second seal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine block includes removing material from the top deck of the engine block surrounding a first opening to create a first recessed area, placing a first seal within the first recessed area, positioning a first insert within the first recessed area and against the first seal. The method may also include removing material from the top deck of the engine block surrounding a second opening to create a second recessed area that at least partially overlaps the first recessed area, placing a second seal in the second recessed area and positioning a second insert within the second recessed area and against the second seal.

Abstract: A self-centering seal for a counterbore with an inner passageway and a counterbore diameter defining a recessed area is described. The self-centering seal includes an annular shape including an aperture defined by an inner diameter matched to the diameter of the inner passageway, a circular outer edge having an outer diameter less than the counterbore diameter, a sealing surface at least partially disposed between the inner diameter and the circular outer edge, and a plurality of centering tabs projecting form the outer edge. The self-centering seal may, for example, be used in engine manufacture in conjunction with counterbores and inserts around fluid passages.

Abstract: In the charging of a valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) cell at a charge voltage which has a value that is slightly in excess of the value of the open-circuit voltage of the cell, wherein, during charging of the cell, there is produced at the positive and negative electrodes respectively oxygen gas and hydrogen gas in a predetermined amount, and wherein the negative electrode tends to discharge over a prolonged period of time during charging, the improvement comprising inhibiting the tendency of the negative electrode to discharge during charging by controlling the amount of oxygen gas in the cell by catalytically converting a portion of the oxygen gas and a portion of the predetermined amount of hydrogen gas to water, for example, by use of a catalyst positioned in the cell.