Abstract: A fail safe engine coolant thermostat includes a body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet. An actuator exposed to coolant fluid and capable of movement based on coolant temperature is disposed in the body. A valve plate is pivotally mounted in the body to open and close fluid flow through the body outlet. A connecting member is coupled between the actuator and the valve plate to pivot the valve plate between fluid flow open and closed positions. The pivot connection of the valve plate is diametrically off center to define a large surface area and a smaller surface area on opposite sides of the pivot connection such that, in absence of a connection between the actuator, the connecting member and the valve plate, the valve plate pivots to the fluid flow open position under the influence of coolant fluid flow through the body.

Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder bore with an inner wall for containing a piston. The piston carries an upper piston ring spaced below a top surface of the piston. A removed area is formed in the inner cylinder wall having a lower edge spaced from a top surface of the cylinder wall and partially defining a void space having a greater diameter than the diameter of the inner cylinder wall. The void space is arranged to receive engine combustion particles scrapped from the inner cylinder wall by the upper piston ring to prevent build up of the particles on the inner cylinder wall in the line of movement of an upper outer edge of the upper piston ring.

Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder bore with an inner wall for containing a piston. The piston carries an upper piston ring spaced below a top surface of the piston. A removed area is formed in the inner cylinder wall having a lower edge spaced from a top surface of the cylinder wall and partially defining a void space having a greater diameter than the diameter of the inner cylinder wall. The void space is arranged to receive engine combustion particles scrapped from the inner cylinder wall by the upper piston ring to prevent build up of the particles on the inner cylinder wall in the line of movement of an upper outer edge of the upper piston ring.

Abstract: A fail safe engine coolant thermostat coupled between an engine and a radiator. The thermostat includes a body having a bore extending between an inlet and an outlet. An actuator exposed to coolant fluid and capable of extended and retracted positions based on coolant temperature is diagnosed in the body. A valve plate is pivotally mounted in the body to open and close fluid flow through the fluid outlet of the body. A connecting member is coupled between the actuator and the valve plate to pivot the valve plate between fluid flow open and fluid flow close positions.