Abstract: A method for preparing an engine block casting having integral cylinder bore liners (10). A barrel slab core (14) includes barrel cores (18). Bore liners (10) surround the barrel cores (18) and are fixed in relation to the barrel slab core (14). A cylinder block mold core package (22) is assembled from the barrel slab core (14), and other cores (24, 26, 28). The liners (10) are heated while they are within the cylinder block mold core package (22) by induction heating. Access holes (30) are defined within the barrel slab core (14), each access hole (30) communicating with the interior of one barrel core (18). A heater (32) is inserted through each access hole (30). Thermal energy is thus transferred across the barrel core (18) to the cylinder bore liner (10) to assure optimum integrity of bonding between a solidified cylinder block casting and the cylinder bore liners (10). The heaters (32) are then retracted before adding the molten metal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine block by sand mold casting techniques wherein the cylinder bore liners are recessed from the cylinder head contact surface of the engine block is provided. The outer surface of each cylinder bore liner has at least one circumferential groove formed therein. The cylinder liners are initially positioned in a barrel core box and a barrel slab core is formed by blowing resin coated sand into the core cavity of the barrel core box. Each liner is positioned in the barrel core box such that the groove remains free of sand during the core making process. The barrel slab core is then combined with other conventional core assemblies to form a cylinder block mold. The cylinder block mold is filled with a light alloy metal to produce an engine block casting with caste-in-place cylinder bore liners. The top end of the cylinder bore liners may be cast above or flush with the cylinder head contact surface of the engine block casting.

Abstract: A balanced rotary assembly having an axis of rotation, comprising: (a) an aluminum-based driveshaft; (b) at least one cast aluminum-based connector having its weight substantially equally divided on opposite sides of the axis and coaxially secured to the driveshaft; (c) a uniformly thick iron-based band embedded in the outer surface of the connector locked against relative rotation with the connector; and (d) one or more iron-based members welded to the band to bring the assembly into a desired rotationally balanced conditions.