Abstract: An engine accessory belt drive includes a self-aligning pulley assembly including a relatively stationary outer assembly and a universally pivotable inner assembly supported by the outer assembly and able to be locked in position by tightening of a fastener. During alignment of the self-aligning pulley with the belt, the fastener is maintained in the loose position, allowing limited universal pivoting of the rotational axis of the pulley as a result of belt tension forces which act to align the pulley. After the pulley is aligned, the fastener is tightened to fix the rotational axis of the pulley and the inner assembly in the aligned position of the pulley. Features of the inner and outer assemblies of the pulley assembly are also described.

Abstract: An engine accessory belt drive includes a self-aligning pulley assembly including a relatively stationary outer assembly and a universally pivotable inner assembly supported by the outer assembly and able to be locked in position by tightening of a fastener. During alignment of the self-aligning pulley with the belt, the fastener is maintained in the loose position, allowing limited universal pivoting of the rotational axis of the pulley as a result of belt tension forces which act to align the pulley. After the pulley is aligned, the fastener is tightened to fix the rotational axis of the pulley and the inner assembly in the aligned position of the pulley. Features of the inner and outer assemblies of the pulley assembly are also described.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an aluminum alloy engine block housing pistons in cylinders and having a lower face including an upper semi-circular bearing surface. A lower bearing support has a lower semi-circular bearing surface to complement the upper semi-circular bearing surface in the engine block to define a crankshaft bore to rotatably support a ferrous crankshaft. The lower bearing support is formed of a single beryllium-aluminum alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion comparable to the ferrous crankshaft to promote a consistent clearance between the lower bearing support and the crankshaft. Such a beryllium-aluminum alloy may be comprised of approximately 60-65% by weight beryllium and the balance is aluminum.

Abstract: An overhead cam engine having an engine lubrication system for delivering oil includes an engine block and a cylinder head having a deck face adapted for mating with the engine block. The deck face forms an acute angle with a horizontal plane of the engine block. A valve train has transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies with pressurized oil orifices to lubricate the bearings, a camshaft rotatably supported by the cylinder head through the transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies, cams disposed on the camshaft, and valves actuated by the cams. The cylinder head has a transverse bridging surface bridging the transverse camshaft journal bearing assemblies. A bore is positioned along the bridging surface with a gasket supported by the bridging surface about the bore.

Abstract: An improved anti-coking air injection reaction system in which individual air passages in the engine cylinder head are provided with electrical resistance heating elements that are periodically activated to develop radiant energy that bums off coke deposits formed on the passage side-walls. The heating elements are conveniently implemented with conventional glow plugs. A controller monitors engine operating parameters to identify conditions likely to result in the formation of coke deposits, and schedules activation of the heating elements in relation to the frequency of the identified conditions or the cumulative time of engine operation. The heating elements may be activated sequentially or in banks to reduce electrical loading, and the activation is preferably scheduled during non-critical operating conditions defined by specified ranges of coolant temperature and engine speed and/or load.

Abstract: An induction assembly for a supercharged internal combustion engine includes a housing and a supercharger with a rotor and gear plate assembly to produce pressurized air. The housing includes a rotor casing which defines a central chamber to house the rotor and gear plate assembly. The housing also includes a suction inlet to introduce air to the central chamber and an outlet to discharge pressurized air from the central chamber to a plenum. The housing further includes intake runners which are in fluid communication with the plenum. The intake runners are radially adjacent to the exterior of the rotor casing such that the rotor casing comprises the inner wall of the intake runners. The plenum is defined by a removable cover and the housing. The removable cover has a central lengthwise bead and rounded surfaces resulting in the plenum being rounded and divided longitudinally.

Abstract: An overhead cam engine with an engine lubrication system comprises a valve train assembly which includes a camshaft rotatably supported by a cylinder head. An oil lubricated camshaft drive chain engages the camshaft to rotate it. A valve train lubricating assembly is disposed above the cylinder head and includes a baffle, radially positioned from the drive chain, to capture oil spray departing from the drive chain and a trough positioned above the valve train assembly. The trough is configured as an upward facing U-shaped channel, including an end wall to close the trough, defining a reservoir to collect oil from the baffle. Side outlets allow oil to overflow from the trough where outward protruding dimples act as precipitation points to target lubrication onto the valve train assembly.