Abstract: An engine includes an engine body and an air induction system. The engine body has a cylinder block that defines cylinder bores. Pistons are reciprocally disposed within the respective cylinder bores. A cylinder head member closes the respective cylinder bore to define combustion chambers together with the cylinder bores and the pistons. The air induction system is arranged to supply air to the combustion chambers. The air induction system includes intake conduits that communicate with the combustion chambers. Inlet conduits communicate with the intake conduits and extend along the intake conduits to provide a sufficiently long air intake to improve the torque characteristics of the engine. In one preferred outboard marine embodiment, this longer air intake does not require any increase in the size of the engine cowling.

Abstract: An outboard motor features a compact throttle control and transmission shifting control on a handle connected to a tiller. An interlock is designed to limit the maximum engine speed at which the engine can be operated when in the transmission is in neutral and to lock the transmission in neutral or out of neutral when the engine is operated at a speed greater than a second speed that is less than the maximum speed.

Abstract: An outboard motor features a compact throttle control and transmission shifting control on a handle connected to a tiller. An interlock is designed to limit the maximum engine speed at which the engine can be operated when in the transmission is in neutral and to lock the transmission in neutral or out of neutral when the engine is operated at a speed greater than a second speed that is less than the maximum speed.

Abstract: A control handle for the tiller of an outboard motor that embodies a twist-grip throttle control, a pivotally supported transmission control and a trim switch, all juxtaposed to each other but oriented in such a way so that actuation of one will not affect accidental actuation of any other control. The trim control is disposed in a projection on the lower side of the outer housing of the control handle and is disposed inwardly from the sides thereof and is protected by a flange.

Abstract: A throttle and transmission control assembly adapted to be mounted on the tiller of an outboard motor for controlling its transmission and throttle. Both the transmission and throttle controls employ devices that convert rotary into reciprocating motion and which amplify the reciprocating motion so as to permit a compact assembly. The movable components are all mounted on a single piece of the assembly so as to minimize manufacturing variations and to simplify the overall construction. In addition, an interlock is provided that controls the maximum speed at which the engine can be operated when in neutral and for blocking shifting into neutral from forward or reverse when operating at a greater than a predetermined speed but for permitting forced movement into neutral under some engine speeds and, at the same time, reducing the engine speed to the maximum permitted at neutral upon such shifting.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition system of an internal combustion engine for providing faster idle speed when the engine is at a low temperature by advancing the spark timing. A first temperature sensor which senses actual temperature is mounted in the engine ignition control circuit which is, in turn, mounted in proximity to the engine so as to approximate its temperature. A on/off temperature switch is mounted directly in the engine so as to sense when engine temperature is above a predetermined value. The system is operative to provide ignition control by the actual engine temperature unless the second on/off switch is turned on to indicate that the engine temperature has not returned ambient temperature after a running period. If the engine temperature switch is on, normal ignition timing is employed.