Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a crankcase adapted to rotatably support a crankshaft having an axis, the crankcase defining a plurality of crankcase chambers and including a generally flat manifold mounting surface including therein a first series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, and a second series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, the first and second series being laterally offset with respect to the direction of the crankshaft axis, and each of the inlet openings of the first and second series being respectively adapted to feed air to one of the crankcase chambers and having a minor dimension parallel to the crankshaft axis, a major dimension transverse to the crankshaft axis, and a portion overlapping the inlet openings of the other of the first and second series.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a crankcase adapted to rotatably support a crankshaft having an axis, the crankcase defining a plurality of crankcase chambers and including a generally flat manifold mounting surface including therein a first series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, and a second series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, the first and second series being laterally offset with respect to the direction of the crankshaft axis, and each of the inlet openings of the first and second series being respectively adapted to feed air to one of the crankcase chambers and having a minor dimension parallel to the crankshaft axis, a major dimension transverse to the crankshaft axis, and a portion overlapping the inlet openings of the other of the first and second series.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit having opposite first and second sides and including a lower unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and a drive shaft housing including a drive shaft drivingly connected to the propeller, and a power head mounted on the drive shaft housing and including an internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the drive shaft, a cowl assembly enclosing the power head and including a first lower cowl member removably and resiliently mounted on the first side of the propulsion unit, a second lower cowl member removably and resiliently mounted on the second side of the propulsion unit, and an upper cowl member removably mounted on the first and second lower cowl members, and a bolt detachably connecting the first lower cowl member to the second lower cowl member.

Abstract: A reed valve assembly comprising a valve member having a valve opening therein, a resilient valve seat member having an end and an opening registering with the valve opening and defining a valve seat surrounding the valve opening, a reed valve having an end, and a screw securing the ends of the reed valve and of the valve seat member to the valve member with the valve seat member secured between the reed valve and the valve member and with the reed valve movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat member to respectively close and open the valve opening.

Abstract: A throttle linkage assembly comprising a throttle shaft rotatable about a throttle shaft axis between an idle position and a wide open throttle position, a throttle plate fixed on the throttle shaft, a driven lever pivotable about the throttle shaft axis between various angles relative to the throttle plate, an adjustment lever assembly for fixing the driven lever at a selected angle relative to the throttle plate, and a timing plate operable on the driven lever for rotating the throttle shaft from the idle position to the wide open throttle position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating an integrally cast engine block including a plurality of cylinders, exhaust passage portions which respectively extend from the cylinders and which form portions of exhaust gas passages of equal length, and a water jacket cavity including respective water jacket cavity portions in encircling relation to the exhaust passage portions, which method comprises the steps of providing a mold cavity which defines the exterior surface of the block, locating one or more disposable cores in the mold cavity so as to provide for the exhaust passage portions and for the water jacket cavity, filling the mold cavity with molten metal to provide a unitarily cast engine block, permitting soldification of the block with the cores contained therein, and removing the disposable cores from within the engine block to provide the hollow exhaust passage portions and the water jacket cavity.

Abstract: A throttle and timing control for a spark ignition internal combustion engine having a fuel/air mixing device and a spark timing device. The control includes a pivot on the engine, a first lever mounted on said pivot and including a shaped cam slot a portion of which has a substantially uniform radius about the pivot. A control is connected to the lever to actuate the lever about the pivot. A second pivot on said engine spaced from but substantially parallel to the first pivot supports a second lever which has a cam follower engaged with the cam slot. A motion take-off connection on the second lever is spaced further from the second pivot than the follower so the motion imparted to the follower by movement of the cam plate is multiplied at the motion take-off point. A third pivot on the engine spaced from the first two pivots supports a third lever which is operatively connected to the timing control device. A link interconnects the first pivot and the fourth lever which is part of the throttle control.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided wherein the flow of cooling water through the engine is controlled by a thermostat which controls the flow of cooling water in response to change in the temperature of the engine when the engine is operated at a low speed. The thermostat is supported in a flow restricting position when the engine speed is low but is moved to a position providing for increased water flow when the engine reaches an increased speed.

Abstract: A throttle and timing control for a spark ignition internal combustion engine having a fuel/air mixing device and a spark timing device. The control includes a pivot on the engine, a first lever mounted on said pivot and including a shaped cam slot a portion of which has a substantially uniform radius about the pivot. A control is connected to the lever to actuate the lever about the pivot. A second pivot on said engine spaced from but substantially parallel to the first pivot supports a second lever which has a cam follower engaged with the cam slot. A motion take-off connection on the second lever is spaced further from the second pivot than the follower so the motion imparted to the follower by movement of the cam plate is multiplied at the motion take-off point. A third pivot on the engine spaced from the first two pivots supports a third lever which is operatively connected to the timing control device. A link interconnects the first pivot and the fourth lever which is part of the throttle control.