Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is provided. A fuel injector of the engine has an injector inlet and an injector outlet. The fuel system includes a fuel vapor separator, a fuel supply conduit, an injector conduit, a fuel return conduit, and a vapor return conduit. A first end of each of the fuel supply, injector and vapor return conduits is fluidly connected to the fuel vapor separator. A first end of the fuel return conduit is fluidly connectable to a fuel tank. A second end of the fuel supply conduit is fluidly connectable to the fuel tank. A second end of the injector conduit is fluidly connectable to the injector inlet. A second end of the fuel return conduit is fluidly connectable to the injector outlet. A second end of the vapor return conduit is fluidly connectable to the fuel tank. A marine outboard engine is also provided.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine comprises an internal combustion engine, a gearcase defining a gearcase chamber, a plurality of gears disposed in the gearcase chamber, a driveshaft operatively connecting the crankshaft to the plurality of gears, an output shaft disposed at least in part in the gearcase chamber and being operatively connected to the plurality of gears, a rotor connected to the output shaft for propelling the marine outboard engine, a lubricant reservoir for holding lubricant, a first lubricant conduit fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir to the crankcase chamber for supplying lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the crankcase chamber, and a second lubricant conduit fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir to the gearcase chamber for supplying lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the gearcase chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine assembly has a crankcase, a cylinder block connected to the crankcase, the cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, at least one piston disposed in the at least one cylinder, a crankshaft disposed at least in part in the crankcase and operatively connected to the at least one piston, and a flywheel operatively connected to and driven by the crankshaft. The crankshaft rotates in a first direction about a crankshaft axis. The flywheel rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction about the flywheel axis. A clutch selectively operatively connects the crankshaft to the flywheel. A marine outboard engine having the internal combustion engine assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine assembly has a crankcase, a cylinder block connected to the crankcase, the cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, at least one piston disposed in the at least one cylinder, a crankshaft disposed at least in part in the crankcase and operatively connected to the at least one piston, and a flywheel operatively connected to and driven by the crankshaft. The crankshaft rotates in a first direction about a crankshaft axis. The flywheel rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction about the flywheel axis. A clutch selectively operatively connects the crankshaft to the flywheel. A marine outboard engine having the internal combustion engine assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly of parts has a first metal part having a first surface having a corrosion resistant surface treatment and a second surface being free of corrosion resistant surface treatment, a second metal part having a third surface having a corrosion resistant surface treatment and a fourth surface being free of corrosion resistant surface treatment. The second metal part defines a recess that defines the fourth surface. The first and third surfaces are in contact. A conductive member is disposed at least in part in the recess and is in contact with the second and fourth surfaces. A sealing member disposed in the recess around the conductive member. A sacrificial anode is mounted and conductively connected to one of the first and second metal parts.

Abstract: A gear case assembly for a marine propulsion system has a gear case having a first end adapted to connect the gear case to a remainder of the marine propulsion system, and a second end disposed opposite the first end. A driveshaft is disposed at least in part in the gear case. A propeller shaft, operatively connected to an end of the driveshaft, is disposed at an angle thereto. The end of the driveshaft and at least a portion of the propeller shaft are disposed in a transmission chamber defined in the gear case. An expansion port is defined in the gear case. A container, defining an expansion chamber, is disposed outside the gear case. The expansion port fluidly communicates the transmission chamber with the expansion chamber. An outboard engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine includes an engine having a front, back, top and two lateral sides. A cowling, covering the engine at least partially, includes a central support structure fixedly connected to at least one of the engine, a swivel bracket, and an exhaust system. The central support structure extending across at least a portion of the front, top and back of the engine defines at least partially a space through which at least a portion of at least one of its lateral sides is accessible. The space is selectively covered by at least one side panel which is at least partially selectively connected to the central support structure and at least partially disconnectable therefrom to reveal the portion of the at least one of the lateral sides of the engine while the central support structure extends across at least the portion of the front, top and back thereof.

Abstract: A variable pitch propeller comprises a plurality of blades pivotally connected to a hub. Each of the plurality of blades has a base having a leading end and a trailing end. The trailing edge has a notch therein forming a discontinuity in a profile of the trailing edge. The notch is sized and shaped so as to accommodate passage therethrough of a portion of the leading edge of an adjacent blade when the blade and the adjacent blade are pivoted. A blade for a variable pitch propeller is also presented.

Abstract: A gear case assembly for an outboard engine has a gear case, a driveshaft having a part disposed within the gear case, a bevel gear connected to the part of the driveshaft, a propeller shaft, and a transmission operatively connected to the bevel gear. The bevel gear selectively drives the propeller shaft via the transmission. The transmission has forward and reverse gears operatively connected to the bevel gear, and a shift assembly adapted for actuation by a shift actuator. The shift assembly has first and second rod portions and at least one resilient member. The at least one resilient member operatively connects the first rod portion to the second rod portion. The first rod portion is movable relative to the second rod portion.

Abstract: An outboard engine has a cowling defining an engine compartment, an internal combustion engine disposed at least in part in the engine compartment, a driveshaft operatively connected to the internal combustion engine, and one of a propeller and an impeller operatively connected to the driveshaft. The one of the propeller and the impeller rotates about an axis that is angled relative to the driveshaft. A device is disposed inside the engine compartment. A box is disposed outside the engine compartment and is operatively connected to the engine compartment. A line has a portion disposed inside the box and an end operatively connected to the device. An outboard engine having a box disposed outside the engine compartment and operatively connected to the bracket is also disclosed. A watercraft having the outboard engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a marine propulsion system comprises an actuator adapted for moving at least a portion of the propulsion system between a first position and a second position. A first pump is selectively communicating with the actuator by a first fluid line. The first pump supplies hydraulic fluid via the first fluid line to the actuator for moving the at least portion of the propulsion system towards the first position. A second pump selectively fluidly communicates with the actuator by a second fluid line. The second pump supplies hydraulic fluid via the second fluid line to the actuator for moving the at least portion of the propulsion system towards the second position. An electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the first pump and to the second pump for controlling the operation of the first pump and the second pump.

Abstract: A propeller assembly is disclosed, comprising propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. A cam follower is disposed on each propeller blade. A cam is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Recesses formed in the cam have a first segment, a second segment and a third segment, oriented at first, second and third angles. The first segment is oriented at a first angle relative to the central axis. The cam followers engage the first segment of the recesses when the cam moves between first and second positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between a first pitch and a second pitch. The cam followers engage the second segment of the recesses when the cam moves between second and third positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between the second pitch and a third pitch.

Abstract: An air intake assembly having a bypass and method of operating an engine are disclosed. The air intake assembly has a first opening having a throttle plate disposed in the opening and configured to control the passage of combustion gas through the opening. A second opening is vented to atmosphere and configured to pass combustion gas through the second opening.

Abstract: An improved air inlet cover for use with outboard motors is disclosed. A particular embodiment of the cover is formed by a generally hollow shell having an open side. An air passage is located opposite the open side at an upper portion of the shell. A baffle extends from an upper inner portion of the shell to an elevation below the air passage and is disposed generally opposite the air passage. An exit port is provided at the bottom of the chamber for discharging water collected therein, and a valve is provided within the exit port. When the exit port is submerged the valve is closed and provides a barrier to water entry. Preferably, the cover is located at an upper forward portion of the outboard motor cowl and both the air passage and air inlet are high up on the upper forward portion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block which defines a cylinder, a crankshaft bearing supported at least in part by the cylinder block, a crankshaft which is rotatably supported by the crankshaft bearing, a piston slidably housed in the cylinder, a connecting rod having one end connected to the piston and having an opposite end connected to the crankshaft, a cylinder head mounted on the cylinder block, a camshaft at least partially supported by the cylinder head for rotation relative thereto, an oil pump having an outlet, a first oil conduit communicating between the oil pump outlet and the crankshaft bearing, an oil filter communicating with the first oil conduit for filtering oil only in the first oil conduit, and a second oil conduit communicating between the oil pump outlet and the camshaft, oil in the second oil conduit being unfiltered between the pump outlet and the camshaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a first member movable vertically to actuate a transmission in response to such vertical movement, a second member rotatably supported by the propulsion unit and adapted to be rotated by an operator either directly or indirectly, and a connection for detachably connecting the first and second members to effect vertical movement of the first member in response to rotation of the second member, which connection includes an aperture in the first member, a stud fixedly extending from the second member for movement in common therewith and received in the aperture, a resilient member fixed to the second member for movement in common therewith and including a part movable relative to the second member between an interfering position wherein the part is engagable with the first member to prevent withdrawal of the stud from the aperture and a spaced position affording removal of the stud from the aperture, a tab connected to the resilient mem