Abstract: A length-adjustable connecting rod for an internal combustion engine, where the connecting rod includes at least one switchable outlet valve for opening and closing a pressure chamber, where the outlet valve comprises a valve body and a closing body that is operatively connected to the valve body, and a closing mechanism is present acting upon the closing body for directly moving the closing body and indirectly moving the valve body from a closed to an open position or vice versa. Such an outlet valve is to be configured to be operable. For this purpose, this closing body has a mass which is smaller than the volume defined by the envelope contour of the closing body multiplied by the density of steel (7.85 g/mm3). The use of such a closing body for a respective length-adjustable connecting rod is also provided.

Abstract: In a casting core for the water jacket of a cylinder block in a multicylinder, reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine, whose cylinders are arranged in line and are cast in one piece linked by cylinder webs, these webs are provided with rectangular plates of a ceramics material--preferably sintered oxide ceramics--, which are used as supports for two core halves, in which they are anchored in such a way as to present a one-piece casting core. The supports are removed during the core cleaning process, leaving passages for the cooling water.