Abstract: A shaft assembly may include two or more Poka-Yoke bearing caps, each Poka-Yoke bearing cap having a pair of reference bores offset from a central axis of the bearing cap by differing offset distances, and each bearing cap defining a semi-circular recess that is positioned so as to align in use a central axis of the semi-cylindrical recess in the bearing cap with an axis of rotation of a shaft rotatably supported by the bearing cap. The differing offsets of the reference bores prevent the bearing cap from being assembled in a reversed orientation. To ensure that each bearing cap can only be fitted in one position, a centre spacing between the first and second reference bores of each bearing cap is different to the centre spacing used for other bearing caps used to support a single shaft.

Abstract: An engine housing component is provided, the housing component defining two or more drain channels configured to receive oil separated from a crankcase ventilation system and to drain said oil through the housing component, wherein the engine housing component comprises two or more drain features, each of the drain features corresponding to one of the drain channels, wherein each of the drain features is configured to allow an oil drain pipe to be coupled to the drain feature such that the oil drain pipe is in fluid communication with the corresponding drain channel, wherein a first drain feature differs from the or each of the other drain features, such that a particular oil drain pipe configured to couple to the first drain feature is not couplable to the other drain features. An engine housing assembly and kit of oil drain pipes is also provided.

Abstract: An engine with an engine casing and a dipstick. The dipstick extends into the engine casing and has a free end. The design of the free end may be selected such that the natural frequency of the dipstick does not resonate with the operating frequency of the engine. The dipstick may also be oriented such that the free end does not contact the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for balancer shaft assemblies featuring bearing caps. In one example, a system may include a bearing cap connected to a housing surrounding a balancer shaft. The bearing cap may have faces which contact components of the balancer shaft. This contact may prevent movement of the balancer shaft in a particular direction.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a bearing cap for a machine, the method comprising: attaching an intermediate member to the bearing cap, the intermediate member having one or more handling formations; and using the handling formations of the intermediate member to manipulate the bearing cap.

Abstract: An engine is provided with a cylinder block and a ladderframe having a portion of an oil conduit and a deflector. The engine has a metal-to-metal seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to circumferentially surround the oil conduit, and has a gasket seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to be outboard and spaced apart from the oil conduit. The deflector is positioned between the metal-to-metal seal and the gasket seal. An engine component is provided with a member having a deflector and forming an oil conduit. The deflector has an arcuate deflector surface following an outer wall of the oil conduit to redirect oil escaping the oil conduit. A ladderframe is configured to provide a deflection surface, with the deflection surface positioned to guide high pressure oil away from adjacent RTV seals.

Abstract: A shaft assembly may include two or more Poka-Yoke bearing caps, each Poka-Yoke bearing cap having a pair of reference bores offset from a central axis of the bearing cap by differing offset distances, and each bearing cap defining a semi-circular recess that is positioned so as to align in use a central axis of the semi-cylindrical recess in the bearing cap with an axis of rotation of a shaft rotatably supported by the bearing cap. The differing offsets of the reference bores prevent the bearing cap from being assembled in a reversed orientation. To ensure that each bearing cap can only be fitted in one position, a centre spacing between the first and second reference bores of each bearing cap is different to the centre spacing used for other bearing caps used to support a single shaft.

Abstract: An engine is provided with a cylinder block and a ladderframe having a portion of an oil conduit and a deflector. The engine has a metal-to-metal seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to circumferentially surround the oil conduit, and has a gasket seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to be outboard and spaced apart from the oil conduit. The deflector is positioned between the metal-to-metal seal and the gasket seal. An engine component is provided with a member having a deflector and forming an oil conduit. The deflector has an arcuate deflector surface following an outer wall of the oil conduit to redirect oil escaping the oil conduit. A ladderframe is configured to provide a deflection surface, with the deflection surface positioned to guide high pressure oil away from adjacent RTV seals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metal-to-metal sealing and, in particular, to the use of sintered parts to create metal-to-metal sealing joints is disclosed. In one example, a metal-to-metal sealing joint may comprise: a first mating surface and a second mating surface; wherein the first mating surface is formed on a first assembly having an annular projection with one or more annular grooves and the second mating surface is formed on a second assembly; wherein the projection is configured such that when the first and second surfaces are brought into mating contact, the annular projection on the first mating surface deforms the second mating surface to form a sealing joint. In this way, the metal-to-metal sealing joint between the first and second mating surfaces may minimize oil leakage between two assemblies, thereby improving engine fuel economy while simplifying part manufacturing.

Abstract: A shaft assembly may include two or more Poka-Yoke bearing caps, each Poka-Yoke bearing cap having a pair of reference bores offset from a central axis of the bearing cap by differing offset distances, and each bearing cap defining a semi-circular recess that is positioned so as to align in use a central axis of the semi-cylindrical recess in the bearing cap with an axis of rotation of a shaft rotatably supported by the bearing cap. The differing offsets of the reference bores prevent the bearing cap from being assembled in a reversed orientation. To ensure that each bearing cap can only be fitted in one position, a center spacing between the first and second reference bores of each bearing cap is different to the center spacing used for other bearing caps used to support a single shaft.

Abstract: An engine is provided with a cylinder block and a ladderframe having a portion of an oil conduit and a deflector. The engine has a metal-to-metal seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to circumferentially surround the oil conduit, and has a gasket seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to be outboard and spaced apart from the oil conduit. The deflector is positioned between the metal-to-metal seal and the gasket seal. An engine component is provided with a member having a deflector and forming an oil conduit. The deflector has an arcuate deflector surface following an outer wall of the oil conduit to redirect oil escaping the oil conduit. A ladderframe is configured to provide a deflection surface, with the deflection surface positioned to guide high pressure oil away from adjacent RTV seals.

Abstract: An engine with an engine casing and a dipstick. The dipstick extends into the engine casing and has a free end. The design of the free end may be selected such that the natural frequency of the dipstick does not resonate with the operating frequency of the engine. The dipstick may also be oriented such that the free end does not contact the engine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for balancer shaft assemblies featuring bearing caps. In one example, a system may include a bearing cap connected to a housing surrounding a balancer shaft. The bearing cap may have faces which contact components of the balancer shaft. This contact may prevent movement of the balancer shaft in a particular direction.

Abstract: An engine housing component is provided, the housing component defining two or more drain channels configured to receive oil separated from a crankcase ventilation system and to drain said oil through the housing component, wherein the engine housing component comprises two or more drain features, each of the drain features corresponding to one of the drain channels, wherein each of the drain features is configured to allow an oil drain pipe to be coupled to the drain feature such that the oil drain pipe is in fluid communication with the corresponding drain channel, wherein a first drain feature differs from the or each of the other drain features, such that a particular oil drain pipe configured to couple to the first drain feature is not couplable to the other drain features. An engine housing assembly and kit of oil drain pipes is also provided.

Abstract: An engine is provided with a cylinder block and a ladderframe having a portion of an oil conduit and a deflector. The engine has a metal-to-metal seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to circumferentially surround the oil conduit, and has a gasket seal positioned between the ladderframe and block to be outboard and spaced apart from the oil conduit. The deflector is positioned between the metal-to-metal seal and the gasket seal. An engine component is provided with a member having a deflector and forming an oil conduit. The deflector has an arcuate deflector surface following an outer wall of the oil conduit to redirect oil escaping the oil conduit. A ladderframe is configured to provide a deflection surface, with the deflection surface positioned to guide high pressure oil away from adjacent RTV seals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metal-to-metal sealing and, in particular, to the use of sintered parts to create metal-to-metal sealing joints is disclosed. In one example, a metal-to-metal sealing joint may comprise: a first mating surface and a second mating surface; wherein the first mating surface is formed on a first assembly having an annular projection with one or more annular grooves and the second mating surface is formed on a second assembly; wherein the projection is configured such that when the first and second surfaces are brought into mating contact, the annular projection on the first mating surface deforms the second mating surface to form a sealing joint. In this way, the metal-to-metal sealing joint between the first and second mating surfaces may minimize oil leakage between two assemblies, thereby improving engine fuel economy while simplifying part manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a bearing cap for a machine, the method comprising: attaching an intermediate member to the bearing cap, the intermediate member having one or more handling formations; and using the handling formations of the intermediate member to manipulate the bearing cap.

Abstract: A shaft assembly may include two or more Poka-Yoke bearing caps, each Poka-Yoke bearing cap having a pair of reference bores offset from a central axis of the bearing cap by differing offset distances, and each bearing cap defining a semi-circular recess that is positioned so as to align in use a central axis of the semi-cylindrical recess in the bearing cap with an axis of rotation of a shaft rotatably supported by the bearing cap. The differing offsets of the reference bores prevent the bearing cap from being assembled in a reversed orientation. To ensure that each bearing cap can only be fitted in one position, a centre spacing between the first and second reference bores of each bearing cap is different to the centre spacing used for other bearing caps used to support a single shaft.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil pump mounting structure that provides accessibility and removal of the oil pump without removing a balancer shaft. While periodically servicing or replacing the oil pump may be necessary throughout the lifetime of an engine, it is desirable to allow for easy removal of the oil pump without removing and reassembling other engine components. To provide alignment and a rigid connection between the oil pump and engine frame while allowing for removal of the oil pump without removing other components, dowel bolts with unthreaded, threaded, and dowel portions are used to mount the oil pump to the engine frame.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an oil pump mounting structure that provides accessibility and removal of the oil pump without removing a balancer shaft. While periodically servicing or replacing the oil pump may be necessary throughout the lifetime of an engine, it is desirable to allow for easy removal of the oil pump without removing and reassembling other engine components. To provide alignment and a rigid connection between the oil pump and engine frame while allowing for removal of the oil pump without removing other components, dowel bolts with unthreaded, threaded, and dowel portions are used to mount the oil pump to the engine frame.