Abstract: A starter includes a pinion gear that can be engaged with a ring gear provided around an outer circumference of a flywheel or a drive plate of an engine, an actuator for moving the pinion gear to a position of engagement with the ring gear in a driven state, a helical spline for rotating the pinion gear in a reverse direction while the pinion gear moves toward the ring gear, and a motor for rotating the pinion gear. The actuator and the motor are individually controlled. After the actuator was driven and before the motor is driven, drive of the actuator is stopped.

Abstract: A machine comprising an engine operable at various engine speeds including a resonant frequency engine speed. The machine comprises a hybrid motor operatively connected to the engine, the hybrid motor being adapted to apply power to the engine. An electronic control module is configured to control the hybrid motor to apply power to the engine until at least a time when the engine speed exceeds the resonant frequency engine speed.

Abstract: A machine comprising a clutch, an engine operable at a resonant frequency engine speed, and a hybrid motor. The hybrid motor is connected to the engine through the clutch. The hybrid motor applies power to the engine when the clutch is engaged, and does not apply power to the engine when the clutch is disengaged. The hybrid motor is operable at a predetermined hybrid motor speed. An ignition switch starts the hybrid motor. An electronic control module disengages the clutch until the hybrid motor speed exceeds the predetermined hybrid motor speed, and engages the clutch after the hybrid motor speed exceeds the predetermined hybrid motor speed.

Abstract: A work apparatus has a work tool and a combustion engine for driving the work tool and further includes a start enrichment device for the combustion engine. The start enrichment device has a start position and is actuated via an operating mode selector. The work apparatus has a braking arrangement which brakes the work tool in the actuated position and releases the work tool in the unactuated position, and also an actuating device for the braking arrangement. To ensure that the start position can only be engaged when the braking arrangement is actuated, the work apparatus has a blocking device which prevents engagement of the start position in a blocking position. The braking arrangement is coupled to the blocking device such that the blocking device is in the blocking position with the braking arrangement in the unactuated position.

Abstract: A starter can independently drive an actuator for moving a pinion gear to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with a ring gear and a motor for rotating the pinion gear. When synchronization between the ring gear and the pinion gear is restricted, a rotation mode in which the pinion gear is rotated before the actuator is driven is restricted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterized in that the vehicle operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2) comprise slow congested traffic conditions constituting specific identification criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying current to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after reaching the operating temperature thereof by a series of current pulses, wherein a piston of the engine carries out a work cycle comprising several strokes and the glow plug is supplied with current as a function of the strokes of the work cycle such that the electric current supplied in each work cycle is mainly supplied at a predetermined, steady stroke of the piston, wherein control time intervals that follow each other are defined, during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, by which the glow plug can be connected to a voltage source for creating a current pulse or can be disconnected from the voltage source for ending a current pulse. According to the invention, the control time intervals have a duration that can be varied by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: A method to start operation of an internal combustion engine of a hybrid powertrain includes initiating rotation of a crankshaft of the engine with at least one electric machine in accordance with a first ramping profile until a first predetermined speed is achieved in response to an engine start event during a cold start condition. Engine speed is monitored and the engine is fired while controlling the engine speed to maintain the first predetermined speed with the at least one electric machine. The first ramping profile is adjusted at a rate corresponding to an estimated rate at which the engine speed is increasing during the engine firing. When at least one predetermined combustion quality parameter is achieved, the engine speed is controlled in accordance with a second ramping profile until a second predetermined speed is achieved based on controlling combustion parameters of the engine.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to be able to execute motor assist only when it is necessary at a time of starting an engine, and drive a motor efficiently. An engine 10 includes a starter motor 34 for aiding in starting, and performs motor assist by the starter motor 34 in accordance with necessity when the engine is to start independently by combustion. An ECU 50 predicts a torque T1 that is generated in an initial explosion cylinder at a time of starting before actual combustion, and performs independent starting without driving the motor 34, when the prediction torque T1 is a starting request torque Ts1 or more. When the prediction torque T1 is less than the starting request torque Ts1, the ECU 50 drives the motor 34 and performs starting by motor assist. Thereby, power consumption of a battery and the like can be suppressed by decreasing wasteful drive of the motor, and the starter motor 34 can be efficiently driven while startability is secured.

Abstract: In a system, an engine restating module is capable of executing an engine restart task to crank an automatically stopped engine if an engine restart condition is met. The engine restart task includes energization of a mechanism to thereby shift a pinion to be engaged with a ring gear, and energization of a motor to rotate the pinion. A deenergizing module is capable of deenergizing the motor if an interrupting request that interrupts restart of the automatically stopped engine is generated during execution of the engine restart task. A maintaining module is capable of maintaining energization of the mechanism to engage the pinion with the ring gear even if the interrupting request that interrupts restart of the automatically stopped engine is generated during execution of the engine restart task.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining cylinder fueling errors during an automatic engine restart. Fueling errors may be learned during a preceding engine restart on a cylinder-specific and combustion event-specific basis. The learned fueling errors may then be applied during a subsequent engine restart on the same cylinder-specific and combustion event-specific basis to better anticipate and compensate for engine cranking air-to-fuel ratio deviations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting an internal combustion engine associated with means for adapting, during an engine start operation, an amount of fuel injected based on an estimation of the volatility (PVR) of the fuel based on the comparison between a gradient of the engine speed measured upon a preceding start operation and a reference gradient (110) corresponding to a predetermined fuel, characterized by the step (111) of correcting the reference gradient based on a change (?CMF) in the engine friction torque.

Abstract: In an engine starting system, when a first solenoid is energized at a first timing in response to any one of a turning on of a starter switch and an occurrence of an engine restart request, a solenoid actuator shifts a pinion to a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. When a second solenoid is energized, a solenoid switch member energizes a motor. A determiner determines a second timing of energization of the second solenoid after the first timing so that a first delay time from the first timing to the second timing when the first timing is responsive to the turning on of the starter switch is different from a second delay time from the first timing to the second timing when the first timing is responsive to the occurrence of the engine restart request.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a tow start operation of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. In this case, a signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of a starter unit of the internal combustion engine is detected. A tow start operation of the internal combustion engine is determined when, following detection of a successful start-up process of the internal combustion engine, the signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of the starter unit has not displayed any activity of the starter unit since the beginning of the start-up process of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a method, a device, a computer program and a computer program product for operating an internal combustion engine having a starter: a first threshold value and a second threshold value are specified; a first variable and a second variable are determined, which characterize the operating state of the internal combustion engine; the first variable is compared to the specified first threshold value and the second variable is compared to the specified second threshold value; and the starter starting, or not starting, the internal combustion engine as a function of the comparison result.

Abstract: An engine for use in an air hybrid vehicle comprises at least one cylinder having a piston (20) defining a variable volume working chamber (10) and intake (12, 14) and exhaust (16) valves controlling the flow of air into and out of the working chamber. The cylinder is operable in any one of at least two modes, namely a first mode in which power is generated by burning fuel in the working chamber (10), and a second mode in which the cylinder acts to compress air drawn into the working chamber (10) and to store the compressed air in an air tank (36). The engine further comprises a non-return valve (32) in an intake port leading to an intake valve (12) of the cylinder so as to define an auxiliary chamber (30) in the intake port between the intake valve (12) and the non-return valve (32). A passage (24) connecting the auxiliary chamber (30) to the air tank (36) contains a valve (34) for controlling the flow of compressed air between the auxiliary chamber (30) and the air tank (36).

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of carrying out fluctuation suppression control in a case where a request to start an engine has been made, a rotation mode has been selected, and a motor is being driven and canceling fluctuation suppression control in a case where a full drive mode has been selected and engagement between a pinion gear and a ring gear has been completed.

Abstract: A four stroke single cylinder combustion engine starting system with an electrical machine is operable as both a generator and a motor. The starting system has a single cylinder four stroke combustion engine. A piston of the engine is coupled to a shaft of the electrical machine. The starting system also has a motor driver having outputs coupled to the electrical machine. A controller is coupled to the driver and an ignition switch is coupled to the controller. In response to the controller receiving an ignition signal from the ignition switch, the driver controls the electrical machine to operate as a motor so that the electrical machine rotates in a reverse direction to move the piston in a reverse stroke cycle. After the piston reverses to a power stroke position of the reverse stroke cycle the driver controls electrical machine to rotate in a forward direction to move the piston in a forward stroke cycle to attempt to ignite the combustion engine.

Abstract: A drive control device which estimates an engine torque during traveling in a fixed gear ratio mode is disclosed. The drive control device includes the engagement mechanism including the revolution component revolved by the torque of the engine and the fixed component that engages with the revolution component, the torque applying unit which applies torque to the revolution component and the first transmitting control unit which engages the engagement mechanism to make the engagement mechanism receive the reaction force of the torque. The torque estimating control unit executes control of torque applied to the revolution component by the torque applying unit during executing the control by the first transmitting control unit to detect the phase change between the revolution component and the fixed component and estimates the torque of the engine based on the phase change and torque applied by the torque applying unit.

Abstract: The automatic/stop restart device includes a restart control module for performing restart control for the internal combustion engine by pushing out a pinion gear (17) by a pinion-gear push-out device (18) to bring the pinion gear into meshing engagement with a ring gear (16) when the restart requirement is satisfied before the rotation of the internal combustion engine is stopped after an automatic stop requirement is satisfied. The pinion gear is pushed out when the restart requirement is satisfied when a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is equal to or lower than a predetermined rotation speed. At the same time, a starter motor (19) is driven by a starter-motor waiting-time adjustment module for adjusting a driving waiting time for the starter motor (19) according to the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine obtained when the restart requirement is satisfied. In this manner, the restart is quickly performed.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine stop/start system includes connecting an armature of a starter motor to the engine through an overrunning clutch when the engine changes a rotational direction.

Abstract: In a start control system for a vehicle, a memory stores a first setting value used to control a clutch to attain a start standby state and a second setting value used to control the clutch to attain a start preparation position. A clutch controller controls the clutch to attain a start standby state based on the first setting value upon determining that the vehicle has proceeded to a start standby period and controls the clutch to attain a start preparation state, in which the distance between the clutch disks is smaller than that in the start standby state, based on the second setting value upon determining the vehicle has proceeded to a start preparation period. The clutch controller controls the clutch such that the distance between the clutch disks is smaller than that in the start preparation state and carries out control such that an engine speed approaches an engine target speed.

Abstract: An idle stop controller includes an idle stop mechanism 2 controlling the stop and the restart of an engine 1; a vehicle location detecting section 5 detecting a vehicle location; and a controller 4, when an ETC gate is retrieved within a predetermined region from a vehicle location detected by the vehicle location detecting section, prohibiting the idle stop mechanism from stopping the engine, and when no ETC gate has been detected within the predetermined region, releasing the prohibition.

Abstract: A starter includes a pinion gear that can be engaged with a ring gear coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, an actuator to move the pinion gear to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with the ring gear in a driven state, and a motor to rotate the pinion gear. When the engine is started in response to a driver's start intention, any mode of an engagement mode in which the actuator causes the pinion gear to engage with the ring gear before the motor is driven and a rotation mode in which the motor is driven before the actuator is driven is selected. When the engine is started not in response to a driver's start intention, the engagement mode is selected.

Abstract: Provided is a start control device capable of reducing power consumption during the driving operation of a starter motor, to thereby improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the start control device, a motor drive torque estimating part (123) estimates a motor drive torque based on a battery voltage drop amount of a battery (107) that supplies an electric power to a motor (105). A start control part (122) turns off energization of a pinion pushing device (104) by a pinion driving part (120) when the motor drive torque estimated by the motor drive torque estimating part (123) is equal to or larger than a given value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable storage media are provided for operating a vehicle including an engine that may be automatically shutdown in response to AESS conditions. In one example, the method comprises, determining an AESS emission credit corresponding to an amount of AESS operation; and adjusting an engine operating parameter based on the determined AESS emission credit. Further, in another example, the method comprises retarding injection timing in response to manifold air temperature, wherein an amount of retard is adjusted responsive to an amount of AESS operation.

Abstract: A plunger relay includes a movable actuating element on which a first solenoid actuator is acting in force-transmitting manner. The plunger relay has at least one second solenoid actuator, which is acting on the same movable actuating element in force-transmitting manner, and whose magnetic force is able to be set independently of the magnetic force of the first solenoid actuator.

Abstract: When an ECM activates as powered from a generator, a decision unit determines occurrence of instantaneous interruption and reactivation of the ECM, if engine speed detected by an engine speed sensor immediately after activation of the ECM is found to be not smaller than a predetermined number of rotation Y. When occurrence of the instantaneous interruption and reactivation is actually determined, the ECM terminates operation of the engine. On the other hand, if occurrence of the instantaneous interruption and reactivation is not determined, the ECM detects, using a maximum value detection unit, a maximum value of pressure in the intake pipe detected by a pressure sensor, within a predetermined range of crank angle after activation of the ECM, stores the maximum value into a memory for later use as the atmospheric pressure, and uses it for control of fuel injection by an injector.

Abstract: A speed reducing gear train includes a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft for permitting power transmission from the starter driven gear to the side of the crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch being provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft with a transmission accommodated in a crankcase. The transmission includes gear trains for selectively establishing a plurality of gear speeds with the gear trains being between a main shaft and a counter shaft. The starter motor can produce power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. A power transmitting gear meshing with the starter driven gear is relatively rotatably mounted on the main shaft through a running one-way clutch permitting power transmission from the power transmitting gear to the side of the main shaft.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided for improving performance of a start assist system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle comprising: a start/stop system, a primary source of electrical energy, a secondary source of electrical energy, an electrical starter motor, an engine control unit, and additional vehicle electrical loads. A start controller is arranged such that the starter motor and engine control unit are operable with power supplied from the primary source of electrical energy at an initial cold starting attempt. If reset of the engine control unit occurs during the first cold starting attempt, the start controller is arranged such that the starter motor is operable with power supplied from the primary source of electrical energy and the engine control unit is operable with power supplied from the secondary source of electrical energy for an additional cold starting attempt.

Abstract: An engine starter system that predicts when starter failure is imminent. The engine starter system monitors engine starter crank speed, battery voltage and ambient air temperature. The crank speed, battery voltage and ambient air temperature are communicated to a controller which compares the crank speed for the measured battery voltage and air temperature to a predicted crank speed for the measured battery voltage and air temperature. If the crank speed is lower than the predicted crank speed, a signal is sent to an alarm.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus is provided with: a target torque setting device for setting a sum of a cranking base torque for cranking an engine and a vibration controlling torque for suppressing vibration of a power transmission system due to resonance of a damper, as a target torque to be outputted by a motor in cranking the engine; and a motor controlling device for controlling the motor to output the set target torque. The target torque setting device has a base torque controlling device for setting the cranking base torque to a first torque value if the number of revolutions of the engine is less than or equal to predetermined number of revolutions of the engine and for controlling the cranking base torque.

Abstract: By avoiding an excessive cranking torque when starting the engine by a motor/generator and expanding a motor running region, fuel economy is improved. For a large required acceleration, cranking torque Tcr is maintained to hold an initial value, while, when the required acceleration is small, cranking torque Tcr will be adjusted to decrease. The time between an engine start command and the instant at which engine rotation speed Ne reaches a predetermined rotation speed Ne is measured as an engine start time TMst. When the TMst is below a limit value TMst_Lim that is capable of starting the engine and acceptable, as shown at instants t2 and t4, Tcr will be adjusted to decrease by a decrease amount, ?Tcr_dec and updated, while the expression Mst?TMst_Lim is met, then Tcr will be adjusted by an increase amount ?Tcr_inc at instant t6 and updated.

Abstract: In a system, a setting unit sets historical information in response to a manual transient operation. The manual transient operation triggers automatic start of the engine. The historical information represents that the manual transient operation has existed. A validation unit has a first identifier uniquely identifying the vehicle. The validation unit carries out validation communications, in at least one of direct and indirect procedures, with a communication device storing therein a second identifier of the vehicle. The communication device is used by a user of the vehicle. The validation communications use the first and second identifiers. The validation unit validates whether the user is certificated based on the validation communication result. An engine starting unit automatically starts the engine when the historical information has been set by the setting unit and when it is determined that the user of the vehicle is certificated.

Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.

Abstract: An engine cranking system and a method of cranking an engine are provided. The engine cranking system comprises an engine, cranking motor, and capacitor. The engine cranking system further comprises an electrical path interconnecting the cranking motor or a battery to the capacitor. The engine cranking system further comprises a control circuit coupled to the capacitor. The control circuit comprises a timer operative to track temporal information. The control circuit is operative to apply a control voltage that varies in response to the tracked temporal information. The control circuit further comprises a relay included in the electrical path. The relay is operative to switch, in response to the control voltage, between an open-circuit condition, in which the relay interrupts the electrical path, and a closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: A choke system for an internal combustion engine includes a carburetor having a choke valve disposed in a passage; a cooling fan providing a variable air flow; an air vane moveable in response to the variable air flow; an air vane linkage coupling the air vane to the choke valve, the air vane linkage operating the choke valve by the movement of the air vane; a manually operated choke control; an override linkage coupling the choke control to the choke valve; and a thermally responsive member configured to engage the override linkage to retain the choke in a partially open position above a threshold temperature. The choke control may be moved to a first position in which the choke control overrides the thermally responsive member and the air vane linkage to maintain the choke valve in a closed position.

Abstract: An eco-run control device is provided. A control unit is configured to perform an eco-run control of stopping an engine on the basis of stop conditions and of restarting the engine on the basis of restart conditions. A starter driving unit is configured to drive a starter for restarting the engine. A test unit is configured to perform a failure test of the starter driving unit to determine whether the starter driving unit is out of order before the control unit stops the engine by the eco-run control. A nullifying unit is configured to nullify the failure test by the test unit when it is detected that a power supply voltage supplied to the starter driving unit drops below a predetermined value. A prohibiting unit is configured to prohibit the control unit from performing the eco-run control when the test unit determines that the starter driving unit is out of order.

Abstract: When an engine automatic stop judgment unit (101) judges that an engine automatic stop condition is satisfied so that a fuel injection control unit (105) stops fuel supply to an engine and an ignition control unit (106) stops ignition of the engine, and when an engine restart judgment unit (102) judges that an engine restart condition is satisfied before the engine stops, the pinion gear is driven to rotate. Then, engagement between the ring gear and the pinion gear is started when a deviation between an rpm of the engine detected by an engine rpm calculation unit (104) and an rpm of the pinion gear becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value. Ignition by an ignition control unit (106) is inhibited during a period from start of the engagement until an engagement completion judgment unit (103) judges that the engagement is completed.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor includes an engine speed control module, an air pressure control module, and an engine torque control module. The engine speed control module increases engine speed during a first calibration period based on a driver torque request and a predetermined torque threshold. The air pressure control module decreases intake manifold pressure (MAP) of the engine during a second calibration period based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold. The engine torque control module starts the engine during a period after the first and second calibration periods by activating N of M cylinders of the engine, wherein N is based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine comprising a pressure medium source, means for connecting the pressure medium source to at least two of the cylinders of the engine, a starting valve in connection with each cylinder that is connected to the pressure medium source for controlling the admission of the pressure medium into the cylinder, a control unit for controlling the operation of the starting valves, and an absolute rotary encoder for determining the crank angle of the engine. The system further comprises coupling means arranged between the engine and the absolute rotary encoder for releasably coupling the encoder to the engine. The invention also concerns a method for starting an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an aftermarket solenoid for a starting system of a vehicle. The solenoid includes a relay. The solenoid also includes an insulating cap with first and second control terminals, and first and second starter circuit terminals protruding through the cap. A control voltage between the first and second control terminals determines the resistance between the first and second starter circuit terminals, essentially creating a short between the starter circuit terminals in response to energizing the relay. Each of the terminals may he a threaded stud. The cap, the first control terminal, the second control terminal, the first starter circuit terminal, and the second starter circuit terminals are arranged so that the solenoid is pluggable into an original manufacturer wiring harness of the vehicle, avoiding the need for makeshift adjustments and modifications of various connections and/or of the original wiring harness of the vehicle.

Abstract: A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system may be activated via predetermined control logic or via an operator action that is not subject to the predetermined control logic.

Abstract: A parallel starter system for starting an internal combustion engine has at least two parallel-connected starters and a thermal switch associated with each of the starters, which thermal switch interrupts operation of the respective starter in the event of a response. The thermal switches are connected in series so that in the event of tripping of one of these thermal switches, the operation of all starters is interrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A motor is mechanically coupled to the engine, the engine having at least one moveable element mounted in a chamber, the moveable element being operable to cause a changing compression condition within the chamber and being mechanically coupled to a shaft for generating mechanical power. The method involves causing the motor to supply a positioning torque to the engine to move the at least one moveable element into a starting position, The method also involves causing the motor to supply a starting torque to the engine when the at least one moveable element is in the starting position to cause the moveable element to accelerate from the starting position under low compression conditions to generate sufficient momentum to overcome a peak compression condition in the chamber, thereby reducing the starting torque required to start the engine.

Abstract: A starter includes an electromagnetic solenoid that generates force for pushing a pinion gear 6 to a ring gear side, and an electromagnetic switch that opens and closes a motor contact point. When idle-stop is performed, an ECU energizes a solenoid coil of the electromagnetic solenoid during inertial rotation until the ring gear stops rotating. After rotation of an engine is stopped, the ECU stops energizing the solenoid coil. As a result, in the starter, the pinion gear can mesh with the ring gear that is rotating by inertia without use of the rotational force of a motor. The meshed state can be maintained even after energization of the solenoid coil is stopped.

Abstract: A method for operating a camshaft phaser in an internal combustion engine is provided. The camshaft phaser is used to control the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining that the internal combustion engine will be placed in an automatic stop mode. The camshaft phaser is then controlled to establish a predetermined phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The internal combustion engine is then placed in automatic stop mode and the predetermined phase relationship is maintained by substantially blocking oil flow between the camshaft phaser and the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an oil control valve in an internal combustion engine is provided. The oil control valve controls a camshaft phaser disposed at an output side of the control valve and includes a spool disposed in a spool housing. The camshaft phaser controls the phase relationship between a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and a camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The method includes positioning the spool within the spool housing to substantially block oil flow between the camshaft phaser and the internal combustion engine when the engine is temporarily not running.