Abstract: An air intake system for an engine powering an outboard motor is disclosed. The engine is positioned within a cowling of the motor, the cowling including an air intake vent. The engine is vertically positioned, having a camshaft drive at an upper end thereof, the camshaft drive enclosed by a drive cover. An air passage is defined between the drive cover and cowling and leads from the vent to an engine air intake. The air intake comprises a passage formed by the cover and extending therethrough. The passage through the cover leads to a throttle body having a throttle plate therein, the throttle body connected to a surge tank from which runners extends to provide air to the combustion chambers. Air flows through the passage in the cover through a flexible hose member extending between the cover and the throttle body.

Abstract: Embodiments of restraining grommets for use with protective cowling of marine outboard drives through which various flexible elements such as control cables and hoses extend. The restraining grommet is formed with at least two openings made up of multi-part sections and at least one of which is slitted so as to permit ease of insertion and removal of the flexible element without kinking of them.

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: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor including a fore and aft center plane and comprising a powerhead assembly including a two stroke internal combustion engine including a cylinder block including a port side, a starboard side, a plurality of vertically aligned cylinders in a single bank, which cylinders each include an axis extending at an angle to said center plane and to one of said port and starboard sides, and an exhaust port on the other of said port and starboard sides, and an exhaust gas passage including a main portion extending vertically adjacent said center plane, and a like plurality of elbow portions connecting said exhaust ports to said main portion, which elbow portions include any one change in direction.

Abstract: A protective cowling arrangement for an outboard motor that provides an atmospheric air inlet having a pair of openings disposed above the engine for permitting atmospheric air to flow into the protective cowling for engine combustion. One of these openings is disposed in part above components of the engine which should not be contacted by water and this opening is substantially smaller than the other opening. An engine cover is also affixed to the engine and obscures the smaller opening to afford further water protection.

Abstract: An outboard marine drive having a midsection between the upper power head and the lower gear case and having a removable midsection cowl assembly including first and second cowl sections. The midsection housing includes an oil sump in one embodiment and further includes an exhaust passage partially encircled by cooling water and partially encircled by engine oil for muffling engine exhaust noise. The midsection housing also has an oil drain arrangement providing complete and clean oil draining while the outboard drive is mounted on a boat and in the water wherein the operator can change oil without leaving the confines of the boat and entering the water.

Abstract: An outboard motor having an engine compartment covered by an engine cover at its top portion and having an engine disposed within the engine compartment with its crankshaft directed in the vertical direction, in which charging efficiency of the engine is improved with a simple structure and a shielding property of the entire surrounding of the engine is also enhanced. A suction chamber communicating with an intake section of the engine is disposed on a surface other than the top surface of the engine and on one side of the inside of the engine compartment, an air intake port is provided in the engine cover at a position close to the other side of the inside of the engine compartment, an air exhaust port is provided in the engine cover, and a duct is provided within the engine compartment for leading air from the air intake port towards the suction chamber while making a detour to avoid a route above the engine.

Abstract: A cowling for enclosing a marine propulsion unit with a recess having a port that communicates air to the engine. A plate having spaced-apart openings is received on the port. A diverter screen covers the openings. The diverter screen is adapted for communicating air from the openings through the diverter screen to the port and for restricting flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of outboard motors having separate electrical generators driven by the engine output shaft from the magneto generator. The protective cowling and engine induction system is configured so that air flowing to the induction system will not flow across the electrical power generator and thus the generator is protected from corrosion as might be caused by the water contained in the air inducted to the engine.

Abstract: A lower motor cover attachment for an outboard motor includes a first lower motor cover half having an outer surface, an inner surface and an overboard water indicator opening, a second lower motor cover half having an outer surface and an inner surface, attachment formations located on respective inner surfaces of the first and second lower motor cover halves for use in releasably attaching the motor cover halves to the motor, and at least one fastener for engaging corresponding attachment formations and fastening the attachment formations of the first and second halves to the motor, wherein the overboard water indicator opening is disposed on the first lower motor cover so as to be substantially coaxial with at least one of the attachment formations, such that a tool inserted through the opening may engage the fastener in at least one of the attachment formations.

Abstract: An outboard motor for mounting on the transom of a boat, has a horizontal engine and output shaft, an exhaust system having a high speed exhaust discharge includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion having an enlarged cross sectional water jacketed muffler within a water chamber having a retaining wall defining the water level, and a low speed exhaust discharge extending from the muffler into a conduit having an end disposed below the water level of said water chamber, a low speed exhaust gas expansion chamber receiving exhaust gas and expelling same to the atmosphere. The outboard motor is tiltable and provides an enclosure for the engine area including a cowling, hood, and moveable hood section and a sleeve between the moveable hood and engine to perfect enclosure during tilting.

Abstract: Two embodiments of protective cowling arrangements for outboard motors that provide a forwardly facing air inlet having a lower inlet atmospheric inlet opening which communicates with a higher atmospheric air passage that extends through the protective cowling to its interior. A plurality of horizontal baffles assist in water separation for the inducted air and additional air may be inducted through a rear air inlet opening in the protective cowling.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a propeller shaft and a power head drivingly connected to the propeller shaft, and a cowling surrounding the power head, the cowling comprising a first cover member including an outer surface having therein a recess, a second cover member mating with the first member, and a selectively engageable latch mechanism for securing the second member to the first member, the latch mechanism including a latch handle which is supported by the first member, which is movable in a first direction between a flush position wherein the latch handle is in the recess and is flush with the remainder of the outer surface and a non-flush position wherein the latch handle extends from the recess, and which is movable in a second direction to engage and disengage the latch mechanism.

Abstract: An outboard motor and particularly an improved protective cowling for an outboard motor that provides a very simple air inlet but one which is effective in preventing the passage of water to the interior of the protective cowling and for separating and draining water from the inducted air. The drained water is returned directly to the atmosphere. The air inlet system for the protective cowling is formed by only two members so as to facilitate a simple and low cost construction.

Abstract: A unitary cowling assembly for covering a fore-to-aft extending marine propulsion engine comprising a front cowling section adapted to extend around a front portion of the marine propulsion engine and a rear cowling section adapted to be fixedly connected to the front cowling section and to extend around a rear portion of the marine propulsion engine is disclosed. By extending the front and rear cowling sections fore and aft of the engine and interconnecting the cowling sections along a stiffened joint that extends laterally across the engine, the top surface and the side surfaces of the cowling, which are subjected to the highest vibrational loads from operation of the marine engine, can be structurally reinforced so as to inhibit such vibrations and the associated noise, while still providing an easily moldable cowling assembly.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device having a powerhead drivingly connected to a propeller shaft, a lower unit rigidly connected to the powerhead and supporting the propeller shaft, a swivel bracket spaced from the lower unit and the powerhead and adapted to allow pivotal movement of the powerhead and the lower unit around a generally vertical steering axis, a connecting link between the swivel bracket and one of the powerhead and the lower unit, a portion of the link being spaced from the powerhead, and a pad for deadening noise generated by the powerhead, the pad being adjacent the link and at least partially filling the space between the link and the powerhead.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an outboard motor (1) having a number of special features which prevent the ingress of water so that it can be operated underwater and a boat (10) also having a number of special features to be used together with the outboard motor (1). The features on the outboard motor (1) include a device for creating a water-tight seal on the carburetor shaft mountings (24, 26); a device for protecting the air intake of the carburetor against ingress of water (8, 9, 11, 13; 9, 14, 15); a bellows (28) coupled to and encapsulating the starter motor (5); a sealed housing (32) for the electrical system having a moisture-tight seal around each wire at the junction with the sealed housing; a one-way valve (22) disposed in the exhaust (6); and means for protecting the atmospheric vents (20, 21) against ingress of water. The features on the boat (10) include such an outboard motor (1) plus a ducted air intake (11, 15) for the carburetor (2 ) passing through an air sump (9).

Abstract: A cowling structure for a marine propulsion engine is disclosed which effectively prevents water from entering the air intake opening, while at the same time maintains optimum engine performance. The cowling structure has an engine cowl which encloses the engine and which defines an air intake opening. An air duct molding is associated with the engine cowl such that it extends over the air intake opening and, in conjunction with the engine cowl, defines an air inlet facing toward a rear portion of the cowling structure. A wall extends between the engine cowl and the air duct molding and is located between the air intake opening and the air inlet. Sidewalls, which are spaced apart a distance less than the width of the wall, direct any water entering the air inlet towards the wall to effectively prevent the water from entering the air intake opening.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a cowling of a marine propulsion engine comprising a front latch mechanism which is interconnected with at least one rear latch mechanism by a wire cable having a slack adjuster along its length. In a preferred embodiment, a single front latch mechanism and two rear latch mechanisms are linked by the wire cable to an operating lever so that movement of the operating lever causes all of the latches to be disengaged simultaneously. The slack adjuster is simple and easily adjustable to remove slack along the entire cable.

Abstract: A battery charging device installing structure for an outboard motor wherein the outboard motor includes a power head having an internal combustion engine and a surrounding protective cowling. An alternator is driven by the engine and charges a remotely positioned battery through a rectifier that is mounted apart from the engine and on a highly heat conducting portion of the heat protective cowling for cooling of the rectifier.

Abstract: The hood of an outboard motor is covered by a protective cover of a transparent plastics material which is self-supporting and resistant to UV degradation. The sheet forming the cover is molded to follow substantially exactly the contours of the hood so as to lie substantially wholly in contact therewith during use. The hood includes openings including a handle and other openings and the cover is molded with the same shape to follow the openings in the hood. The cover is attached underneath a resilient rubber rim at a bottom of the hood and is also attached to the hood by pinching between the hood and a separate handle insert.

Abstract: A locking device for connecting and disconnecting the top portion and tray of a cowling of an outboard motor. A locking mechanism comprising a pair of guide members each having a bore, one affixed to the top cowling and the other affixed to the cowling tray such that the guide member bores are adjacent to and aligned with one another when the top cowling is fitted onto the tray. A movable member is slidably supported within the top cowling guide member bore and has an outer portion that is biased outward by a spring for engagement with the tray guide member bore. An inner wire slidably supported within an outer sheath interconnects the movable member with a release lever that is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the top cowling. Upward movement of the lever causes the movable member to retract into the top cowling guide member bore against the force of the spring and disengage with the tray guide member bore so that the top cowling may be unlocked and detached from the tray.

Abstract: A outboard motor, for mounting on the transom of a boat, has an engine substantially balanced about the center line of the outboard motor, a horizontally oriented engine output shaft and is angularly tiltable about a horizontal axis forward of the point of attachment of the outboard motor to the transom during operation. The configuration enables the location of the driveshaft housing and lower unit at a point further aft of the transom to keep the marine propulsion unit's center of gravity in a more aftward position, enabling an extended length exhaust system, better control and handling of the exhaust, increased torque, and an increasing overall engine efficiency. The low profile of the marine propulsion unit coupled with its far forward pivot point requires a smaller motor well space and increased visibility in the direction aft of the boat.

Abstract: Three embodiments of a cowling and air inlet device for a power head of an outboard motor are disclosed and described which include an air inlet formed in an upper rear surface of the cowling and an air intake duct formed within the air inlet for supplying air to the engine induction system. Various arrangements of partitions are provided within the air inlet for permitting adequate air flow to the engine induction system but preventing water from entering the interior of the cowling and engine induction system. A cover portion which may be separate or part of the upper surface of the cowling is positioned above the air intake duct and at least a portion of the cover is higher than the upper surface of the cowling. This cover portion also has at least one opening therein for permitting air from the atmosphere to enter the air inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cowling and air inlet arrangement for the powerhead of an outboad motor, having an internal combustion engine including an induction system, which will prevent water from splashing upon the outer surface of the engine contained therein. Damage to the engine due to corrosion, or other such phenomena is avoided, since the arrangement of the invention does not permit water to impinge upon the engine.

Abstract: Marine apparatus comprising a boat including a wall extending generally in the fore and aft direction and having therein an air outlet opening, a propulsion unit mounted on the boat and including a propeller shaft, an engine drivingly connected to the propeller shaft, and a cover surrounding the engine and having therein an air inlet opening, and a duct communicating between the air outlet opening and the air inlet opening.

Abstract: An outboard motor carrier or tote includes at least a pair of spaced apart straps that encircle the motor in planes which are spaced apart from one another and a carrying handle formed from fabric, e.g. nylon webbing that is formed into an endless loop which encircles the straps and extends below an upper portion of each strap. Straps are preferably connected to the loop handle, e.g. by being sewn to it. Each of the straps has a releasable fastener for securing its ends together so that the straps are located in upright, longitudinally spaced apart planes, preferably forward and rearward planes located respectively at the front and rear of the motor. An optional cover encloses the upper aspect of the motor and includes downwardly depending side portions adjacent the left and right sides of the motor. The side portions of the cover are preferably provided with upwardly opening pockets for holding parts, tools and the like. The cover can also be used to support a post which extends upwardly and has a 360.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of seal arrangement for sealing between the cowling and tray of the powerhead of an outboard motor. In each embodiment, the seal includes a base portion, a seal portion and an intermediate portion that deflects by bending for achieving sealing action without necessitating any compression of the material in the seal. As a result, significantly lower sealing pressures can be employed.

Abstract: A latch system for securing upper and lower cowl sections of an outboard motor. The latch system comprises a catch assembly located at one end of the cowl assembly, and a latch mechanism located at the other end of the assembly. The catch assembly includes a catch block mounted to one of the cowl sections, with a catch slot formed in the catch block. A roller member is mounted to the other of the cowl sections, for engaging the catch slot. The catch slot is formed so as to provide an end wall against which the roller is maintained when the cowl sections are secured together, with the material of the catch block engaging the roller member to prevent relative vertical movement between the cowl sections. A cam block is located at the same end of the cowl assembly as the latch mechanism, and is mounted to one of the cowl sections. A cam follower is mounted to the other of the cowl sections, and engages a cam surface formed on the cam block for facilitating movement of the roller member into the catch slot.

Abstract: A snowmobile has an upper hood having a plurality of air intakes, an engine provided downstream of the air intakes, and an air box having an air cleaner and communicating with an inlet port of the engine. An electronic control unit is disposed in a case which is secured to an upper wall of the air box. A deflector is disposed between the air intakes and the case so as to deflect intake air from the case.

Abstract: A motor cover seal for sealing opposed edges of upper and lower outboard motor convers includes an elongate body constructed and arranged for disposition between the opposed edges of the upper and lower covers, an attachment portion on the body configured to be secured to the lower motor cover, and a compressible portion on the body configured to be compressed by the closing of the upper motor cover against the lower motor cover.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit, a propeller shaft rotatably supported by the lower unit and adapted to support a propeller, an engine supported by the lower unit and drivingly connected to the propeller, the engine including an engine block, and a throttle arm movably mounted on the engine block, a control cable operably connected to the throttle arm, a mechanism for removably securing the control cable to the engine block, and a cowl assembly surrounding the engine and including a pan-like lower cover member and a dome-shaped upper cover member, one of the cover members having therein an access opening affording access to the mechanism for securing the control cable to the engine block, and an access cover removably secured to the cover member in covering relation to the access opening.

Abstract: A molded lower motor cover for an outboard motor includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, the second cover portion generally being a mirror image of the first cover portion, a laterally opening groove formation disposed generally horizontally relative to an inner face of an outer wall of each of the cover portions, each groove formation being integrally joined to the wall by a web configured so that its attachment to the inner face will not be visible on the external surface of the outer wall. When the first and second cover portions are fastened to each other, the groove formations sealingly accommodate an upper portion of the motor exhaust housing.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a cowling and air inlet device for a power head of an outboard motor are disclosed and described which include an air inlet open only on one or both sides of the cowling so as to insure adequate air induction to the engine but to prevent water from entering the interior of the cowling and the engine induction system. The air inlet is formed in a upper rear surface of the cowling and has formed therein an air intake duct for supplying air to the engine induction system. A cover is positioned above the air intake duct to cooperate in defining a flow path for air through the air inlet to the air intake duct and to prevent foreign objects from falling in the air intake duct.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard motor constructions wherein an arrangement is provided for precluding inadvertent operation of the manual starting handle. In each embodiment, this is achieved by means of a safety member that precludes access to the starter handle. In some embodiments, this is achieved by means of a cover member which blends into the cowling and which protects the starter handle while in another embodiment, it is provided by a latch embodiment. In some embodiments, there is also a lubricant storage tank that has its fill cap accessible through the opening of the protective cover.

Abstract: A molded control panel for an outboard motor includes at least one motor control access opening, and is configured for attachment to the lower motor covers of the motor so that the lower covers may be removed without the removal or disassembly of the motor control systems.

Abstract: Six embodiments of a cowling assembly for a powerhead of an outboard motor are provided which include a top cover divided into a center cowling emmber, and removable front and rear cowling members, or alternatively, two removable side cowling members. Each of these embodiments provides a cowling assembly which can be easily removed or opened to permit convenient servicing of the engine, and which prevents water from entering into the interior of the cowling. In the first two embodiments, the front and rear cowling members, or alternatively the two side cowling members, are connected to the center cowling member by elastic bands. Instead of using elastic bands, however, third and sixth embodiments of this invention provided a pair of hinges to be used to pivotally connect the front and rear cowling members to the center cowling member at the tops thereof so that the front and rear cowling members or side cowling members can be opened up.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit, a propeller shaft rotatably supported by the lower unit and adapted to support a propeller, an engine supported by the lower unit and drivingly connected to the propeller shaft, and a cowl assembly surrounding the engine and including a lower cover member having an upper end, an upper cover member having a lower end, a seal located between the upper end and the lower end, and interengaging mechanisms on the seal and on one of the upper and lower cover members for securing the seal to the one of the upper and lower cover members.

Abstract: A cowling arrangement for an outboard motor including an improved air induction system including a cavity formed at the rear end of the main cowling portion and having at least three vertically upstanding ducts for delivering air to the interior of the main cowling and the engine for its operation. The ducts are arranged in such a manner as to improve water separation and prevent the ingestion of water into the engine.

Abstract: An outboard engine unit for use on small ships or boats having a small-size casing assembly. The outboard engine unit includes a casing assembly, a propeller shaft disposed horizontally in a lower portion of the casing, a propeller mounted on one end of the propeller shaft and disposed outside of the casing assembly, an engine disposed in an upper portion of the casing assembly, the engine having a vertical crankshaft and at least one horizontal cylinder, and a vertical shaft disposed vertically in the casing, for transmitting rotative power of the crankshaft to the propeller shaft. The cylinder has an axis which extends parallel to and is laterally offset from the longitudinal central axis of the casing assembly as it is viewed in plan.

Abstract: A cowling and air intake device is provided for the powerhead of an outboard motor which includes an air intake duct with a downwardly facing opening. The duct is mounted within an air inlet cavity formed within an upper rear portion of the cowling. A cover is secured to the cowling to form the top surface of the air inlet and to cover the intake duct. The air inlet inducts air from the atmosphere through a rearwardly facing opening wherein the air is drawn up into the intake duct for supply to the induction system of the outboard motor's internal combustion engine. The downwardly facing intake duct insures that water will not enter into the interior of the cowling or into the engine induction system.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for connecting the top portion and tray of a cowling which surrounds an internal combustion engine of an outboard motor. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of keepers, one secured to the front side of the top portion of the cowling and the other secured to the rear side of the top portion, engage with a connecting mechanism, secured on the front and rear sides of the tray of the cowling, to connect the top portion and tray of the cowling with each other. An operating lever supported for rotation about a vertical shaft is operatively connected to the connecting mechanism such that rotation of the lever releases the connecting mechanism from the keepers so that the top portion of the cowling can be detached from the tray.

Abstract: A cowling arrangement and fitting structure for an outboard motor is provided for positioning a top cover of the cowling onto a cowling tray member. Column shaped bosses are preferably integrally formed on the inner wall of the top cover and are adapted for engagement with corresponding positioning bosses preferably integrally formed on the inner wall of the tray member. This fitting structure produces a flush and accurate fit between the adjoining surfaces of the top cover and tray.

Abstract: In an apparatus for fixing a cowling assembly of an outboard motor, a base member is provided with a locking plate and an intermediate plate. The locking plate has a jaw portion and a stay-receiving face for clamping a stay when the cowling assembly is locked. The intermediate plate has a first stopper portion, a second stopper portion and a cam-receiving portion, In the locked state of the cowling assembly, the first stopper portion is engaged with the locking plate. In the released state of the cowling assembly, the second stopper is engaged with the locking plate. The intermediate plate is moved in a direction to release the cowling assembly, by means of an operation lever arranged at a front portion of a bottom cowling. A spring interposed, in its compressed form, between a spring seat of the locking plate and a spring seat of the intermediate plate urges the locking plate and the intermediate plate to rotate in such a direction as to engage the locking plate with the stopper portions.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gear housing adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the gear housing and adapted to be drivingly connected to a propeller, a clutch mechanism supported within the gear housing and operably connected to the drive shaft, an actuating member movably supported by the gear housing and including a portion extending exteriorly of the gear housing, and a mechanism mounted on the gear housing for forming a substantially water-tight chamber containing the portion of the actuating member.

Abstract: A strain relief assembly for an outboard motor for relieving strain on wires, cables, lines or the like which extend between the boat and the cowl assembly which encloses the power head of the outboard motor. The stain relief assembly is preferably disposed within an opening formed in one of the cowl sections, and comprises a two-piece member. The two-piece member includes a series of indentations which cooperate to clamp the wires, cables, lines or the like therebetween when screwed together. With the strain relief assembly fixed to the wall of the cowl section forming the opening, this acts to maintain the wires, cables or lines in position relative to the cowl section for relieving strain thereon during movement of the outboard motor. A fuel line strain relief assembly is also provided, comprising a stem fixed to the two-piece member. An external fuel line supplies fuel to the stem, which is communicated therethrough to an internal fuel line extending between the stem and the power head.

Abstract: Two embodiments of power head constructions for outboard motors wherein a liquid supply system for the internal combustion engine of the power head is contained within its protective cowling. This liquid supply system includes first and second spaced liquid tanks that are interconnected by a conduit for flow therebetween.

Abstract: A cowling assembly for an outboard unit wherein a first cowling assembly defines a cavity in which the powering internal combustion engine is contained and which has a top surface, a second cowling assembly having a top surface is affixed to this first cowling assembly and interengaging portions between the two top surfaces ridigify the top surface of the second cowling assembly without adding significantly to the weight.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard motors including external expansion chambers for the exhaust system that are contained within the powerhead externally of the engine and internally of its protective cowling. In some embodiments exhaust gases are delivered to this external expansion chamber through a flexible conduit and in others through internal passages of the engine and outboard motor construction. In some embodiments the exhaust gases are discharged from the external expansion chamber to the atmosphere through an above the water exhaust gas discharge and in other embodiments the external expansion chamber functions only as a Helmholz resonator.

Abstract: An improved outer cowling arrangement for the power head of an outboard motor in which both the tray and top housing are formed from a synthetic resin for improving silencing. To insure a good fit and sealing, a supporting member and retaining member are affixed to each other and the supporting member is carried by one of the portions. Releasable latching means are carried by the other portion to engage the retainer member for holding the cowling portions together. The top housing has an inclined forward face in which a panel is positioned for passing the starting handle and starting rope. A guide defines a path of movement for the starting rope that is perpendicular to this inclined surface so that the motor can easily be started from a higher level, for example, when used as an auxiliary power source for a sailboat.