Patent ID: 6978756
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: F01M

Abstract:
1. A power unit, comprising: an internal combustion engine comprising a crankcase defining a chamber therein, a crankcase suction port in fluid communication with the crankcase chamber, and at least one cylinder associated with the crankcase; a second unit comprising a second unit case defining a second unit case chamber therein, distinct from the crankcase chamber, a second unit suction port in fluid communication with the second unit case chamber; and a lubrication system for providing an oil supply for use in the internal combustion engine and the second unit, the lubrication system including a lubrication tank, a lubricant supply for supplying lubricant from the lubrication tank to at least one of the crankcase chamber and the second unit case chamber, a lubricant return for returning lubricant to the lubrication tank, and a first pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the second unit suction port and an outlet in fluid communication to the lubricant return, whereby operation of the first pump withdraws lubricant via the second unit suction port and returns lubricant to the lubrication tank, the crankcase being in fluid communication with the second unit case chamber, and wherein operation of the first pump withdraws lubricant via the crankcase suction port and delivers lubricant to the second unit case chamber and withdraws lubricant via the second unit suction port and returns lubricant to the lubrication tank.