Patent ID: 6401682
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: F01M,F02B

Abstract:
An engine and driveshaft arrangement comprising an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft extending generally vertically, a driveshaft also extending generally vertically and being driven by the crankshaft, and a lubrication system comprising a pumping assembly driven by the crankshaft, a pump housing arranged to contain the pumping assembly, the pump housing defining an inlet port through which lubricant enters the pump housing and an outlet port through which the lubricant is discharged from the pump housing, the pump housing including a lower housing section and an upper housing section, the lower housing section defining a recessed portion, the upper housing section covering the recessed portion to form a pump cavity with the lower housing section, the pumping assembly being disposed within the recessed portion, the lower housing section further defining first, second and third inner surface portions that together form an opening, both the crankshaft and the driveshaft extending through the opening and being coupled with each other at least partially within the pump housing, a first seal member disposed around the crankshaft to seal a first location between an outer surface portion of the crankshaft and the first inner surface portion of the lower housing section, and a second seal member disposed around the driveshaft to seal a second location between a first outer surface portion of the driveshaft and the second inner surface portion of the lower housing section, the third inner surface portion of the lower housing facing a second outer surface portion of the driveshaft positioned lower than the first outer portion of the driveshaft, and the lower housing section being formed with a single member that solely defines the recessed portion and the first, second and third inner surface portions.