Patent Publication Number: US-10760458-B2

Title: Grooved alignment dowel and engine assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to Great Britain patent application No. 1717608.2, entitled “AN ALIGNMENT DOWEL AND ENGINE ASSEMBLY”, and filed on Oct. 26, 2017. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an alignment dowel for an engine assembly. 
     BACKGROUND/SUMMARY 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a prior art engine assembly  2  is shown including two or more housings, such as a cylinder block  4  and a cylinder head  6 . The engine housings are typically coupled together using one or more fasteners, such as cylinder head bolts (not shown) and one or more dowels  8 , which provided alignment features for locating the cylinder block and cylinder head relative to one another before the fasteners are installed. As depicted, the dowel  8  is typically received within bores formed in the cylinder block and cylinder head that are aligned, e.g., axially aligned, when the engine housings are correctly located relative to one another. 
     The engine assembly  2  further includes a sump pan  10  configured to form a reservoir  11  for engine oil to be stored in when it is not being circulated around the engine assembly  2 . In use, engine oil is pumped from the reservoir  11  in the sump pan  10  into a first oil gallery  12 , formed in the cylinder block  4 . Oil from the first oil gallery  12  is distributed to the oil consuming components associated with the cylinder block  4  of the engine assembly  2 . 
     A second oil gallery  14  is formed in the cylinder head  6  to distribute oil to the oil consuming components associated with the cylinder head. An oil passage  16  extends from the first oil gallery  12  to the second oil gallery  14  to provide a supply of oil to the second oil gallery. As depicted, the oil passage  16  extends across the joint between the engine housings  4 ,  6 , and hence, a seal, such as a gasket  18 , is typically provided between the engine housings around the oil passage  16  to seal the oil passage at the joint between engine housings  4 ,  6 . An oil restrictor  20  may be provided within the oil passage  16 . The restrictor comprises an orifice  20   a  providing a flow area of a predetermine size, which limits the flow rate of oil through the oil passage  16 . The oil restrictor  20  is typically installed into the oil passage  16  by push fitting the restrictor  20  into the oil passage  16  where it is retained by a virtue of an interference fit between the oil restrictor  20  and the oil passage. The inventors have recognized several drawbacks with the prior art engine assembly  2  shown in  FIG. 1 . For instance, during engine assembly the interaction between the oil restrictor  20  and the oil passage  16  may create debris (e.g., chips, swarf, etc.). The debris, for example, may be created when the restrictor is inserted into the oil passage due to the interference fit between the passage and the restrictor and the rotation between the components. Debris in the lubrication system can lead to unwanted wear of lubricated components downstream of the restrictor. As a result, the longevity of the engine is decreased. 
     In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by an engine assembly including a first housing defining a first oil gallery and a second housing defining a second oil gallery. The engine assembly further includes an alignment dowel configured to be received within the first and second housings to provide an alignment feature for locating a first and second housings of an engine assembly relative to one another. The alignment dowel includes an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the alignment dowel configured to receive oil from the first oil gallery. Additionally, the alignment dowel is configured to provide a flow channel for the oil received in the oil receiving groove to flow to the second oil gallery, the oil receiving groove extends across the outer surface of the alignment dowel, and a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction with a component in a circumferential direction of the alignment dowel. Providing an alignment dowel with the oil receiving groove allows a constriction to be formed at the intersection between the oil galleries. Consequently, a desired oil flow pattern can be generated in the engine assembly that improves engine lubrication. Moreover, circumferentially positioning the oil receiving groove enables the dowel to be installed in multiple orientations which allow the dowel to provide a desired oil flow pattern in the engine assembly. For instance, in one example, the dowel&#39;s radial and/or longitudinal orientation may not be taken into account when the dowel is installed in the oil galleries. As a result, engine manufacturing efficiency is increased. 
     It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. 
     To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic sectional view of a prior art engine assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic sectional view of an engine assembly according to arrangements of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alignment dowel according to an arrangement of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the alignment dowel shown in  FIG. 3  installed within the engine assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of an alignment dowel according to another arrangement of the present disclosure installed within the engine assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic sectional view of an engine assembly according to one or more further arrangements of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of an alignment dowel according to another arrangement of the present disclosure installed within the engine assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 7  are shown approximately to scale. However, other relative dimension may be used, if desired. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an engine assembly including a first housing defining a first oil gallery, a second housing defining a second oil gallery, and an alignment dowel configured to be received within the first and second housings to provide an alignment feature for locating first and second housings of an engine assembly relative to one another, wherein the alignment dowel comprises an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the dowel configured to receive oil from the first oil gallery, wherein the dowel is configured to provide a flow channel for the received oil to flow to the second oil gallery, wherein the oil receiving groove extends across the outer surface of the dowel, and wherein a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction with a component in a circumferential direction of the dowel. 
     The first oil gallery may extend in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of the dowel at the position where the first oil gallery meets the alignment dowel. Alternatively, the first oil gallery may extend in a direction parallel to a main axis of the dowel at the position where the first oil gallery meets the alignment dowel. 
     The first oil gallery may meet the alignment dowel at a position between longitudinal ends of the dowel. 
     The alignment dowel may comprise a central bore. The central bore may at least partially form the flow channel for the received oil. 
     The first housing may further define a third oil gallery. The dowel and the third oil gallery may be arranged such that oil from the third oil gallery flows through the central bore to the second oil gallery. For example, the oil from the third oil gallery may flow into the central bore through an opening in a longitudinal end face of the alignment dowel. 
     The third oil gallery may extend in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of the alignment dowel at a position where the third oil gallery meets the alignment dowel. Alternatively, the third oil gallery may extend in a direction parallel to the main axis of the alignment dowel where the third oil gallery meets the alignment dowel. 
     The first housing may comprise a cylinder block and the second housing may comprise a cylinder head. Alternatively, the first housing may comprise a first cylinder head housing and the second housing may comprise a camshaft carrier, e.g., a second cylinder head housing. 
     The alignment dowel may comprise an oil channel formed between the oil receiving groove and the central bore. The oil channel may comprise a radially extending passage between the oil receiving groove and the central bore. 
     The alignment dowel may further comprise an oil filter arranged to filter oil passing through the flow channel provided by the dowel. For example, the oil filter may be provided within the central bore of the dowel. 
     An oil passage may extend from the alignment dowel, in a direction with a component parallel with a main axis of the dowel, to the second oil gallery, e.g., in a direction substantially parallel with a main axis of the dowel. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an alignment dowel configured to provide an alignment feature for locating first and second housings of an engine assembly relative to one another, wherein the dowel comprises an oil receiving groove formed in an outer surface of the dowel configured to receive oil from a first oil gallery defined by the first housing, wherein the dowel is configured to provide a flow channel for the oil received in the groove to flow into a second oil gallery defined by the second housing, wherein the oil receiving groove extends across the outer surface of the dowel, and wherein a centerline of the oil receiving groove extends in a direction with a component in a circumferential direction of the dowel. For example, the flow channel may extend in an axial direction of the dowel so as to pass between the first and second housings. 
     The oil receiving groove may extend across the outer surface of the dowel. A centerline of the oil receiving groove may extend in a direction with a component in a circumferential direction of the dowel. The centerline of the oil receiving groove may extend at least once around the complete circumference of the dowel, e.g., 360 degrees about the main axis of the dowel. 
     The oil receiving groove may form a continuous loop about a central axis of the dowel, e.g., such that a first end of the oil receiving groove is joined to a second end of the oil receiving groove. 
     An oil flow area defined by the oil receiving groove may be sized so as to provide a predetermined flow of oil through the oil receiving groove. For example, a width and/or depth of the oil receiving groove may be selected in order to provide a desired flow area for metering oil between the first and second housings. 
     The alignment dowel may further comprise an axial groove formed in the outer surface of the dowel between the oil receiving groove and a longitudinal end face of the dowel. The axial groove may form the flow channel for oil. 
     The alignment dowel may comprise a central bore. The central bore may at least partially form the flow channel for the received oil. The alignment dowel may further comprise an oil channel formed between the oil receiving groove and the central bore. 
     The alignment dowel may comprise an opening of the central bore provided in a first longitudinal end face of the dowel, e.g., to enable oil to flow from the central bore into the second oil gallery. 
     The alignment dowel may comprise a further opening of the central bore provided in a second longitudinal end face of the dowel, e.g., opposite the first longitudinal end face. 
     The opening and further opening may together enable oil to flow from a third oil gallery formed in the first housing to the second gallery through the central bore. Alternatively, the oil restrictor may not comprise a further opening. 
     The alignment dowel may further comprise an oil filter arranged to filter oil passing through the flow channel. For example, the oil filter may be provided within the central bore. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , an engine assembly  100  according to arrangements of the present disclosure, comprises a first engine housing  104 , such as a cylinder block, and a second engine housing  106 , such as a cylinder head. Thus, first engine housing  104  (e.g., the cylinder block) and the second engine housing  106  (e.g., cylinder head) may be included in an engine  150  having one or more combustion chambers therein. The engine may be configured to carry out combustion cycles in the combustion chambers. As such, the engine may include components such as intake valves, exhaust valves, pistons, etc., for implementing combustion. 
     An alignment dowel  200  according to arrangements of the present disclosure is received within first and second bores  104   a ,  106   a , formed in the first and second engine housings  104 ,  106  respectively, and provides an alignment feature for locating the first and second housings relative to one another before the first and second housings are coupled together, e.g., using one or more fasteners  160 , such as cylinder head bolts. As such, the alignment dowel  200  may extend into opening in both the first and second engine housings  104 ,  106 . Furthermore, the alignment dowel  200  may not have an interference fit with the openings in the first and second engine housings  104 ,  106 , in one example. That is to say that the fit may accommodate a small amount of movement between the dowel and the openings. However, the alignment dowel  200  may be attached to the first and/or second engine housings  104 ,  106  via numerous suitable techniques. 
     The engine assembly  102  may further comprise an oil sump  110  (e.g., sump pan), which forms a reservoir  111  for engine oil. 
     A first oil gallery  112  is defined within the first engine housing  104  for supplying oil to one or more oil consuming components associated with the first engine housing  104 . Oil may be pumped from the reservoir within the sump pan to the first oil gallery  112 . The oil pumping may be carried out via an oil pump  152  (e.g., sump pump). The oil pump  152  is shown in fluidic communication with the first oil gallery  112 . Additionally or alternatively, the oil pump  152  may be in fluidic communication with a second oil gallery  114 . The second oil gallery  114  is defined within the second engine housing  106  for supplying oil to oil consuming components associated with the second engine housing. The oil consuming components described herein may include but are not limited to crankshafts, camshafts, pistons, etc. 
     In the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first oil gallery  112  is arranged in fluid communication with the first bore  104   a . Hence, when the engine assembly is assembled, and the alignment dowel  200  is received within the first bore  104   a , oil is provided by the first oil gallery  112  to the alignment dowel  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a portion of the first oil gallery  112  may extend in a direction perpendicular to a main axis  154  (e.g., longitudinal axis) of the dowel, e.g., a lateral direction of the engine assembly  100 , to meet the alignment dowel  200 . 
     The alignment dowel  200  is configured to provide a flow channel for oil to flow from the first oil gallery  112  to the second housing  106 , e.g., to the second bore  106   a . As shown, an oil passage  116  may be formed between the second bore  106   a  and the second oil gallery  114 , so that oil can flow from the first oil gallery  112  to the second oil gallery  114  via the alignment dowel  200 . The oil passage  116  may be part of the second oil gallery  114 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the alignment dowel  200  may comprise a substantially cylindrical body  202  having outer surface  202   a , configured to engage the inner surfaces of the first and second bores  104   a ,  106   a , and first and second longitudinal ends  202   b ,  202   c  (e.g., longitudinal end faces). 
     The alignment dowel  200  comprises an oil receiving groove  204  formed in the outer surface of the alignment dowel  200 , e.g., at a position between the longitudinal ends of the dowel  200 . The groove  204  is formed such that when the dowel  200  is provided in the first bore  104   b , the groove  204  is able to receive oil from the first oil gallery  112 . The first oil gallery  112  may meet the alignment dowel  200  at a position between the longitudinal ends of the dowel  200 , e.g., aligned with the oil receiving groove  204 . The main axis  154  of the alignment dowel  200  is also shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The groove  204 , e.g., a centerline  204   a  of the groove, may extend over the outer surface of the alignment dowel in a direction having a component in a circumferential direction of the dowel. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the groove may extend circumferentially around the complete circumference of the dowel  200 . In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 3 , the groove  204  forms a continuous loop around the dowel  200 . In this way, the relative orientation (e.g., radial and/or longitudinal orientation) of the dowel may not need to be taken into account when the engine housings are joined during manufacturing, if desired. As a result, engine manufacturing is simplified, thereby reducing engine manufacturing costs and reducing the likelihood of improper dowel installation with regard to the oil flow. 
     The groove  204 , e.g., the groove centerline  204   a , may also extend in a direction with a component in an axial direction of the dowel  200 . For example, the groove  204  may form a spiral about the main axis of the dowel  200  or may form a loop about an axis that is arranged at an angle to the main axis of the dowel  200 . Therefore, in one example, the groove  204  may at least partially circumferentially surround the dowel  200 . Specifically, in one example, the groove  204  may completely circumferentially surround the dowel  200 . 
     Although in the arrangement shown, a single oil receiving groove  204  is shown, in other arrangements, the dowel  200  may comprise one or more additional oil receiving grooves configured to receive oil from the first oil gallery  112  or one or more further oil galleries. For example, the oil receiving grooves may be spaced axially along the alignment dowel  200 . 
     When the groove  204  extends in a circumferential direction over the outer surface  202   a  of the dowel  200 , it may improve alignment between the oil receiving groove and the first oil gallery, so that the first oil gallery is in fluid communication with the first oil gallery  112 , regardless of the orientation of the dowel  200 , e.g., angle of the dowel about its main axis, within the first bore  104   a.    
     In other arrangements, the oil receiving groove  204  may extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the dowel  200 . In such arrangements, the oil receiving groove  204  may be aligned with the first oil gallery  112  when the alignment dowel  200  is inserted into the first bore  104   a.    
     The oil receiving groove  204  may be sized so as to provide a predetermined flow area for oil to flow though through the groove  204 . For example, a depth and width of the groove may be selected in order to provide a desired flow area. The alignment dowel  200  may thereby be configured to perform the function of an oil restrictor provided within the engine assembly, in addition to the locating function of the dowel. 
     In the arrangement depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the dowel  200  further comprises an axial groove  206  extending from the oil receiving groove  204  to a first longitudinal end  202   b  of the dowel  200 . The axial groove  206  is in fluid communication with the oil receiving groove  204  and the second bore  106   a.    
     A flow area provided by the axial groove may be the predetermined flow area. In other words, a flow area provided by the axial groove  206  may be substantially the same as the flow area provided by the oil receiving groove  204 . Alternatively, the flow area provided by the axial groove  206  may be greater that the predetermined flow area. 
     As described above, the second bore  106   a  is in fluid communication (via the oil passage  116 ) with the second oil gallery  114 , shown in  FIG. 2 . The axial groove  206  therefore forms the flow channel for oil to flow from the first oil gallery  112  to the second housing  106  through the alignment dowel  200 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , in addition or as an alternative to the axial groove  206 , an alignment dowel  500  may comprise a central bore  508 . The central bore  508  may extend between first and second longitudinal end faces  502   b ,  502   c  of the dowel  500 . In the arrangement depicted, first and a second openings  508   a ,  508   b  of the central bore are formed in the first and second longitudinal end faces  502   b ,  502   c  of the dowel respectively. The central bore  508  is thereby in fluid communication with the oil passage  116 , e.g., via the first opening  508   a . In some arrangements, the second opening  508   b  may be omitted. 
     A flow area for oil provided by the central bore  508  may be greater than the predetermined flow area. Hence, the central bore  508  may not restrict the flow of oil between the first and second oil galleries  112 ,  114 . Alternatively, at least a portion of the central bore may define a flow area substantially equal to the predetermined flow area. 
     The alignment dowel  500  further comprises an oil receiving groove  504 , which is similar to the oil receiving groove  204  described above. An oil channel  510  is formed between the oil receiving groove  504  and the central bore  508 . The oil channel  510  and the central bore  508  thereby form the flow channel for oil from the first oil gallery  112  to flow into the second housing  106 , e.g., to the second oil gallery  114 . 
     When the flow channel between the first and second engine housings  104 ,  106  is formed by the central bore  508  of the alignment dowel  500 . Oil is prevented from leaking at the joint between the engine housings by the dowel. Hence, gasket material is not required between the engine housings in the area of the dowel for the purpose of preventing oil leakage, if desired. 
     In the arrangement shown, two oil channels  510  are formed between the oil receiving groove  504  and the central bore  508 , which are diametrically opposite one another, e.g., 180 degrees apart around the alignment dowel  500 . However, in other arrangements, different numbers of oil channels  510  may be provided, which may be spaced apart around the alignment dowel, e.g., circumferentially, by any desirable angle or angles. 
     The oil channel or channels  510  may define a flow area substantially equal to the predetermined flow area. The oil channels  510  may thereby be configured to restrict the flow of oil from the first oil gallery  112  to the second housing  106 . In such arrangements, the flow area of the oil receiving groove  504  may be greater than the predetermined flow area. 
     An oil filter  512  may be provided within the central bore  508  to filter the oil passing through the alignment dowel. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the oil filter  512  may be provided in a portion of the central bore  508  adjacent to, e.g., extending from, the first longitudinal end face  502   b  of the dowel  500 . The oil filter  512  may be received within a portion of the central bore having a greater diameter than the remaining portion of the central bore, e.g., the portion not receiving the oil filter  512 . 
     When the engine assembly  100  is assembled, the first longitudinal end face  502   b  of the dowel may abut or be arranged close to an end face of the second bore  106   a , so that the oil filter  512  is retained within the central bore  506  by the end face of the second bore  106   a.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an engine assembly  600  according to another arrangement of the disclosure comprises first and second engine housings  604 ,  606  and sump pan  610 . The alignment dowel  500  is arranged within first and second bores  604   a ,  606   a  formed in the first and second engine housings  604 ,  606  respectively, to provide an alignment feature for locating the first and second housings relative to one another in the same way as in the engine assembly  100 . 
     The second housing  606  and the sump pan  610  are similar to the second housing  106  and oil sump  110  (e.g., sump pan) described above. In particular, the second housing  606  comprises a second oil gallery  614 , which is similar to the second oil gallery  114 , and an oil passage  616  formed between the second oil gallery  614  and the second bore  606   a.    
     The first housing  604  comprises a first oil gallery  612 , which is similar to the first oil gallery  112  described above. The first housing  604  further comprises a third oil gallery  618 . The third oil gallery  618  may also be formed within the first housing  604 . Oil may be pumped to the third oil gallery  618  from the oil sump  110 . Additionally or alternatively, oil may be provided to the third oil gallery  618  from the first oil gallery  612 . It will be appreciated that an oil pump, similar to the oil pump  152  shown in  FIG. 2 , may flow oil from the oil sump  610  to the first oil gallery  612  and/or the third oil gallery  618 , in one example. Additionally, fasteners may be used to connect the first housing  604  to the second housing  606 . 
     In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 6 , the first oil gallery  612  is configured to provide oil to a first group of oil consuming components associated with the first housing  604  and the third oil gallery  618  is configured to provide oil to a second group of oil consuming components associated with the first housing  604 . 
     In other arrangements, the first oil gallery  612  may be omitted and oil may be supplied from the third oil gallery  618  to each of the oil consuming components associated with the first housing  604 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , oil may be supplied from the first and third oil galleries to the second housing  606 , e.g., to the second oil gallery, via the alignment dowel  500 . As depicted, the first oil gallery  612  may be arranged in fluid communication with the first bore  604   a  in the same way as the first oil gallery  112  and the first bore  104   a  described above. Additionally, a portion  620  of the third oil gallery  618  may be arranged in fluid communication with the first bore  604   a.    
     In the arrangement depicted, the portion  620  extends in a direction substantially parallel with the main axis of the alignment dowel  500  where the portion  620  of the third gallery meets the dowel  500 . However, in other arrangements, the portion  620  may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the alignment dowel  500  to meet the dowel  500 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the central bore  508  of the restrictor dowel provides a flow channel for oil from the third oil gallery  618  to flow into the second housing  606 .  FIG. 7  also shows an oil channel  510  extending between the oil receiving groove  504  and the central bore  508 . 
     In the arrangements described above, the first engine housing is a cylinder block and the second engine housing is a cylinder head. However, in other arrangements of the disclosure, the first and second engine housings may be any other housings of the engine assembly. For example, the cylinder head may be a two-part cylinder head comprising a first cylinder head housing configured to couple to the cylinder block, and a second cylinder head housing, also referred to as a camshaft carrier, configured to couple to the first cylinder head housing and support a camshaft of the engine assembly relative to the cylinder head. In such arrangements, the first housing may be the first cylinder head housing and the second housing may be the camshaft carrier. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       FIGS. 1-7  show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example. 
     The technical effect of providing an engine assembly with an alignment dowel with an oil receiving groove is to decrease the likelihood of improper assembly of the alignment dowel in the oil galleries while providing a restriction in the galleries to generate a desired oil flow pattern in the lubrication system. Providing an alignment dowel which functions as a flow interface between oil galleries may also increase the compactness of the engine assembly. 
     It will be appreciated that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. For example, the above technology can be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-8, V-12, opposed 4, and other engine types. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. 
     As used herein, the term “approximately” is construed to mean plus or minus five percent of the range unless otherwise specified. 
     The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.