Outboard motor

Abstract

An outboard motor includes an improved engine layout to provide a compact power head while simplifying the arrangement of components on the engine. In one mode, an induction system of the engine includes a carburetor that is arranged over a cylinder head. An intake pipe connects the carburetor to an intake port of the cylinder head. The pipe has generally a U-shape and loops around the upper side edge of the cylinder head. An air intake device is arranged upstream of the carburetor to supply air thereto. The air intake device includes a downward facing air intake opening that is located along a side of the engine below the upper end. This arrangement of the induction system that extends over the upper side of the engine produces a compact assembly without overly complicating the arrangement of other components on the engine, such as, for example, a manual starter device. With the present engine layout, the manual starter device is positioned on an upper side of the engine in front of the carburetor near a crankshaft of the engine. The air intake opening faces a lower air vent formed in a cowling below the engine. Cool air flows through the lower air vent and is drawn into the air intake opening for engine operation. This flow of cool air also cools the engine. The cowling also includes an upper vent to expel warm air from about the carburetor on the upper side of the cowling and to promote a current of air across the engine for cooling purposes.