Oil level indicating system for internal combustion engine

• US 7,373,912 B2
• Filed: 06/07/2006
• Issued: 05/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Reinhart, Paul, Frayne, Dave, Mink, Jamie, Self, Daryl
• Primary Examiner(s): Cronin; Stephen K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Benton; Jason
• Application Number:
  US11/422,676
• Publication Number:
  US 20070283921A1
• Time in Patent Office: 713 Days
• Field of Search: 337/22, 337/26, 337/30, 337/31, 123/196.R, 734/26, 734/28
• US Class Current: 123/196.00R
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/12 concerning lubricant level
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/04 by dip members, e.g. dip-sticks

Abstract

An oil level indicating system for an internal combustion engine includes an indicator passageway extending through a cylinder block, cylinder head and up through a ported boss extending through an upper engine cover. The ported boss is sealingly engaged with the cylinder head of the engine so as to prevent fugitive oil from entering indicator passageway, thereby preventing erroneous oil level readings.

Claims

1. An oil level indicating system for an internal combustion engine, comprising:

an indicator passageway comprising;

a cylinder block passage extending generally vertically through a cylinder block from an oil pan rail to a cylinder head mating surface;

a cylinder head passage extending generally vertically through a cylinder head from a cylinder block mating surface to a space enclosed by an upper cover, with said cylinder head passage being in registry with said cylinder block passage;

a ported boss extending through an upper engine cover, with said ported boss having a lower end in registry with, and sealingly engaged with, an upper portion of said cylinder head passage; and

an oil level indicator adapted to be extended through said indicator passageway from an upper portion of said ported boss to a location below said oil pan rail.

2. An oil level indicating system according to claim 1, wherein said ported boss extends through a camshaft cover mounted to said cylinder head.

3. An oil level indicating system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said cylinder block passage is formed as an outer surface of said cylinder block.

4. An oil level indicating system according to claim 1, wherein said indicator passageway further comprises a channel formed in an oil pan attached to the oil pan rail of said cylinder block.

5. An oil level indicating system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said cylinder block passage is formed as a tube comprising an outer surface of said cylinder block.

6. An oil level indicating system according to claim 1, wherein said cylinder block passage extends through an integral vent stack cast into an outside surface of the cylinder block.

7. An oil level indicating system for an internal combustion engine, comprising:

an oil level indicator mount comprising a boss extending upwardly from a camshaft cover mounted to a cylinder head, with said boss being formed integrally with said cover, and with said boss having a port allowing passage of an indicator;

an indicator passageway comprising;

a cylinder block passage extending generally vertically through an integral cylinder block vent stack from an oil pan rail to a cylinder head mating surface;

a cylinder head passage extending generally vertically through a cylinder head from a cylinder block mating surface to a space enclosed by said camshaft cover, with said cylinder head passage being in registry with said cylinder block passage and with said port formed in said boss; and

an oil level indicator adapted to be extended through said indicator passageway from an upper portion of said boss to a location below said oil pan rail.

8. An oil level indicating system according to claim 7, further comprising a crankcase vent passage extending through said cylinder head adjacent said indicator passageway formed in said cylinder head.

9. An oil level indicating system according to claim 7, wherein said boss is sealed to said cylinder head so as to prevent fugitive oil from entering said indicator passageway from said space enclosed by said camshaft cover.

10. An oil level indicating system according to claim 7, wherein said cylinder block vent stack is cast in place upon an exterior surface of said cylinder block.