Abstract:
A novel cylinder head arrangement is described for an in-line four cylinder or eight cylinder engine with each head having two end cylinders and two middle cylinders. A modified arrangement allows additional space for the installation of wider rocker arm assemblies used for variable valve lift (VVL), cylinder deactivation (CDA) and other types of variable valve actuation (VVA) in these existing cylinder head designs. In the first embodiment, cam towers of conventional designs adjacent the end two cylinders are not used. At least one end support is used which may be an outboard bearing on a camshaft for each end. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed. In an alternative embodiment, the cam towers adjacent the inner two cylinders are eliminated and a single camshaft support piece with a support bearing is installed between the inner cylinders to provide support for the camshafts. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed on at least one of the middle cylinders. The system also includes a novel oil control valve that operates latches in switching rocker arm assemblies.
Abstract:
A method for adding fluid to an hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) comprises the steps of placing the HLA in to a centrifuge, the centrifuge having a fluid container, placing a sufficient amount of a first fluid in the fluid container to fluidly communicate with at least one fluid port of the HLA, and spinning the HLA at a first speed sufficient to move the first fluid in to at least the second of two fluid chambers in the HLA.
Abstract:
A hydraulic lash compensation device for an engine includes a plunger assembly slidingly received within a body bore to define a high pressure chamber. The plunger assembly includes a lower pressure chamber, an upper plunger element, and a lower plunger element. A mechanical lift loss feature includes a generally annular lift stop member retained to the upper plunger element by an adjustment member that extends through the lift stop member and is adjustably received in upper plunger element. The lift stop member is biased away from upper plunger element by a spring. When the upper plunger element is received into the body, the upper plunger element is offset a predetermined distance from the lower plunger element by virtue of the lift stop member's engagement with the lower plunger element. The offset is adjustable based on the position of the lift stop member relative to the upper plunger element.