Internal combustion engine having an improved oil pan structure for a personal watercraft, and personal watercraft including same

• Main Author: HOI YOSUKE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 28.11.2006
• Subjects: MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; RELATED EQUIPMENT; SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; TRANSPORTING

An internal combustion engine for a personal watercraft, the engine including an oil pan in which a lateral width and vertical width thereof are narrow, in compliance with a shape of the boat bottom of the personal watercraft, resulting in an internal combustion engine which is short in overall height. The internal combustion engine includes the oil pan connected to the underside of the crankcase and extending longitudinally along the boat bottom of the hull, the oil pan including an elongate cavity with one longitudinally extending side of the cavity being opened. An oil strainer is installed within the opening in the cavity so as to be oriented substantially vertically therein, and includes a cover which protrudes to one side. Lubricating oil is drawn through the oil strainer by action of an oil pump.