| 摘要 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VENTING AND FOR MONITORING OIL LEVELS IN MARINE OUTDRIVES Oil venting and monitoring apparatus for marine outdrives. The apparatus includes an oil monitoring reservoir suitable for locating inside the boat. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the fully oil flooded head of the marine outdrive. The reservoir can be observed for an indication of oil level and oil condition. A clear plastic oil reservoir may be used to enhance visual observation. Unlike conventional outdrives, the oil reservoir is convenient for the addition of oil as necessary during and after operation. The apparatus is preferably designed with at least a one inch (1") diameter oil fill hole and typically is of one (1) quart or more oil capacity, so that an entire quart of oil can be quickly added to the system at one time. Also, audible and visual warning systems are included to warn the operator of a low oil condition, or of excess metal in the oil. The reservoir includes an atmospheric vent at the upper reaches thereof, which allows vapors to migrate inward and outward as the oil and engine parts expand and contract, to avoid creation of a vacuum or pressure within the outdrive head, which event causes seals to allow migration of contaminated water in outdrives not equipped with this system.
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