Thermostat cover with snap-in nipple

A thermostat assembly for the engine of an internal combustion motor, the motor being of the type having a cylinder assembly and an outer protective cowling, said assembly comprising:

• thermostat means for modulating the quantity and the flow of coolant to the cylinders of the motor to maintain a predetermined coolant temperature throughout the motor during operation;
• said thermostat means being securely mounted into a thermostat sleeve within the cylinder assembly and being in fluid communication with the cylinder assembly;
• at least one intake nipple having a first end and a second end, said first end configured for engaging an intake hose;
• said intake hose providing a supply of coolant to said thermostat means;
• a mounting plate having a front side and a rear side, said rear side of said plate having means for engaging said thermostat means;
• means for removably and selectively fastening said second end of said nipple to said plate in a plurality of rotational orientations relative to said plate;
• and
• means for releasably fastening said plate to the cylinder assembly, whereby said plate, said nipple and said intake hose are in fluid communication with said thermostat means and the cylinder assembly.

A thermostat assembly for an internal combustion engine of the type used in marine propulsion devices, the engine having a cylinder assembly and an outer protective cowling, the thermostat cover comprising:

• thermostat means for modulating the quantity and the flow of coolant to the cylinder assembly to maintain a predetermined coolant temperature throughout the engine while in operation.
• said thermostat means being securely mounted into a thermostat sleeve set within the cylinder assembly, said thermostat means being in fluid communication with the cylinder assembly;
• at least one intake nipple having a first end and a second end, said intake nipple including means integrally formed at said first end for releasably and sealingly engaging an intake hose;
• said intake nipple having at least one inner channel which is in fluid communication with said intake hose and which provides a passageway for the entry of coolant to said thermostat means and into the cylinder assembly;
• a mounting plate having a front side and a rear side, said mounting plate being configured with a bore provided through said plate and dimensioned to releasably accept and retain said intake nipple in a plurality of rotational orientations relative to said bore;
• said intake nipple having snapping means for snappingly engaging said mounting plate once said second end is extended through said bore;
• said intake nipple including an integral skirt formation and an O-ring seal configured and arranged to form a sealing engagement with said plate;
• said plate having fastening means for releasably fastening said plate to the cylinder assembly, whereby said plate, said intake nipple and said intake hose are in fluid communication with said thermostat means and the cylinder assembly;
• said front side of said plate having an integral, outwardly extending protective flange formed thereon, said flange being configured and arranged to protect said nipple and said intake hose from damage when attaching or removing the protective cowling from the engine;
• said rear side of said plate having gasket fastening means for fastening a sealing gasket to said plate;
• said gasket dimensioned to form a seal between said plate and the cylinder assembly;
• said rear side of said plate further including thermostat spring engagement means integrally formed thereon for releasably engaging a thermostat spring;
• and
• said thermostat spring having an upper end removably attached to said thermostat spring engagement means and said thermostat spring having a lower end removably attached to said thermostat means.