Engine control unit for water vehicle

Abstract

A watercraft includes a performance mode selector which enables a rider to select normal operation of the watercraft or an economy mode operation. In the economy mode operation, the watercraft either disables cylinders or reduces fuel injection and ignition in order to limit the maximum engine speed obtained by the engine when the throttle lever is fully depressed Additionally, the watercraft can disable cylinders or selectively reduce fuel injection or ignition when an abnormal operating parameter has been detected.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-028536 filed Feb. 5, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention generally relates to a control unit for an engine of a watercraft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fuel control and ignition controller for the engine of a watercraft.[0004] 2. Related Art[0005] As personal watercraft have become popular, they have become increasingly fast. Today, certain personal watercraft are capable of speeds greater than 60 mph. To attain such speeds, these personal watercraft are driven by high power output motors.[0006] Typically, two-cycle engines are used in personal watercraft because two-cycle engines have a fairly high power to weight ratio. One disadvantage of two-cycle engines, however, is that they produce relatively high emissions. In particular, large a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of two-cycle engines, however, is that they produce relatively high emissions.

In particular, large amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are produced during operation of the engine.

When steps are taken to reduce these emissions, other undesirable consequences typically result, such as an increase in the weight of the engine, the cost of manufacture, and / or the reduction of power.

However, because the rider must hold the throttle lever at a mid-way position with one finger, yet retain a firm grasp of the handlebars with the remaining fingers, operating a watercraft in such a manner can cause discomfort.

For example, a rider may be unsure of the maximum range of the watercraft using the remaining fuel in the watercraft.

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