An internal combustion engine for an outboard motor that comprises at least one
combustion chamber formed by at least a engine body, a cylinder head assembly and
a piston that moves relative to the engine body and the cylinder head assembly.
A crankshaft extends in a generally vertical direction and is coupled to the piston
such that movement of the piston causes the crankshaft to rotate. A camshaft is
journaled for rotation and extends generally parallel to the crankshaft. The camshaft
includes at least one cam configured to open and close a valve. A control valve
for a variable valve timing mechanism is positioned within a common hydraulic passage
having a first opening and a second opening. The control valve is positioned generally
along an axis that is perpendicular to the camshaft.
