Mercury check valve

[steve_t]

I have a 96 30hp Mercury (30ELPT0). There is a check valve that sits between the openings in the block for the reeds. The ball has been blown out of my check valve so I have ordered a new one. The Mercury service manual states that flow for the check valve should be toward the power head however the diagram in the service manual shows flow toward the carb. Does anyone know which way flow is supposed to be?