please help me identify this part in this picture

[kevinzaepfel]

Can anybody help me identify this part, it fell out of my dad's 18 horse old mercury (1980's probably). We want to know if it is critical to the operation of the motor or if it is something we could do without for a short trip to get it to the marina off the island. Its attached below. it is about 2 inches long. thanks so much in advance!

 

[kevinzaepfel]

That looks like the check valve for the fuel connector on the motor as long as it dont leak it is not necessary. it keeps the fuel in the fuel line in the motor when you disconnect the fitting on the motor.

Thanks a lot!

 

[kevinzaepfel]

Thanks guys so much I told my dad and you guys are the best! it made sense to him too. Thanks again, I didn't think anybody would know!

 

[Gforsberg]

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/m...5837437-thru-6416712-usa/fuel-filter-assembly
There is a spring that holds the oring up tight if the oring is not on the check valve it will just fall out the front of the motor. You need to get the oring and pull the barbed fitting off the disconnect and pull the spring out. put the oring on the valve and then put it in the fitting with the spring and then tighten the barbed fitting back on.

well I have no idea where it goes, but I can tell you if you have the model number this web store has great parts breakdowns, I have learned a bunch by looking at the prints/parts breakdowns on my force 50. not enough yet but soon it will hum, good luck