restrictor plate @ exhoust elbow 1982 302

[jcarrolljr]

Hello All. Can anyone tell me why there is a restrictor plate @ the exhoust elbow of my Mercruiser? Its a 1977 Mercruiser 888 with a 302 engine. I had to replace some parts that cracked due to improper water draining & there is a restrictor plate (or separation plate) on one side of the exhoust elbow assemblies.

 

[makomark]

Re: restrictor plate @ exhoust elbow

If the plate matches the gasket and is sandwiched between two gaskets, there should be one on each manifold. Going on memory, it limits the flow out of the manifold into the elbow to maximize heat transfer from the manifold.

 

[jcarrolljr]

Re: restrictor plate @ exhoust elbow

Thanks! that is what I thought. not sure why port side is missing but we will install.
Thanks again