Fuel restrictors for in line '69 4 cyl 800?

[*EdC*]

I am rebuilding my 1969 800 EL and I would like some opinions on fuel restrictors.
First, The dealer I've been getting parts from, recommended them. However, I cant find anything in my factory manual or parts catalog on how to install them. For that matter, they are not even listed (66517).
Here's the story I was told ... Merc discovered the 1/8" holes in the transfer ports were too big and the motor did not idle well. Their solution was to add these plastic inserts to decrease the hole diameter. Thus allowing for better lower speed.
Does a 1969 80 hp need them? The part number does show up for the in line 6's but, they don't look much like what I have. I had the block professionally degrease before I started, so, I have no way of telling if they were present originally or not.
Lastly, assuming I install them.... Can someone please advise me on the best method to hold them in place...i.e. prick punch, epoxy, super glue maybe...?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Fuel restrictors for in line '69 4 cyl 800?

Yes, you do need to put them in there or it may not idle as well. Mercury Part # 66517 does show up in the 80 HP parts diagram as well as those for 99 C.I. Inline Sixes.

Those little buggers are a real pain to install, you'd think Merc would include a cheap plastic driving tool for them, eh!

I ground a small tool out of a broken drill bit, such that the tool slides into the itty bitty hole in the restrictor which helps hold it in place while you're tapping it in. If you make one of these, try to make the shoulder that drives the restrictor in as square as possible.

Or, if you have a pin punch just the right diameter for the hole, you can give that a shot. The little buggers don't want to go in very well, though, having the 'guide pin' on the tool keeps the restrictor from flying away!

I spread a thin coating of Loctite Red on the restrictor and that seems to do the job. I imagine Blue would work as well. Just usually have the Red handy.

Good news is they come in something like a pkg of 5, enough for an Inline Six, so you'll have a few spares for practice!!!

HTH..........ed

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Fuel restrictors for in line '69 4 cyl 800?

Caught my attention. I"ve got a 1970 800 EL and am wondering if these are/were installed on my not-yet-running motor.

Were they factory options or after market installs? Where are they installed and should I be concerned?

Thanks

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Fuel restrictors for in line '69 4 cyl 800?

They were part of the original build, straight from the factory. They had a tendency to work loose and then were just 'sucked' harmlessly thru the motor.

You'd have to pull the intake covers (aka transfer port covers) to inspect the block for presence or absence of the restrictors.

Definitely something to look for if you're having idling problems, but if the motor idles well once you get it running, I wouldn't worry about it.

But if you plan on tearing into the motor for inspection anyway, it wouldn't hurt to check 'em out..........ed

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Fuel restrictors for in line '69 4 cyl 800?

Thanks for that emc. Always amazed at the vast amount of knowledge on this site.

Have one motor torn down so will take a look out of interest.