Mercury – Exhaust Elbow Gasket (Restrictor) | Cooling & Exhaust System | Marine Composite | 863724

Overview
If you’ve spent any time running an older MerCruiser V6 or V8, you know how much trust you place in the small parts hidden deep in the engine compartment. An exhaust elbow gasket might not look like much, but when the water’s rough and the engine is working hard, you want the peace of mind that comes from knowing every seal is doing its job. This Mercury Marine part brings back that confidence with a steady, reliable fit that keeps your cooling and exhaust flow exactly where it belongs. It’s the kind of part you install once and feel good about every time you turn the key.

Key Features

• Standard cooling restrictor gasket for center rise outlet exhaust manifolds

• Engineered from durable marine composite material for consistent sealing

• Designed to properly regulate water flow within the exhaust elbow

• Direct replacement for the original gasket installed on MerCruiser engines

• Built to Mercury Marine OEM specifications for fitment and longevity

• Helps maintain a secure, leak-free exhaust path under varying engine loads

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits V6 and V8 MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines built by General Motors

• Compatible with center rise exhaust manifold systems (1981–1997 models)

• Common on cruisers, runabouts, bowriders, ski boats, small performance boats, and classic family vessels

• Works with factory cooling and exhaust layouts without modification

Performance & Practical Benefits
A proper seal inside the exhaust elbow makes a world of difference. You’ll feel it in the smoothness of your idle, the steadiness of your cooling temperatures, and the confidence that no water or exhaust is slipping past a worn-out gasket. This part provides a tight, reliable connection between the manifold and elbow, helping maintain balanced cooling flow and preventing moisture intrusion where it shouldn’t be.

The gasket’s marine-specific construction resists heat cycling, moisture, and vibration—three things that tend to break down lesser parts over time. Installation is straightforward and familiar if you’ve worked on exhaust components before. Once torqued down, the seal feels secure, with no fuss, no misalignment, and no worries about how it will hold up after a long day on the water. It’s one of those “quiet upgrades” that adds reliability in all the right ways.

Why Buy OEM
A gasket may seem like a simple component, but in the marine world, simplicity still has to withstand heat, pressure, and harsh environments. That’s where Mercury Marine OEM parts truly earn their place.

With OEM, you get:

• A perfect match to your engine’s factory design

• Materials tested specifically for marine exhaust heat and water exposure

• Long-term reliability that protects far more expensive components

• Easy, predictable installation without trimming or modifying a thing

You’re not only buying a gasket—you’re buying stability for the rest of your exhaust system.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does the Exhaust Elbow Gasket 863724 fit?
It fits V6 and V8 MerCruiser engines from 1981–1997 equipped with center rise exhaust manifolds.

Q2: What makes this part better than aftermarket versions?
OEM gaskets use marine-rated materials, proper restrictor design, and exact fitment standards engineered for MerCruiser cooling and exhaust layouts.

Q3: How do I know if this is the correct gasket for my setup?
Match your engine’s year range and manifold style (center rise). Checking your owner’s manual or service guide is the best confirmation.

Q4: Can this gasket be used in both saltwater and freshwater boats?
Absolutely—its composite design is made to withstand moisture, heat, and corrosive environments.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?
Most boat owners familiar with exhaust maintenance will find it simple using standard hand tools and proper torque procedures.