MerCruiser 888 188hp Ford 302 5.0L 60102 Holley Throttle Cable Mounting Bracket Brackets Braces Levers Linkages They might have discovered that

They might have discovered that the early thermostats were over-cooling the engines

330 GM 454 V-8 1982-1987 6083145 THRU 0B816540

1986 models had a different style of gear housing with a lip on the bottom

There is cracking on the rubber on the front (pretty common for these)

MerCruiser 888 188hp Ford 302 5.0L 60102 Holley Throttle Cable Mounting Bracket Brackets Braces Levers Linkages They might have discovered thatItem Details Removed from a MerCruiser Ford V8 888 5. 0L 305 188hp (2bbl) 1971 1977 (Serial Number 3709675 which is probably mid 70's and after 1973) Throttle Cable Mounting Bracket 60102 for 2BBL Holley Carburetor Found in the following parts diagrams (Please contact me if you have any questions on compatibility as sometimes the differences in parts were based on serial number) 888 (2 BBL.) FORD 302 V 8 1971 1977 Please ensure yours looks just like